Recently, 19 amazing people from the US joined me on a life changing tour to Israel. We walked the borders of Israel, and came into the center where we walked the tunnels in Jerusalem. Learning about the temple, we sifted through rocks to find some great archeological treasures followed by a nature walk through the head waters of Tel Dan. During this time the group met many of my friends in the communities and at Ariel College. We dined in local restaurants, where we experienced the culture, planted trees on Tu B’Shvat in honor of creation and the life that has come back to Israel, a Country that laid bare for 2,000 years.

On our last day in Tel Aviv, we split up for lunch and a group of us found a delightful Italian Restaurant. As we sat waiting for our food and talking amongst ourselves, my eyes wondered off. I began looking at the people sitting at other tables, looking into their eyes and at their faces. In my heart I heard, “You’re seeing the face of God.”

What a thought?

I asked, but are not all humans created in His image? Yes, but there was a certain group of people called the Hebrews who were specifically created and called the Apple of God’s eye.

He chose them to be created for His purpose! An amazing thought. Scriptures from the trip ran through my mind. First, God speaks to Abram and tells him to pack up some of the family and Sarai, animals and leave Haran to go to a place God would show him. That place happens to be called the Shomron Region in Israel. Genesis 12:1, 12:4-6

Next, Abraham was going to have a great Nation come from his seed (Isaac,) and all the nations and peoples of the earth would be blessed through him. Genesis 12:2-3, 12:7, 17:19-21, 21:1-4

Wow, a nation created by God. As I looked again at the Israeli people sitting in the restaurant, I became acutely aware of how each one sitting there came from one of the 12 tribes of Israel, the created nation.

I was confident that not one of them in the room was aware of this special gift. They were eating, talking and making business deals. Some may have been religiously observant and some not, but it didn’t change who they are in G_D’s eyes.

I began to share this revelation at my table, and then quickly took my phone out to take some pictures. As we talked, we realized that the rest of the world is not a neglected people. Just like in an adoptive home, your natural children look like you. I have a picture here of my oldest daughter and myself on this trip. The delegates on this trip kept saying how much Brynn looks like me. Some see pictures on facebook and think it’s me in my younger years. While I look and see her with her own identity, I admit it’s wonderful to look so much alike.

I also have a daughter, Ashley, who we adopted. She bears little to no resemblance to me. Does it make her any less loved? No way.

Now think about that? Do you have children who look like you? So does G_D!

They are all over the world but it is here in Israel, you really get to see the image of G_D on their faces. I can’t see my dear Jewish friends, observant and non observant any less. His finger print is all over them.

As you look at these pictures of my friends and the restaurant guests, I hope you too can see the image of G_D in them. They are loved and chosen ty G_D. They are the ones who brought us the Word of G_D and out of them Messiah.

We should be lifting our voices in praise to Adonnai! I know I am.

Please, Join me on the next tour so you too can see and witness what we all did in January. You will never be the same.