Dear Graceview congregants,
Some of you know that Iris and I were away for a road trip to the States in June. We visited many gorgeous museums, more than we anticipated. In D.C., most of them are huge and free, but we wished we had a e-scooter or automated wheelchair to help us navigate the vast spaces within those dozen museums! (^^)
The Holocaust Memorial Museum was deeply moving. The Air and Space Museum was awe-inspiring. The U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress were phenomenal. However, there is a hidden gem I discovered during this journey that I would like to share with you all. It is the Museum of the Bible (MOTB), which opened to the public just a few years ago.
When Christians around the world serve their ministries and exert their influence, we often face the dilemma of resource allocation: should we use our resources to care for the poor and the sick, or invest them to produce high-quality work that glorifies God? Is it worth or pleasing to God to gather millions or even billions of dollars to build a top-notch museum like MOTB? I do not have a definitive answer to that question, yet the immersive experience and the fine details I encountered at this museum left me in awe and wonder. I spent three consecutive days exploring its various floors and even became a member, gaining unlimited entry and access to free virtual tours.
MOTB is divided into three main exhibits: History of the Bible, Story of the Bible, and Impact of the Bible. There is an abundance of information and interactive media for visitors to engage with. For instance, the Story of the Bible section offers two theatrical attractions—one for the Old Testament and the other for the New Testament. Additionally, there is a special theatre displaying highlights from ‘The Chosen’ drama series.
I am both touched and blessed by the immaculate work that the dedicated team of Christians contributes to this museum. While we cannot visit Israel or the Holy Temple in Jerusalem right now due to the war, visiting MOTB might be the closest experience to visiting the Holy Temple of God. I cannot recommend this museum highly enough and will most likely visit again. Perhaps, as a congregation, we could even organize a group tour so that more of us may be enlightened by what this museum has to offer, in the name of our Holy Saviour Jesus Christ.
And for those wondering about the journey, a fast driver can probably make their way there in just 8 hours! (^^)
With gratitude always,
The Rev. Eric Lee
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”
- Psalm 119:105 NIV