This morning began bright and beautiful with a trip to Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean coast. Pastor Bruce started us off with devotions and prayer and then a Bible teaching at the restored open air theater that faces the sea. After our terrific guide, Julie, oriented us with both historical and biblical information, we walked the streets, strolled through the amphitheater where games and hunts were held and later Christians were persecuted, and saw other remnants of the city Herod intended to be an architectural jewel in Palestine. This is the city from which Paul left from on his final missionary journey to Rome where we believed he died.
Next we travelled to Mt. Carmel where Elijah defeated the priests of Baal in a contest to establish whose God was the true God, then off to lunch where we had delicious falafels and schnitzels. After what had been a new culinary experience for many, we travelled to Tel Megiddo and viewed the remains of several centuries of diverse civilization – 29 layers on top of each other created by each succeeding power as it conquered and destroyed its predecessors and then rebuilt on top of the ruins. The water system represents incredible engineering that still boggles the minds of modern visitors.
Our evening is being spent in Tiberias where our hotel overlooks the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Shabbat has begun, so shopping isn’t an option tonight or tomorrow as we continue to experience the geography of the Bible and see the places our Savior lived and began His ministry. We will have Tiberias as our base for the next 3 days.
~ Clergy Comment ~
Herod is no more. Even his impressive architecture is barely recognizable. The priests of Baal had their god proven false and were executed. The twenty-nine communities that lived at Megiddo came and went and exist no longer. But the God who promised to bless His chosen people with rain and plenty to eat in this land (Deuteronomy 11:8-15) still reigns supreme and blesses those who turn to Him in repentant, trusting, obedient faith. We praise Him today and forever!
Graig.
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(Dana is posing as Susie) Glad to hear that your trip has started out adventurous. As I type this you all are probably sound asleep getting rested for your morning church service on the hills around the Sea of Galilee. What an awesome way to start a new week! Enjoy~ Dana
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