Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Today was another spectacular day in Israel, full of great weather, meaningful sites, learning, and spiritual milestones. We began with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and had a great time. In the middle of the lake we stopped the motor and experienced two things – readings from Scripture about our Lord’s activities on the lake, and then an example of fishing like the disciples did it in the 1st century. It is Holocaust Remembrance Day, so at a specified time a loud tone was played and everyone in Israel, including us, stood quietly at attention for two minutes and honored the memory of those lost during the Holocaust, while praying for survivors.

We left the Sea of Galilee to visit many of the spots Jesus frequented while He was here, beginning with the Church of the Beatitudes where it is believed Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. It was not especially busy, so we had a nice time taking pictures and quietly worshipping as we savored the experience above the natural amphitheater that seems to be the most logical site for this most famous of teachings.

The Catholic Church of The Loaves and Fishes at Tabgha was next where we took pictures of a very famous Mosaic of the “Loaves and Fishes”, and observed a number of folk entering into a service as we left. This church was built by the German Church Union and its sign reads Brotvermehrungskirche (“Bread Multiplication Church”).

The third stop for us this morning was the city of Capernaum where Jesus lived and ministered. Among many miracles he performed here was the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:30 & 31). There is a beautiful church built over her home, with a glass floor allowing pictures from above. The home, was built into a church and several subsequent churches later on, so there are many more ruins than just her home. The moving thing about the visit was standing on the very spot where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. This church was open for the first time anyone in our group could remember and unlike other trips, we were able to go into the church and see through the glass floor instead of having to take pictures from outside. Access to the lakeside – also unusual – allowed us to scan along the shore, seeing the same shoreline Jesus and His disciples viewed almost 2000 years ago. We then visited the Capernaum Synagogue which is a later version of the Synagogue, built on top of where Jesus actually did worship and teach during His Ministry. The foundation of Jesus’ synagogue is the only part still visible of the 1st century church.

Lunch today was Peter’s Fish for those that had never had it and kabobs or chicken for several others of us. The food was delicious for all and many of us are comparing notes about eating too much and the food being one of the high points of the trip.

Our stop after lunch was at the Jordan River where many reaffirmed their Baptismal Vows and two of our folk were baptized into the Family of God, a very special experience for all of us. We had the good fortune of having the site all to ourselves while we worshipped and expressed our love for the Savior.

We proceeded south along the Jordan river, with the kingdom of Jordan visible all the way. The landscape changed dramatically as we entered the Judean Wilderness, from the lush green farmland of Galilee to desert. Our day ended as we stopped on the Mt. of Olives to see Jerusalem for the 1st time, watching the Sun set over the Temple Mount and light up the city’s skyline. It was an incredibly moving time for all as we were welcomed “home” for this trip and on the future day when we will dwell together with our Savior in the New Jerusalem.

Tomorrow will be another busy day as we learn about the geography of the Holy Land and the people who are our spiritual heritage in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

~ Clergy Comment ~

As a pastor, it was a privilege to stand in the River Jordan today, a few miles upriver from where Jesus Himself was baptized, remembering the meaning of the promises of baptism. Bruce led a short service before we invited people to join us in the river. Most of the group got wet, and those who didn’t were active in prayer, affirming each person as s/he came out of the water. Two people in our group “sealed the deal” of their commitment to Christ for the first time, and both requested full immersion for their baptism. Others

re-celebrated their baptism using either immersion or the traditional Presbyterian “sprinkle” method, but standing in the river up to their ankles. It was a thrill just to be here, but a real joy to help lead the celebration, calling each person by name and reminding them all of God’s eternal love for them. Hallelujah! - Graig.