Friday, May 16
We were up early
to enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the Sea of Galilee. I'm sad to
leave here...but know we have more exciting things ahead. Our 4
nights here were at the Leonardo.
We started with
the Shemah and a time of prayer. We prayed for those from our church
who are suffering with cancer. We also prayed for a woman in the
Sudan who was sentenced to death because of her faith in Jesus. She
is 8 months pregnant and has a 20-month old in prison with her. Will
you join us in praying for her?
Along the road
to Jerusalem we stopped at a first century authentic tomb. This tomb
was unearthed when they were working on the highway. It is one of
only two in the entire area with the round stone that would have been
rolled over the entrance. What a roadside gem! Thank you, Boaz, for
making it a part of our tour.
We arrived close
to the top of Mount Carmel. We hiked up to an awesome view of the
valley below and listened to a teaching on the Biblical account where
Elijah defeated the Prophets of Baal. Boaz gave the meaning of the
name Elijah! What a strong name! We walked to the top of a monastery
for a beautiful overlook and took a group photo. I purchased cross
necklaces for our grandchildren here. One of our grandsons is named
Elijah so I felt this was a great place to buy the crosses out of
olive wood.
Lunch
We arrived in
Caesarea by the Mediterranean Sea...absolutely beautiful. This was
given to Herod by Caesar so Herod named it after him. The aqua duct
on the sea is fabulous with its arches and turquoise blue water. It
was a great place for photos and for wading in the cool
Mediterranean.
We went a little
further to Caesarea National Park also on the Mediterranean coast in
northern Sharon. The park includes a huge Roman Theatre, much of it
refurbished. It was buried until about 60 years ago. Concerts are
still held here. Pastor Roy led a mediation from Acts. Paul spent 2
years in prison here. This is where the Gospel of Jesus Christ was
brought to the Gentiles. After a time of thanksgiving to our Lord in
the theatre, we moved into the ruins of Herod's Palace. Herod built a
massive port here alongside entertainment facilities, bathhouses and
temples.There was a huge hippodrome built in the 2nd
century CE for chariot races. It could seat about 30,000 spectators.
Later it was made into an ampitheatre where viewing mauling and
killing by animals was sport. The floor of the hippodrome originally
was 30-40 ft deeper than present day. In addition to the theatre,
hippodrome, and Herod's palace there is a bathhouse, Herod's
freshwater swimming pool jutting into the sea. Pontius Pilate lived
here. They found a stone in the theatre with his name engraved on it.
It is in a museum but an exact replica was posted for viewing.
.
Viewed the
remains-- 6,000 people lived here in the 11th 12th
centuries. About 80,000 people lived in Caesarea under Herod.
We are now on
our way to Jerusalem, passing Tel Aviv where we arrived. This was all
built in the last 100 years when it was just desert. Tel Aviv means
ancient/new. (Tel is a mound with archeological findings. Aviv means
a new beginning...springtime).
We are passing
Emmaus now where two disciples were walking as they went to Jerusalem
and Jesus joined them.There are a lot of beautiful trees...300
million trees have been planted in Israel since 1948.
We are singing
“Jerusalem” as we drive to the city. “Hosanna, Hosanna in the
Highest, Hosanna to the King. Hosanna in the Highest. Hosanna
forevermore.” Lynette read Psalm 121. Ken read Psalm 122 a Psalm of
descent. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Roy read Psalm 91. Great is
the Lord and greatly to be praised. The Lord reigns. Let the earth
rejoice.
We are entering
the New City Jerusalem and will check into our hotel, Dan Jerusalem.
Friday and Saturday are the weekend in Jerusalem. Sunday is the
beginning of their week. We went into the Old City to the Western
Wall (formerly called the Wailing Wall) on Friday night. This is when
they all gather to pray. What an experience to pray at the Western
Wall.
We met with a
Professor from a Bible school in Israel and his Jewish wife. Very
interesting. More details later.
Our hotel is beautiful--Dan Jerusalem.
No comments:
Post a Comment