Friday, May 16, 2014

Friday, May 16

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.
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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.

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