Thursday, May 15
Waking up to the
sunrise on the Sea of Galilee is the perfect way to start another
beautiful day in Israel. We are leaving Tiberius and spending the day
west. We are going to Nazareth and have just driven through Cana.
This is where Jesus turned the water to wine. This area is known for
its hospitality and integrity. In the culture here, when you say
something, it is solid. When you give your word it means something.
We had a
teaching by Pastor Roy (Nothing is Impossible with God) on the Mount
of Precipice (The Brow of the Hill) overlooking the city of Nazareth.
When Mary & Joseph were here there were about 150 residents. It
has grown the fastest with 150,000 current residents. The overlook
views Mount Tabor, Mountains of Gillead, Mount of Endor, Mount
Gillboa, Samaria, Mount Carmel, and the Jazreel Valley (Valley of
Armageddon). Incredible view!
We continue west
to Tel Megiddo. Big battles throughout history happened at Megiddo.
The last battle was in 1948 with the Jews & Arabs. The Jewish won
and survivors of the holocost established a kubbutz here. This is
fulfillment of prophecy. As we overlooked the Jezreel Valley, Pastor
Roy did a teaching of what Revelation indicates that will happen
here. This is where the final battle of Armageddon will happen after
Jesus returns to the Mount of Olives. After the battle, which will be
quick, the Bible says the blood will be horse bridle deep. Then the
1,000 year millennial reign of Christ will begin. We continued
viewing this Tel which has unearthed 25 civilizations and walked
through their impressive water system...which tunneled outside their
walls to a nearby hidden spring. This would guarantee their water
source even if under siege.
Back in the bus
to our next site...our ride is always interesting as our guide, Boaz,
gives us history of the area. He also throws in a few jokes that are
always a good laugh!We sing songs, listen to Hebrew music, refill
our water bottles and have a quick snack. All of Israel is about the
size of New Jersey...60 miles wide and 300 miles long. We will have
covered a lot of it...certainly all the major sites on this tour.
(Don't you wish you were here, too?!)
We have arrived at Zippori, a Roman villa with amazing mosaic art--floors/streets. The town also features a Roman Cardo (street through the heart of town) and an ancient theatre and synagogue. This was a very large city during Mary and Joseph's time.
We end our day
at Mount Arbel, perhaps the most prominent physical landmark around
the Sea of Galilee. The steep face of Arbel provides a challenge for
hikers. Boaz said if we have any question about if we can do this or
if we are afraid of heights, don't go on this hike to the top. (Half
of us stayed back and enjoyed a little siesta!) From the top you can
view the Sea of Galilee and as far as Mt. Hermon to the north and Mt.
Tabor to the south. I will view it from the camera lens of the brave
ones in our group! (Pulling the senior's card here!) Everyone made it
down safely...PTL! Now to the hotel to take a swim in the pool or the
Sea of Galilee. It was 88 degrees today so we have some sweaty
bus-mates. Another memorable day...
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