Thursday tours in Galilee

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...