A wonderful day filled with great teachings and amazing sights as we journeyed to the far north of Israel today. We reached the borders of Syria, walked through some amazing creation, and continued to be stirred and challenged in our faith as the Bible continues to come to life. A great analogy I have heard on this trip is that it has taken reading the Bible in black and white and changed it to color.
Here is a quick rundown of the day, followed with some pictures to prove it actually happened :)
1. Kursi. These ruins and hills played host to the story of Jesus sending the demons into the pigs, who then go running off the cliff into the sea below. We shared an emotional discussion about what this story means for us, why Jesus was asked to leave, and why Jesus told the newly cured man he couldn't come with him. As leaders and the next generation of our faith, there are some great challenges.
At this place, Anita shared her story today. It was a story about choosing faith over fear. She shared about her anxieties of this trip, and the unknown of our family going into ministry. She was passionate and spot on - and it put a smile on this husbands heart to see her share her heart and how God is working on it! We were blessed to have the group surround us in a time of prayer for the journey that lays ahead for us. Many tears of joy and turning stuff over - didn't think I had any left after yesterday :)
2. Gamla. This is the word for 'camel' in Hebrew and when you see the pictures below you will see why. We had a chance to again talk about how this place was used by the zealots to fight against Rome, and how we as Christians should not be all about fighting violence with violence. Jesus has shown us another way - LOVE! It is a huge sacrifice, it is hard, and it is unpopular. It doesn't mean we are pacifists, but it does mean we love our enemies and through our words and actions, show God's grace, mercy and love.
3. Mispeh Shalom. Not quite sure, but this may be one of the most beautiful views in the entire world. Located high up in the Golan Heights above the Sea of Galilee, this place has a beautiful view where you can see the entire Sea of Galilee - absolutely beautiful, and I hope the pictures do it some justice.
4. Syria Overlook. As we continued north, we stopped out an overlook where we could see into Syria. It was indeed an odd feeling to be so close to what we hear so much about but know so little about. The hurt, the violence, the refugees - so hard to wrap our minds around. We could see the wall that Israel has built and a camp the UN has set up to oversee that wall, and the tattered buildings off a nearby city that has been desecrated by war. It was a challenge and reminder that God loves these children and we are called to find a way to make a difference in their lives as well. We were able to offer a prayer, with hands raised towards Syria for God to do some mighty work there in the people, and in our hearts to help.
5. Caesarea Phillipi. This remains of the Roman town was absolutely beautiful when it comes to the nature around it - and absolutely hideous when it comes to the gods they worshipped. This is a place that Jesus took his disciples to ask them "Who do they say I am?". This is where Peter first declares him as the Messiah. Jesus goes on to say that he will build his church and the gates of hell will not overcome it. In an example of the Bible coming to life - there is a cave here that is referred to as the Gates of Hell, where Romans would sacrifice their babies to appease the gods, hoping to bring good fortune. If there is one truth that was resounding today it was this: we are all called to be a light in the darkness - not to always necessarily flee from it - but to shine the love and light of Jesus in it!
6. Tel Dan. Our last stop of the day took us to the nature park and ruins of Dan. Remember Dan is the tribe that refused to take the land given to them when the tribes of Judah moved in, and instead opted to take land to the north. We had a great talk about how we are to bring justice in how we serve as people and as a church. The last thing we saw here was a gate to a canaanite city dating back to 2,000-3,000 B.C.!! This city gate very likely could have been walked through by Abraham as he was moving to the place called was calling him back in Genesis. Pretty cool!
Again, another amazing day of God speaking and moving in our hearts. Enjoy the pictures:
KURSI:
Anita sharing her story. CHOOSE FAITH, NOT FEAR! Preach it lady :)
These would be the hills and the caves that the demon possessed man was confined to in the scriptures when he sees Jesus show up, he runs to meet him.
The sloping hill is the hill where the demon possessed pigs go plunging into the sea. Did you know that Jesus didn't send them there, but the demons ran there anyway - all the discredit and make people angry with Jesus.
A first century church - there are oh so few of these around, and cool to see them.
GOLAN HEIGHTS AND GAMLA:
Are drive heading up to the Golan Heights on the way to Gamla.
And here is Gamla. If you can't make it out, it looks like a camel's hump. Hence the name Gamla, which means Camel. It was used as a stronghold by the zealots and was defeated by Rome. During the final battle, many were blown off the rocks or jumped, instead of being held captive by Rome.
Here is a pano of the valley the runs along the north side of Gamla.
What the Romans used to breach the wall.
Valley along the south side.
Where the wall was breached.
Synagoge up on the mountain.
The top of the hill.
Many are the amazing works and wonders you have done and are doing Lord! Continue to speak!
Heading to our scenic overview, this gives you an idea of the flatness of the Golan Heights. You would never know it looking up at them, but almost looks like Nebraska :)
MIZPAH SHALOM:
May be wrong, but this has to be one of the most beautiful views in the world. You can see the entire Sea of Galilee and all the places that Jesus held so dearly and taught to passionately.
Some of this will be hard to see, but the black line weaving through the middle that looks like a blacktop highway is the wall that has been built to separate the countries. To the left is Israel, to the right is Syria.
Picture of the U.N. camp and wall as it continues up the middle of the hill to the left.
A pano view of the valley separating the two countries, and the wall between.
On the drive to Caesarea Phillipi, you see the remains of an old stronghold, long destroyed, on top of this mountain.
CAESAREA PHILLIPI:
A flowing stream came from the cave in the mountain next to this city. The water is clear as glass and beautiful.
Pools of the this 'living water'.
Cave where babies were thrown as a sacrifice to PAN. Heart wrenching as a parent to think about this, to say the least.
Some of the Roman architecture on the mountain side.
The flowing water - beautiful :)
The water was about 2 feet deep - but see how clear!
TEL DAN:
Again, mostly a nature reserve that leads to the ruins - much living water and beautiful scenery.
Lush.
Rushing and living water.
Surrounded by green and lush.
Literally tunnel of tree overhang.
Small trickle waterfall coming out of the rock.
Just a majestic and stunning tree.
The wall built around the city.
The oldest gate ever found - dating back to the time of Abram. Very likely he traveled through this gate as he was following God's call to a new land.
WAY BACK HOME:
As we returned back to the hotel for the night. This view came into sight. It is the Jordan River flowing into the Sea of Galilee on the north side of the sea.
Tomorrow is our "Taste as See" day in the Galilee region. The Jordan River, the Sea itself, some fish and just experiencing life as Jesus would have known it are on the agenda. Will be a wonderful day to say the least!
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