Journey Day 8: Ha-Shahar, Mount Gilboa, Tel Bet She'an, Sea of Galilee

Today we made our way north through Israel to the region of Galilee!   We stopped at some absolutely breathtaking places, and began to set the stage for Jesus ministry and all we are going to experience over the next 3-4 days, as we literally 'walk where he walked'!

Our day went in this order:
1. Hike of Ha-Shahar.   This was a beautiful view over the Rift Valley (the area between the Jordan and Judean Mountains) where the Jordan River works its way down from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea.   We looked at the importance of this area as a place that was so vital to commerce and control of the land.   We also had the chance to hear several members of our group share their story and scripture passage, as we continue to look at what it means to be a disciple and walk this journey of faith with one another.   Something that will really hit home these next few days.    On the way down the hill, you will see we visited a 'shepherds cave' that could resemble something similar to what Mary and Joseph would have found for a place to stay.

2.   We hopped back on the bus and continued to make our way north, next stopping at Mt. Gilboa.   This amazing overlook of the Herode Valley, and set the stage for the scripture from 1 Samuel 28, where we see Saul foolishly risk his life to go through the Philistine army to visit a 'witch doctor' to figure out how to win the battle.   This led to a really cool and emotional conversation about how we are guilty of creating disguises and hiding from things in our life.  We need to be willing to lay ourselves bare before God and let him heal our wounds - not try to hide them from him - and see what beautiful scar he has in the works.

3. We headed down Mt. Gilboa to Tel Bet-She'an.   This is one of the most complete excavations they have done in all of Israel, and it was impressive to think about what this would have looked like in its prime.  This was one of the cities in the Decapolis during Jesus ministry that he refers too and was very heavily influenced by Greco-Roman culture, which we see in our culture now today.  We had some really great conversation about how the world says that if it doesn't have an answer than it can not be true, and that our knowledge/opinion is what matters most.   But as followers of Christ, we are called to so much more than that - a life of love and freedom.   We got to hear the first story from our Faith group from Mason, who shared on how the story of David and Goliath is a great daily reminder and challenge for him (and us!) to daily put on the armor and strength that God gives us, not what man thinks we should wear.

4.  We took a short trip up the rest of the Jordan River and to the Sea of Galilee.   As we dashed into the sea to enjoy its freshness during this hot trip, I couldn't help put thinking these things:
    - This is where Jesus called the disciples
    - This is where Jesus walked on water
    - This is where Jesus told the fishermen to through their nets on the other side
    - This is where Jesus calmed the storm
    - This is where Jesus found much peace and rest during his ministry.  
    *** TALK ABOUT THE LAND COMING TO LIFE - AND I WAS SWIMMING RIGHT THERE!!!  ****

So, enough of my thoughts, check out the pictures and live some of the story for yourself:


HA-SHAHAR:

A much more common site as we got outside Jerusalem and headed north.   Shepherds leading their flocks (not by nights though, sorry!)

Top of Ha-Shahar.  A sweeping view of the Jordan River Valley.   That is the Jordan Mountains on the far side.

Our friend, Cory the Explorer.   Pretty cool picture though!

View of the shepherd's cave we looked at.   Again, could be very similar to what Jesus was born in.

Inside the cave.

DRIVING NORTH:

Landscape begins to change - greener and little more trees/shrubs.

Again, picture doesn't do it justice - amazing view.

To say the least, the Holy Land is not the flat Nebraska type land that I sometimes view in my mind.

The green down in the valley is the Jordan River winding its way.

MOUNT GILBOA:

This amazing view of the Herode Valley.   Setting for Saul conspiring with a witch.

TEL BET SHE'AN:

So incredible to walk through these ruins.  Again, VERY Greek and Roman influenced.   Part of the Decapolis during Jesus time.

probably a 6ft x 6ft stone that would have capped the pillars below...

What the entire 'main street' was lined with.

Hard to totally get it, but a HUGE pillar that tumbled during the earthquake that destroyed the city.

A view from the top of the hill down on this city center.

The amphitheater that was built.

Mason sharing his testimony - put on our armor of God daily!   What an awesome reminder.   This young man has an amazing heart, and is living passionately for and making a difference for God's kingdom.

Our first view of the Jordan River as we finish our journey to Galilee.

SEA OF GALILEE:

Our first peek at the sea.  Beautiful, inspiring, emotional, and breathtaking all bundled into one instant.

Where so much of Jesus heart and ministry poured out during his time on earth.   

Just a beautiful area.

Can just imagine Jesus walking the beach and call his first disciples to come and follow him.

And our day ends.   A beautiful sunset as a reminder that God has created ALL things, and they were good!

The dramatic climb up to the peak you see on the left side of the picture is the mountain we will be hiking tomorrow.   Most likely the site of where Jesus sent the demon possessed pigs plunging into the sea.

Seriously - he walked on THIS WATER!!!

Father, this trip is showing us more and more that our faith is REAL!   The promises we hold to aren't just from scripture about a place that never existed (like Narnia), but we see evidence everywhere of the promises and truths of your word pouring out before us.   Guide as hearts these next few days as we earnestly praise and worship you, and take a look at the places you walked, taught, loved, cried and forever changed us.

See you tomorrow night :)