In Israel, it is now Thursday evening. Today, was the first day on the ground for my 12th discipleship journey here. It's been an inspiring day.
We started out "Day #1" on the West shores of the country at Caesarea By The Mediterranean Sea. At this location Herod built a mighty seaport and the city once served as headquarters of the governor, Pilate, who gave permission to crucify our Lord.
At Caesarea, Saul, who would become The Apostle Paul, was held as a prisoner as he awaited transport to Rome to be tried before Caesar. Recently, archaeologists uncovered an ancient cistern where prisoners were held during New Testament times. On the wall of the cistern they found something fascinating: The name "Saul" was engraved three times along with 33 crosses marked beside it. (Of course, Saul of Tarsus was The Apostle Paul's given name and Jesus was 33 years old when he completed his earthly mission that concluded with His brutal crucifixion and beautiful resurrection, etc.) While the cistern has now been covered over by those in charge of the site, our guide, a Jewish archaeologist, told us of the find. He said it's not that the Bible has to be proven but when the Bible and the digs go hand-in-hand, it's exciting. So amazing to me just to consider the meaning of it all.
Next, we went to the Valley of Megiddo. It is here that the Book of Revelation predicts the Last Great Battle of Armageddon to be accomplished. It is a moving site. To date, 26 civilizations have been built on the initual foundation at this location near the spring of water at Megiddo.
Our third stop was a 1 Kings 18 location -- Mt. Carmel. It was here that the prophet Elijah challenged Jezebel and King Ahab's prophets to a contest to prove whose God was The One and True God. The 400 false prophets got no answer from their god though they worshipped and called on him most of the day. However, Elijah's God answered immediately by sending down fire from Heaven. Our God, Elijah's God is an Awesome God.
After lunch we made a final stop to a Biblical village in the Jezreel Valley. It is a place where journeyers can interact with the land and people in a modern-day Jewish community based on old Bible principles. Here, we were all adorned in headdresses and clothing to match the Bible times. Then we went and learned the ways of the shepherd, even making Kosher cheese to eat and holding a tiny back lamb that was actually born this morning. My my. (Photo above.) Wonderful. We also learned the ways of the ancient farmer. I put my hand to the plow, literally. Donkey rides were given and then we were treated to mint tea and fresh, locally harvested fruit.
Our day has finally concluded now with our sunset arrival on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The Lake is calm yet majestic.
So, Day 1, is coming to a close and yes I feel closer to the Christ Who called me here, that I might continue to increase in intimacy with Him.
Steve, my prayer partner and Hearts Aflame Discipleship Journey planner, was the only person I knew on this particular trip. But I'm making new friends fast. Traveling here has a wonderful way of making that happen.
Wish you were here. Join us in October when Hearts Aflame returns once again to The Holy Land.
Info at www.HeartsAflame.org
Give away your life...
Grateful
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