Today as we left modern Nazareth we came to the edge of town where Jesus was almost thrown off a precipice by His own towns people. It was a scary hilltop(Luke 4:16-30) . This was after Jesus had read in the synagogue and declared Himself the Messiah. But that wasn’t what angered the crowd…They wanted a Messiah. One that would save the Jews from the gentiles…but He than began talking about God reaching the gentiles and that was not what they wanted. Seems we always want Jesus around when He does things our way but get a little irritated when He doesn’t.
After that we went to the top of Megiddo and saw the ruins of one of Solomon’s fortresses (1 Kings 9:15)…yes its still there! From there we could take in the whole valley below (Armegeddon). We came off the mountain top through a tunnel that Ahaz had built under the walls of this city to the spring so that water could be acquired during times of siege. Then we met at the “ancient Biblical bus parking lot” according to Isaac, to gather and leave : )
The site at Megiddo reminded us of the historical and Biblical importance of the land of Israel to the world. Israel was certainly the “bridge” to the major areas of the world, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Egypt. They all had to go through Israel to reach each other. Suddenly it becomes obvious why God would chose this small country of Israel to declare His love for us. The good news would be spread to the whole world.
Thank God that He had it planned from the beginning and whether Nazareth liked it or not He came to save all of us!
One other thing that being at Megiddo reminds us. This world as we know it will come to an end. And God knows that too. The bottom line can be stated in two words…God wins.
Now off to Jerusalem.
Keep praying! More later!