Wow! We traveled to the most Northern point of Israel which is Caesarea Philippi. To get there we drove a narrow highway with Lebanon on the left and Syria on the right. The road was lined with fencing that warned of land mines which was another reminder that this land has had a history of turmoil. At Caesarea Philippi we stood at the foot of the pagan temple to the Roman god called Pan and were reminded of the “spiritual” turmoil that exists in our world. This is where Jesus brought His disciples and asked who they thought He was. This is where the waters of the Jordan begin from the foot of Mt. Hermon In Jesus day they flowed from a hole in the mountain called the “Gates of Hades” (read Matt. 16:13-20).
We then toured the ruins of Bethsaida where Jesus healed the blind man and where Peter, Andrew and several other disciples were from. From there we went to Caperneum which was Jesus’ home as an adult. This is where many miracles took place; when the woman touched the fringe of His garment, raising the daughter of Jarius (Luke 8), the healing of the lame man lowered through the roof (Mark 2), Peter’s mother-in-law healed (Isaac said that the real miracle was that Jesus and Peter remained friends : ))
We need the afternoon with an hour boat ride on the Sea. We all recounted the stories of Jesus walking on water, calming the storm, calling out from the shore fishing instructions. In the shadow of the Golan Heights we sailed to back to Tiberias thankful for a powerful Living God.
We finished our touring but we were not done. Early this evening as Israel prepared for their Sabbath celebration our group went down to the edge of the Sea of Galilee and were witnesses to 4 of our group being baptized! Russ and Shirley Almond wanted to be re-baptized here in the Holy Land. Marilyn Mandeville declared her faith by doing the same. And Nancy who grew up in another denomination decided for the first time to have a believers baptism! It was a blessed time and a testimony to many young Jewish families that were gathered. Nancy was even given the opportunity to share with a young Jewish mother what we were doing. Praise the Lord!
Wherever we go in the world we are called to give witness. Even in the Holy Land where we are being blessed we are called to be a blessing!
Keep praying! More later!