Israel Day #3

Once again, included is an album of the past day's events. Click on the album, and it will take you to Picasa, you can save/print the images, or you can order the prints...






Today was packed full of journeys and ventures. I could describe every area for a couple hours, but for your sake, I wont,… you can thank me later. WOW, to say today was not incredible is an all out exaggeration. I have never been so enamored with my own two eyes.

We began the day in Caesarea (officially coined the term, Caesarea National Park) This location was part of King Herod’s town which he built in the early BC era, which dates all the way back to 500 AD. We saw 2 amphitheatres, one of these were used for ancient games, chariot races, and various fights between humans and animals, King Herod’s personal pool (it really was his personal pool), Herod’s Harbour which he created to charge taxes for travel, and an aqueduct which extended for over 35 kilometers to provide water for this city. Part of this area was also rebuilt in the Crusade days when Muslims had gained control of the area.

Our next stop was Megiddo. Megiddo means Armageddon, one of its references is in Revelation 16:16. King Solomon, and Ahab had definitely traveled through one of the many levels of ruins here. There were at least 17 layers of ruins in Megiddo in several different areas. Much of the city had been recovered, it was neat to see what only a remnant of the city looked like from 1000s of years prior. We stepped onto the highest point of Megiddo and overlooked Nazareth, and the Mountain where Jesus transfigured himself…. Yeah, it was amazing!!!

Following Megiddo, we trekked to Mt Carmel. Mt Carmel is the location where Elijah challenged the kings of Baal to see whose god was truly God. After the prophets and kings of Baal realized Elijah’s god was God, they all bowed a knee. We stood atop Carmel, and read the passage where God sent the fire down (as another groud did the exact same thing). We attempted to imagine God’s hand at work with Elijah. It was indescribable.

We then visited the Bahai Faith founder’s grave, and Nazareth. Nazareth looked nothing like it did in 1st century times, but there was a recreated village to help you understand what life was like in in the 1st century. A good portion of the New Testament, and Jesus’s life took place right under our feet. Our tour guide was Miriam. Miriam feels she could be called to missions. I was able to encourage her, and explain how significant of a role she could play wherever she lands. Please pray God confirms that call, and gives her a Gospel alone mentality.

Our final destination was the Church of Annunciation, a Catholic church that had recreated Mary’s house. It was sad to see the church place so much emphasis on Mary, but relieving to see Christ in the church as opposed to no Christ at all.

To say at the least, this day was information overload, but it was still a delight, and an unforgettable experience. Tonight we are staying in Tiberius. The image of several of these places we visited will be engrained in our minds for the rest of our lives. By visiting these places, it literally brings the Bible to life. We are grateful for this opportunity, and do not know if we will be coming home. Sorry families, but I think you understand, right??