Israel Trip Day 3

Today’s journey took us away from the Sea of Galilee to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It was about an hour drive though the mountains, hill, and finally to the flat coastal area. All seven buses arrived around the same time, so we immediately went to the theatre. Charles Billingsley lead the worship and provided a couple of songs as specials. Both Jonathan and Erjin gave small devotions and from scriptures that took place at Caesarea. Caesarea was named after Caesar Augustus to show Herod the King allegiance to the New ruler of Rome. The entire city was built to hone Rome. Two key features of the city were the Theatre and the Hippodrome (the place where Chariot races took place). We also saw the remnants of the palace that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. It Even has access from the palace right down to the water’s edge.

From there, we drove to the Jizra’el Valley. Actually we were on top of a mountain that over looked the valley. The mount was called Mount Megiddo. Our guide led us to read from Revelation about the day the Lord Jesus will return to this area. When you look over the topography of the area, you can truly see why this would be the place for the Lord to come and save His chosen people. This valley runs directly from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan Valley which in turn runs the entire length of Israel.

But the highlight of the day was our trip to Beth She’am. This again was a Roman city that was completely restored by an earthquake. The remains have been unearthed and the entire site is an archeologist dream come true. The city lies just beneath a mountain that is actually the covered remains of the city being destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. The city is one of the first cities with running water. The main water drain runs right down the middle of the street, with trenches running into the local businesses. In one section, the columns which had once lined the streets all lay flat in the same direction, demonstrating the awesome destruction inflicted by the earthquake. This city also included a theatre, a place of worship, a ruler’s mansion, many places of business and traditional homes.

One of the realizations that one makes on a trip of this sort, is just how to place everything together. It’s one thing to look at a map and see where the events take place, but it is something else to actually see the land, breather the air, and walk on the dirt. It also awakens one’s mind to the greatness of our God. Not only has he saved us, but he continues to care for us. Even though we sometimes ignore Him, like many in Israel have, Still He is good to us. Israel is truly a land that is alive. The valley today was green with life. On top of Mount Megiddo, there were date palm trees. These kinds of trees are not even nature to Israel, but the excavators who worked the land years ago ate the dates and spit out the seeds on the top of this mount of rubble. The trees grew, and now they produce fruit. Every obstacle thrown at the Israeli people, they overcome. Some would say by the knowledge of their agriculture engineers, but I choose to believe it is the hand of God. Even though they have chosen not to believe, God is so good to them. And the same God that is gracious with people, who have turned their back on Him, is my God. And He is good to me!