Today we travelled north up the coast and then eastwards inland to the Galilee, visiting a number of Biblical sites that testify to God’s faithfulness to His word, past, present, and future. We began our day at the fabulous ruins of the Herodian city of Caesarea Maritima, the site of the conversion of Cornelius and the location from which Paul left the shores of Israel and set sail on his journey to Rome. We then travelled up the coast to Mount Carmel, with a spectacular view over the North of Israel, near the spot where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. We continued along the route of the ancient Via Maris to Megiddo, one of King Solomon’s cities, and according the Book of Revelation possibly the assembly point for the armies marching to the battle of Armageddon. We concluded our day at ancient Nazareth, Jesus’ boyhood home and place of His early ministry.

Caesarea Maritima – amazing! The rain stopped before we got here!

We are in the Chapel at Mt Carmel, where the battle between Elijah and the prophets of Baal occurred. Dr David Pileggi is our guide and a wonderful teacher. Here we saw 360 the land that shaped the Biblical narratives, and learned how Jesus’ life and ministry grew out of and fulfilled the deep historical richness of this land and people. For example – in many ways He was like the prophets of old; the Spirit of God was on him, like Elijah and Elisha He raised dead people, spent time in the wilderness, had disciples, confronted evil in structures and leaders of society. And on and on!

It also has been moving for many of us to realize that Jesus actually grew up here, played out on those hills as a child, later walked on the shores and taught by the Sea of Galilee, ate with friends just as we are!
With love and blessings,
Holly