What will we do with all that we have witnessed?

Aboard the bus this morning Peter King gave us an uplifting devotional that reminded us of the perfection of God and the power of the Gospel. It is very refreshing starting the morning with devotionals as we’re driving to our first stop.

As we drove to our first destination, Tito pointed out many cities along the way. We drove through Magdala, which was the largest town in the Galilean area during the time of Jesus. We passed Safed, the highest city in Israel. This is most likely the city Jesus was referring to when He said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Our first stop was unique and special. We planted trees in honor or in memory of loved ones in the forest. Israel plants three million trees a year. David Lockard read the planter’s prayer before we began. We planted oak, pine, almond, pistachio, and carob trees. It was a beautiful scene watching everyone plant their trees, knowing we are leaving something that brings life. It was a great ending to look up and see storks migrating in the sky above us. This is truly a beautiful country!

We then headed to Nazareth. We drove through Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle turning water into wine at a wedding.

Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel broken up between Muslim (60%) and Christian (40%). Two major events in the Bible happened here. The first one is mentioned in Luke 1 when the angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary to tell her she was chosen by God to carry His Son. The second from Luke 4, Jesus read from Isaiah in the synagogue and fulfilled prophecy.

We visited Nazareth Village, a piece of property in the middle of the city that has been recreated to look like the village in Jesus’ day. Maria, our guide for our visit walked us through the recreation. 80,000 people currently live in Nazareth today but only 400-500 lived here in the days of Jesus. We saw how they worked the land, used tools, built their buildings, and made their clothes. A highlight was the synagogue where we considered the words of Jesus where he opened the scroll and quoted Isaiah. We ended the tour with an authentic biblical meal.

Next we traveled to the Mount of Beatitudes. The sky is very clear this time of year and we could see Mount Tabor (the mount of Transfiguration) on the way. Steve Conover, the Vice President and Director of Media at The Friends of Israel read from Matthew 5:1-11. Roxanne Marzka led us in a song. We then took time to tour the beautiful grounds and reflect on what Jesus taught at this very sight.

Our last stop of the day was the village of Capernaum where we were privileged to hear Jim Showers teach on the significant events that happened around Capernaum. Here Jesus was able to speak to both Jews and Gentiles. It is the place where the Centurion’s servant was healed (Luke 7) and where Peter’s mother-in-law was healed (Luke 4). Capernaum was where multitudes came to be healed. The man who was lowered by his friends to be healed (Luke 5). The woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8), the blind were healed, men freed from demons, healing of the nobleman’s son. Even the bread of life discourse from John 6 was spoken here. The people of Capernaum saw acts of the Messiah yet many rejected Him. Matthew 11:21, 23 & 24 say, “Woe to you, . . . Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” Why did Jesus respond this way to them? They were being judged for their indifference. To whom much is given, much is require (Luke 12:48). It is sobering to think that the city was never rebuilt after it was destroyed. Jim challenged the group. We have the privilege to see and learn about the land of Israel. What are we going to do with all that we have witnessed?

Tito gave us wonderful insight into the mindset of the Jewish people living in Jesus’ day. They were waiting for a conquering King, Jesus came as a different kind of King. They asked Him if they should pay taxes and Jesus said that Caesar should have what was owed to him. The Jewish people wanted Jesus to claim kingship right then. They wanted Him to set up a Jewish kingdom, build an army, set up their own tax. But Jesus told them that His Kingdom was not of this world.

On our way back to enjoy our last evening at the Sea of Galilee, the bus broke out in song led by Tito. We all sang “Down by the Riverside” and we even had a solo by our driver Ruven on the bus horn! We are blessed with a wonderful guide and driver for our trip.

After another delicious dinner we enjoyed a special time with Shmuel Bowman of Operation Lifeshield. Operation Lifeshield provides bomb shelters for those living in vulnerable areas along Israel’s borders that are prone to terror attacks. These shelters are placed near schools, bus stops, and retirement homes. It was sobering to realize that even though we have experienced safety where we are, there are areas in Israel that must live with the reality that when the sirens blare, they only have several seconds to find shelter. The Friends of Israel have provided eight bomb shelters through Operation Lifeshield since 2013 through the giving of our people to the Israel Relief Fund. This organization is literally saving lives!