Broken and Desperate

Listen to Day 4 AUDIO Israel Blog - TJ and Layla Granata

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Among the sights we experienced today were Mount Arbel and Areamos Topos (Sermon on the Mount). What was striking about Mount Arbel was the view of the Galilee and how peaceful and calm it seemed even though it has a reputation of being hit with sudden storms. This is where Jesus calmed such a storm. We relate this with our lives and how we need to have a strong foundation. Sudden storms can occur in life and if our eyes are not focused on Jesus we will be tossed by the waves or sink, similarly to how Peter did. But Jesus can calm all storms in life.

Jesus gave the infamous Sermon on the Mount at Areamos Topos. When Jesus speaks about the “Beatitudes” he is really calling us to come to an end of ourselves. This would include becoming broken to the point of being desperate for Him and Him alone. The temptation at this desperate point is for us to fill the void with religious activity, addiction, or any idols instead of filling it with God. Jesus warns us of this and admonishes us to seek first the kingdom of God and He will take care of us.

Both of these old historical sites still have so much relevance to our lives today.

Raven Kapphahn and Tami Branghamda