Cut by the hand of God

Saturday evening's arrival into Tel Aviv was a greatly anticipated event (20) hours after our departure from Chicago.

Situated along the Mediterranean, Tel Aviv is a sprawling modern metropolis: sleek contemporary hotels and high rise condos overshadow modest apartment buildings, cafes and family owned shops that commenced this city's birth in. White sandy beaches and ombré shades of blue of the Mediterranean not only delighted our Midwestern-November eyes but also prepared us to embrace the array of greens nestled in the valley's vegetation and atop the surrounding hills.

A 30 minute scenic bus ride brought us to Tel Migiddo, a strategic settlement made by Man along a natural topographic road cut by the hand of God. What appears to be a large mound of rubble pocketed with protected archaeological "dig" sites, Tel Migiddo was a strategic settlement and economic stronghold for the Israelites. Not only was this natural roadway an important north-south trade route linking Asia (Minor) and Northern Africa (Egypt), but hidden below the rocky yet fertile soil was water, natural springs of living water.

As we descended 183 steps into the Israelites (under King Ahab's reign) greatest secret source of survival, a natural water source, it became clear that potable "sweet" water was not easily found in this geography. Tel Migiddo was our first introduction to Pastor George's (De Young) lesson on serving God, the only God of gods, that had cut this land with his Hand, a hand that cares for and feeds his sheep.

Our pre-lunch feast for the mind came at Mt. Carmel. It's the rainy season, a celebrated season for the Israelis who welcome a respite from several hot and waterless months. The path to the place where Elijah spoke to the Israelites (see 1 Kings 18:16-46) was a rocky hike made only more challenging by the clay-like soil thickened by daily downpours. What a blessing it was to read scripture and hear God's voice calling us to follow Him no matter how difficult the journey may become. Lunch, a typical lunch of pita bread, schnitzel chicken or falafel and lots of chopped veggies and salads, happened at a family-owned roadside restaurant. To say we were feeling "fed" at this point of our first day would be an understatement, when in fact it was clear that we were deeply satisfied.

To be continued!