Water, Trees, and Jesus

When Miriam our guide was going over our agenda for today we laughed thinking we would never get through all the activities she mentioned. I am happy to say that I was wrong. Ready for a fast rundown? Here it goes!

We walked to a dock on the Sea of Galilee this morning at 8 am. It was only less than a quarter of mile away from our hotel. We boarded a boat and set sail. The water was very calm which was a relief for a few of us who suffer from motion sickness!

After singing some hymns together, a devotional was shared from Mark 4. The waves in the Sea of Galilee were so harsh that even seasoned fishermen feared for their lives. But after Jesus spoke to the waves and wind, they subsided and became calm. Knowing the God and Creator of the Universe was commanding the sea that we were presently on to calm was simply (I know I keep using this word!) overwhelming.

We had a fun time dancing and watching others dance to traditional Jewish songs before moving on to the Jesus Boat Museum. During a drought researchers found in the murky mud a boat dating back to Jesus’ time. It was fascinating to see how they moved the boat and preserved the wood.

Next we were off to the Lavi forest near the Golanie Junction. The Friends of Israel works with the Jewish National Fund, which is Israel’s private forestry service. We were able to each plant a tree in someone’s honor or memory. Many planted in honor or memory of family and friends. There were prayers and tears being lifted to God as people planted these trees. It was truly a unique and moving experience.

On to Nazareth! We drove into Nazareth the one that Nathanael was talking about in John 1;46 when he asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Today, Nazareth is a Jewish and Muslim community and they both work hard to live together. Most shop names were in both Arabic and Hebrew. You saw kids both Muslums and Jewish going to school together. 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.

I just want to take a moment and say thank you to those churches or members who sent their pastor’s on this tour. This time in Nazareth Village alone is worth the trip as they saw how things were made and why Jesus used certain examples and parables. I know their hearts and minds are being renewed by what they are seeing, learning, and experiencing.

We were able to eat a lunch that would have been served 2,000 years ago. And you know what? They ate GREAT food. The flatbread, the hummus, the red lentil soup, the cabbage, the rosemary chicken and the apples with fresh figs and honey – all amazing.

After lunch we headed to Capernaum, the headquarters for Jesus’ ministry. He healed many and casted out demons. I was struck by words Jesus said about Capernaum because even though Jesus showed so much of His power as the Son of God, most rejected Him. He had very harsh words for them. “And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.” Matthew 11:23 May we take the words Jesus says and allow the Spirit to change us!

A night back at the hotel for dinner and packing was just what we need to get ready for tomorrow as we head to the Jordan River, Mount Carmel, and then on to Jerusalem! Please be praying for us. We have a lot of walking ahead of us in Jerusalem and very uneven steps. We’ve only had one fall that was me! I’m fine but please pray our steps will be swift and strong! And do not worry about us, our guide and driver are constantly in communication with their contacts in Jerusalem about any questionable areas. God will go before us!

-Sarah

https://twitter.com/martinwfern/status/656464252656570369

https://twitter.com/martinwfern/status/656462040068935680

https://twitter.com/martinwfern/status/656448230327209984

https://twitter.com/martinwfern/status/656382425497473024