Even the mighty fall, therefore be humble

It’s Monday and despite what many people may say about Mondays… today was really fun. We said goodbye to our Galilean kibbutz and left for for the coastal region. We began our day by visiting Beit She’ean, later to be known as Scytopolis, an incredible city that now lies in ruin. Coming into the city center was definitely a “wow” moment for us all. The Roman columns on the cardo (Main Street), tile mosaics and Roman bath houses we’re so large it was unbelievable to think what this city might have once been. We even sat and laughed in what would have been an ancient restroom! This is the city where Saul and Jonathan’s bodies were brought after they were killed in battle. It was at this spot we were reminded through scripture that even the mighty fall, therefore be humble.

From Beit She’ean we then drove, and then hiked, to the top of Mt. Carmel, the site where Elijah called down fire on the prophets of Baal. The view from the top was outstanding as you could see nearly all of the Jezreel valley, west of the Jordan. In the distance we could see Jesus’s home as a child, Nazareth.

From Mt. Carmel we drove down the mountain and headed to the coastal port of Caesarea Maritima. Caesarea Maritima was built and rebuilt many times and boasts a most impressive amphitheater, hippodrome and harbor. This is also a site regularly visited by the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. He was also imprisoned and stood trial in Caesarea Maritima. It is from this port city that he was sent to Rome after an appeal to Caesar. We took time here to look at the Mediterranean Sea, walk the ruins of the palace as well as hang out in the amphitheater. It was another great day in the Holy Land. Now we enter Jerusalem for the remainder of our time. Our hotel is just inside the Jaffa gate inside the old city. What an amazing location, can’t wait to see all this special city holds.