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Israel Study Tour - The Forge (Pine Cove)
March 1-13, 2020
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We have a gracious Father who listens to our every prayer.
What does it look like to pray?
The day started on Mt. Arbel, where we learned what it looks like to pray. Jesus would go off to “The mountain” to pray. He would constantly seek His Heavenly Father for His every need, and the Father would provide. With Christ’s example we can boldly approach the throne of God like a child, knowing that we have a gracious Father who listens to our every prayer.
Mount Arbel
Mount Arbel (Hebrew: הר ארבל, Har Arbel) is a mountain in The Lower Galilee near Tiberias in Israel, with high cliffs, views of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, trails to a cave-fortress, and ruins of an ancient synagogue. Mt. Arbel sits across from Mount Nitai; their cliffs were created as a result of the Jordan Rift Valley and the geological faults that produced the valleys.
What does it look like to live in a Jewish community?
We visited the ruins of Chorazin. In an ancient synagogue, we learned about how a Jewish village functioned. The culture of an ancient Jewish village was one that was immersed in the scriptures. From an early age, the scriptures were a cornerstone for people, and established someone as a member of the community. Imagine if the culture of our day was as immersed and obsessed with the scriptures as they were.
Chorazin
The synagogue at Chorazin is a typical “Galilean” style synagogue. These synagogues are characterized by 1) a basilical shape with three hallways separated by two rows of pillars; 2) three doorways and the central one is the largest; 3) benches around the interior walls; 4) a stylobate to support the weight of the arches.
What does it mean to see?
In the tiny fishing village of Bethsaida we talked about the miracle of Jesus healing a blind man, in Mark 8:22-26. Jesus not only wanted to give sight to the blind man, but He wanted to teach His disciples. The reason He wanted to teach them, and help give them “sight,” was because they had not fully realized that Jesus was the Messiah. Christ was trying to give his disciples understanding. This is what it means to see- our faith gives us sight and understanding that our eyes cannot see.
Bethsaida
The northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee is a fertile plain where the feeding of the 5,000 likely took place. Israeli maps and excavators currently locate the New Testament city of Bethsaida at an ancient ruin known as “et-Tell.” The excavation team, headed by Rami Arav, is insistent that this site be identified with ancient Bethsaida. Others suggest that Bethsaida may be better located at el-Araj near the lakeshore.
Who can and who cares?
The day ended with something so sweet seeing 6 people being baptized in the Jordan River. There were four Forgies: Jason Duffield, Gus Roden, Emily Quinn & Jenna Albright, as well as David and Janet Schuler- Jared’s parents. It was amazing to see my brothers and sisters in Christ declare their identity in Him. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight. Israel has not only shown us the physical beauty of the land but the beauty that is found a Heavenly Father who can and who cares for us.
-Derrick Simiyu
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