Day 12 - Beth Shean, Caesarea Maritima

It seems surreal to say, but today was our last day in Israel!

We continued our journey and hiked to the Tel of Ancient Beth Shean. While we walked upon the wide Roman roads of the International Coastal Highway, we considered what Jesus calls us to in Matthew 7. He calls to enter the narrow gate, instead of taking the wide road of this world that leads to destruction. 

We saw this first hand as we walked through the ruins of Beth-Shan. This was a place where the practice of Hellenism ran rampant. They worshiped false gods and did whatever they desired. Their cultural, social, and religious views clashed greatly with the Jewish faith which existed in community with those who practiced Hellenism. We walked through the ruins and contemplated the question: is there a way to live our life on the narrow road while walking with those on the wide road, to confront the culture with loving truth instead of assimilating to it? 

Our very last stop was along the Mediterranean Sea, at Caesarea — the palace, city, and harbor that Herod Agrippa built only a few years before the birth of Jesus. We learned once more of the danger and destruction of serving self instead of serving God. 

Yet, we found hope in the truth of who God is and the power that He has to redeem even the darkest places. For we learned that Caesarea was also where Paul, Philip, and many other disciples spent time and changed the lives of countless people for generations to come. 

Only a few feet away from the ruins of Herod’s temple sits the ruins of a small house — the very house where Paul spent two years under house arrest for giving the Gentiles access to the temple and the Salvation of Christ. Paul believed firmly that the gospel was for everyone and the testimony of his life and love for Christ is clear evidence of that. 

Just like Paul, we must go forward from this experience and run the race with endurance. In stride together, cheering each other on all for the glory of God. 

Soon, we will all go forward from the sacred spaces of this Holy Land. Yet, we will remain forever changed by the people that we have met, the sights we have seen, the smells, the endless flavors, the joys and sorrows that we have learned. To follow faithfully behind our Good Shepherd, to run the race with endurance, to love and to be the witnesses we are called to be. Here, at home, and everywhere we go.