From Galilee to the Coast

It has been our last day in the Galilee region. We started early by taking our luggage down to the bus, and then off to the next adventure. The message today: "On Attack!"

We began our journey on the only main road that runs from east to west. Our first stop: Bet She'an. This city is part of the Decapolis region. Decapolis means ten cities. We learned that Alexander the Great established these cities to spread his hellenistic worldview. To help you understand what hellenism is, there are five main pillars: 1. Media 2. Religion 3. Sport 4. Education 5. Shopping. The mentality and lifestyle here was that the human body is the center of the universe. That everything should be self-focused, full of pleasure and power. A life of leisure was the goal, with value based on beauty, accomplishment, and status. Sound familiar? Not much has changed in 2,000 years.  As we climbed the hilltop that overlooked the city ruins, everyone was instantly amazed at the craftsmanship. We were reminded, do not lose sight of what this place stood for. Don't let your eyes get distracted by the beauty. The people here built life around the idea of self, and it is now in ruins.The things of this world will not last. In what areas of life do we sacrifice others for our convenience and leisure?  

Next stop, Megiddo! This is a city that has been fought over for many generations. There are ruins form twenty six civilizations. Why is this city so desired? It is at the crossroads of the main travel route from north to south, and the only travel route from east to west. The ancient world of trade meshed here. We know that king Solomon fortified this city at some point. We can see ruins of the large city gates he built, and of the many horse stables he had, What can we learn from this place? We can see King Solomon's "small" compromises. He began his reign well. Seeking God's wisdom, and following with obedience. However we also see that he got sucked in, and compromised where God commanded him not to. He was obedient to write his own copy of the law, but he hoarded silver and gold. He was obedient to keep the law, but then he chose to have many horses and wives. Compromises lead to consequences. See for yourself how Solomon's story ends. Let me remind you, this city was placed at the crossroads of the world, with everyone watching how Israel represented their God. The Lord has placed us at specific places, crossroads, to represent Him. What do they see, obedience or compromise? 

We then found ourselves atop Mt. Carmel. This is the mountain where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, and where God brought down fire from heaven. Two things stood out to me here. Elijah is described as a man of passion. Here is a peek into the story that reveals why. He climbed 3.8 miles (one way) up the mountain, twice. During and after these climbs he gave an intense speech, built an altar, slaughtered a cow, killed 400 prophets of Baal, prayed, and outran a chariot for 14.5 miles. Whew! I'm tired just writing it. Hopefully, you've begun to see how intense this man was. We read that people mistook Jesus for Elijah. This tells us that Jesus spoke and moved with the same intense passion. So, run with the passion of Elijah and your Savior. Whatever that may look like for where you are. We are not all called to run fast, but we are all called to run. Do not walk, do not jog, run with the same intensity as those that have gone before us. I saw a new definition of passion today also. Passion does not mean power, force, and violence. After these things Elijah ran to the wilderness. There was an earthquake, fire, and wind. But the Lord's voice was in none of them. His voice came still and small; like one speaks to a newborn babe. So run with intensity to the deceived around you and love them passionately!

Final stop: Ceasarea Maritima, along the Mediteranean Sea. This city became a Roman colony after Herod the Great died. The idea of a colony was to display what it was like to live in the place it represented; in this case, Rome. Having colonies spread out made it more effective in spreading the Roman worldview, hellenism and idolatry of self. Phillippians 3:20 tells us that in Christ our citizenship is in heaven. As citizens of heaven we are to be a reflection to the world around us of what heaven is like. This challenged me to take a look at what my actions tell those around me heaven is like. Do people see peace or chaos in my life? When Herod had built this city on the sea, he wanted to make sure it was beautiful and captured attention. So he had the entire city overlayed in granite and marble. It became known as "the Jewel of the Mediteranean". Can you picture it sparkling beside the clear blue waters? Be careful what your eyes are drawn to. Today all of that "beauty" is still being washed up on the shore, trampled by feet and picked up by tourists. We also know that Paul was brought here to give his defense before being sent to Rome. He boldly pledged his allegiance to Christ three times. He was on attack with the weapons of love, grace, and mercy. His testimony to Christ still stands today, while Herod and Rome's testimony of wealth and beauty is washed up in pieces. Build your witness, your testimony, on what will last eternity so that the next generation may know. Now you are ready to go with us to Jerusalem. 

Savannah