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Bethel Bible Church Presents:
October 29 - November 9, 2017
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Leaving Galilee
LEAVING THE SEA OF GALILEE
We were sad to leave Galilee- “The Land of Jesus”. We had magnificent sunsets and moon rises. BUT we had a joyous event before our departure. One of our own, Nathie, was baptized in the Jordan- Sea of Galilee. No doves appeared, but it still was a spiritually uplifting experience. She had a compelling testimony.
MEGIDDO
Then onward to Har Megiddo! The view of Jezreel valley was spectacular. This is the site of the FINAL BATTLE. Mount Tabor to the East; Lebanon to the north; the mountains of Samaria to the south. The valley is expansive. The location is prime real-estate. There is evidence of 26 civilizations on the mountain.
But more important than the view, the pagan altar is STILL there as a testament to man’s depravity. This altar is located in the Canaanite temple to the Baals. It was built in 3500 BC and survived until it was destroyed by the Assyrians and Babylonians. The Northern kings allowed its existence and “they did evil in God’s eyes.” The people of Israel forgot who they were, who their God was, and who they were to worship.
Megiddo
From the earliest times (EB) to the earliest historical records of the area (Thutmose III) to the future (Revelation 16), Megiddo assumes a prominent role. This is largely owing to its strategic location astride the Megiddo Pass (Wadi Ara) and inside the busy Jezreel Valley.
MOUNT CARMEL
Another picturesque location: beautiful rock gardens and spectacular views. The Great Sea was visible from the peak! This was the site of a famous battle: Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal: God + Elijah vs 850. NO CONTEST! All the prophets died- they experienced the wrath of God.
The lessons for us:
- Jesus received the wrath of God on our behalf
- No riding the fence - no limping per E Barton
- Elijah obeyed God in all he did 1 Kings 18: 36-39
Mt. Carmel
Biblically, Mt. Carmel is referenced most often as a symbol of beauty and fertility. To be given the “splendor of Carmel” was to be blessed indeed (Isa 35:2). Solomon praised his beloved: “your head crowns you like Mount Carmel” (Song 7:5). But for Carmel to wither was a sign of devastating judgment (Nahum 1:4).
CAESAREA MARITIMA:
This was the site of one of Herod the Great’s palaces. It was expansive including a theater, hippodrome, bath house and a fresh water pool. The location was again key. Caesarea is located at the end of the East-West road on the Mediterranean Sea. It was a deep-water port and the harbor was one of the largest in the world. This provided significant import export business opportunities.
This was a cosmopolitan environment. The Roman emphasis was on entertainment. It adversely affected the Jewish culture. They forgot their heritage.
Perhaps the most important archeological discovery in Caesarea is the historical documentation of a man named Pontius Pilate the governor under King Herod. This put the doubters to rest.
And remember that it was dangerous to drink white wine and lounge around near Herod’s swimming pool.
Caesarea Maritima
The city and harbor were built under Herod the Great during c. 22–10 BC near the site of a former Phoenician naval station known as Stratonos pyrgos (Στράτωνος πύργος).[2] It later became the provincial capital of Roman Judea, Roman Syria Palaestina and Byzantine Palaestina Prima provinces. The city was populated throughout the 1st to 6th centuries CE and became an important early center of Christianity during the Byzantine period, but was mostly abandoned following the Muslim conquest of 640. It was re-fortified by the Crusaders, and finally slighted by the Mamluks in 1265.
POST SCRIPT
We arrived in Jerusalem safely- The Dan Hotel. Our dinner was great and we met the Lord of the Silver Rings!
Ken & Sue Kummerfeld
Tyler, TX
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