A glimpse of Israel as it once was

Today I think we all experienced sensory overload as we journeyed from Tel Aviv and up to the shores of Lake Galilee as we took in not only the very modern Israel but also journeyed back two thousand years to catch a glimpse of Israel as it once was.

Our first stop was Independence Hall where we were surprised to learn that Tel Aviv was just sand dunes back in 1908 inhabited by nobody. From that humble start, it has now blossomed into a leading center of technology and a thriving modern culture of two million people in the surrounding area. We were all moved by the story of Meir Dizengoff, the first Mayor of Tel Aviv and our local guide Isaac was bursting with pride as he gave us the history of the birth of the nation and the pains it took to reach that point. (It was also pleasing to see just how excited a local Israeli is at the US moving the embassy to Jerusalem).

From Independence Hall, we travelled up the coast and back in time to Caesarea Maritima, where we saw the ruins of a crusader fortress and the port and palace of Herod along with his swimming pool, where possibly the Apostle Paul learned to swim during his wait to see Ceaser.

Lunch was a sumptuous picnic, gathered by our coach driver – who has the ability to squeeze a coach into spaces that most of us would struggle with a small sedan!

From there we journeyed to Mount Carmel, the location of Elijah’s confrontation with the priests of Baal and were awed by the sight of the Megiddo Valley and especially appreciated being able to witness the fighter jets flying from the Israeli Airforce base in valley.

However, I think from an experience standpoint, the last visit of the day was likely the most fascinating as we stepped back into a live reconstruction of Nazareth Village as it may have been in the first century. With live actors, real animals, olive trees, almond trees and working trades such as carpentry and weaving this really bought the Bible alive. The synagogue and olive press were especially interesting.

Throughout the day our tour leaders gave great spiritual insights from each location and I am sure that as we all try and sleep tonight, even though we are all tired, our minds will certainly be busy with all the truths and history we have absorbed today.