Seeing Clearly

After a chilly devotional by the Sea of Galilee, we were treated to a perfect day in the Golan Heights. Our driver and guide were pleasantly surprised at how clear this winter day was, allowing us to see things clearly on our morning drive to Dan, including stunning views of snow-capped Mount Hermon.

Dan: City of much biblical history
Our day began in Dan, a city mentioned in several OT places, starting in Genesis 14. As we entered the excavated city, Yehuda showed us where, how, and why the city gates were placed. As we reached the upper part, we entered into what was one of two "temples" in the Northern Kingdom, after the division of Israel and Judah.

After Jeroboam was made king of the northern kingdom, he set up two temple replicas, one in Bethel and the other in Dan. Each not only had resemblances of Solomon's temple, but also contained golden calves, revealing a compromise with the culture.

Not only were the golden calves grieveous to the Lord, but the replicas were, as well, since Jerusalem was God's prescribed place for His temple (see a rebuke in Amos 5:21-22).

What was our lesson? Simply that through history, God wills that His people worship the way He has prescribed, not necessarily the way we desire. Worship is primarily about God, not us. He is the center, and we are to craft our worship around His ways and desires, not to our own whims or our society's desires.

Caesarea Philippi: Death, where is your sting?
Although "good little Jewish boys would not have visited this idolatrous city" (as Terry put it), some of Jesus' most memorable words were spoken (Matt. 16:13-28).

The people of this city worshiped a god named Pan, who was half goat, half man. Pan was associated with lust and promiscuity. Perhaps if he were worshiped today, we would rename him, "Porn." As Terry reminded us, Pan could not hold a candle to our sexualized culture, though, so things have not really changed.

A large cliff lines the back of the city, and in this cliff is a huge cave-entrance we know as, "The Gates of Hades." Greeks believed that the god Hades was in charge of the dead, then they later labeled the place of the dead, "Hades" ("Hell" in some English translations).

Most likely this gate was in view when Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say I am?" When Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God," Jesus spoke of building His Church and promising that "even the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."

What was Jesus saying? Perhaps two things, as Terry pointed out:
Secular values, though they often seem overpowering, will not prevail over the gospel. While we should resist them, we should never fear them. They may seem strong now, but the gospel of Jesus Christ will never fall to them.
Death, though it stings us now, will not prevail over those who believe the gospel. So we need not fear death, for the Jesus who made the promise in Caesarea Philippi would not be held by death. He has risen, and those who trust in Him will also rise and say, "Death where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?!" (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Mount Bental: Perspective of Recent Golan Heights History
In our morning drive, Yehuda provided his own perspectives of the 20th century land struggles between Israel and Syria. Not only are we staying in what used to belong to Syria,, but almost everywhere we traveled today would have been occupied by Syria before 1967.

In the early afternoon, we ascended Mt. Bental and stood at the top, overlooking parts of Syria and Lebanon. We also had a marvelous view of Mt. Hermon, though it was windy and cold (the coffee shop served as our mountaintop oasis!). As Terry and Yehuda provided a 20th century history-lesson after our departure, it was easy to see why supporting Israel is such an important thing, not only to preserving history in the land, but also maintaining world security. Not far from Mt. Bental lurk forces from Al Queda and ISIS, but thankfully the land is still protected and feels just as safe (if not safer) than our American home.

Qatzrin: Life in the First Century
Qatzrin is another ancient Jewish village, where tourists can "experience" life in the first century.

Our first stop was a house likely resembling the Capernaum house, where the paralytic was lowered through the roof. As we entered we noticed how dark an interior would have been, since the only "windows" were small squares near the roof, allowing minimal radiant heat in, and internal heat to escape.

Our "shepherd," Aboon, led us into the main room (tight quarters!) and lit an oil lamp for us. Terry then read the paralytic account from Mark 2:1-12. For many of us, this was quite eye-opening, as we could feel the crowded nature of the house, and see the type of roof the four men desperately dismantled to get their friend to Jesus.

As has been a prominent theme, Terry noted what Jesus first noticed: the faith of the man's friends. They had no assurance they would get what they wanted, and it could have been an embarrassing situation. They stopped at nothing for their friend, though, and Jesus commended their faith.

Our lesson? It is not our job to save people, but it is the mark of a faithful friend to bring those in need to Jesus. We bring people to "see" Jesus, and He does the soul-work.

After leaving the house we went to a cooking spot, where one of our own ground some flour, which we made into cakes and cooked. Then we enjoyed our hot bread with a few middle eastern condiments: goat cheese, jelly and olive oil. We then moved to an olive press and watched how olive oil was made.

Olea Olive Oil Factory
Our last stop was a festive way to end the day, as we toured an olive oil factory near Qatzrin. As we approached, Yehuda made it known that the olive oil we buy at home is nothing like the Olea brand, available only at this site and online . . . and boy was he right!

After watching a short video-history, we got to apply an exfoliating olive oil paste to our hands and faces (well, Mike Fackler was the only facial volunteer). Then we sampled three different types of olive oil Olea produces.
Finally we got to shop for olive oil and olive oil products.

Tomorrow morning we will leave the Sea of Galilee and see sites to the south and west, before settling in Jerusalem for our final few days.