Israel Study Tour with Grace Bible Church Ann Arbor
February 7-17, 2020
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Who do you say that I am?
We started the day early on the shore of the Sea of Galilee for a teaching from Pastor Ty, learning more about this region and one of the miracles that Jesus performed here. More to come this Sunday.
Katzrin, in the Golan Heights region, was the first stop after leaving our kibbutz for the day. Here we dressed in period garb, learned about pressing olives and made pita bread (think of a 4th century Israeli “Greenfield Village.”) While 43 of us were crammed into the very small house of a Rabbi, Alex reminded us of the account of four men that lowered their paralyzed friend through the roof to Jesus (Mark 2). Alex encouraged us to consider how many obstacles we may be willing to overcome to help our friends meet Jesus.
Katzrin
The ancient Jewish farming village of Katzrin was built around a spring, which still flows. Although there were standing ruins on the site, archaeological excavations have increased the number of accessible ancient buildings. An ancient synagogue was discovered in 1967 and excavated between 1971 and 1984. Other parts of the village were excavated beginning in 1983. Some of the buildings have been reconstructed on their ancient foundations and furnished with replicas of household goods and tools
After leaving Katzrin, we headed to Caesarea Philippi to see a ruined shrine to the Greek god, Pan. While at this place known for its worship of false gods, Jesus asked the disciples, “who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16) Peter affirmed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Jesus said he was going to build His church with Peter “on this rock.” Most importantly, the church would continue to advance on the gates of hell as a light in the darkness. Pastor Ty challenged us to decide who we say that Jesus is?
Caesarea Philippi
This abundant water supply has made the area very fertile and attractive for religious worship. Numerous temples were built at this city in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Next was Tel Dan. We gingerly hiked through muddy cobblestones to view the partially excavated ruins of the city of Dan. We read from the book of Judges and 1 Kings instances of the Israelites moving away from God by compromises and rewriting (changing) history. The final hike in Tel Dan was to a 4,000 year-old gate that was found and excavated only a few years ago. This land holds many hidden gems of history!
Tel Dan
On the northern frontier of the kingdom, Dan was particularly well fortified. This gatehouse was built in the ninth century BCE, probably by Ahab, and is part of a series of gateways discovered.
Hurriedly, we made our way back to the kibbutz this evening to witness the baptism of ten members of our team in the Sea of Galilee. Everyone told their story and the reason they wanted to be baptized here. The most common thread found in all these testimonies was pure obedience to Jesus. Tonight, there is rejoicing among our team!
We ended today with the glow of a bonfire reflecting on the water of this lake and praise songs coming from our lips. Like Peter, we have felt the presence of Jesus, the Son of the Living God. That’s who He is!
Although we traveled along the borders of Syria and Lebanon all day, we remain safe, joyful, and are very happy to be finally dry.
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