The Road to Jerusalem

We left the resort at Ein Gev on the Sea of Galilee around 7:45am and traveled to the amazing ruins of the city of Beth She’an (The house of rest). The city was one of the decopolis cities and the only one west of the Jordan River. Strategically located along the Via Maris, control of the city was very important yet it wasn’t conquered by Israel until the time of David. Beth She’an was where the Philistines hung Saul’s body after he was killed.

Beginning in the first century, Rome gained control and developed it into the most important city in Israel. The incredible ruins included a hippodrome, theater, temple dedicated to Zeus, bath houses, a marketplace, pools, spas, sewer system, running water and housing spread out over hundreds of acres.

Pastor Mike reminded us that this Roman city was located in the midst of Israel and that their natural tendency was to conform to this new world. Romans 12:2 tells us that rather than conforming to this world, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Our next stop was the stronghold of Megiddo. On the way we passed the Spring of Gideon and then toured the site of the ancient city. Megiddo’s location along the Via Maris, the major trade route between Egypt and the rest of the world made its control important as well. Originally a Canaanite City, Megiddo was conquered by the tribe of Manasseh and reached its height under King Solomon.

We toured the city gate, the temple, the palace and the waterworks built by King Ahab that provided a fresh water source inside the city.

Pastor Mike read from Revelation 16 of the battle of Armageddon believed to be fought at Megiddo. There is coming a time when Jesus will return again to rescue his people, judge the world and set up his kingdom.  

After a quick lunch at Liali Al-Carmel Restaurant, we came to Mt. Carmel (The Vineyard of God). We toured the site where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal in front of all the Nation of Israel. The Lord sent fire down from heaven to show Israel He was their one true God and Elijah destroyed the prophets of Baal.

Pastor Mike shared how the people of Israel were forced to chose between the God of Israel or something else and that each one of us has the same decision to make. Many times we would rather play it safe and make no decision at all, but ultimately we will all chose to follow Jesus or not.

Our final stop for the day was at Caesarea Maritima. The city harbor built by Herod the Great beginning in 22 BCE. It included a stunning theatre, a theodrome that held the only Olympic Games to ever be held in Israel, a court and the palace where Herod and his family would stay.

The court in Caesarea was where the Apostle Paul appealed to Caesar to escape the Jews who spoke against him. It was also where the Lord sent Peter to save the house of the Roman Centurion. God used his people living under the control of the Roman Empire to spread the gospel throughout the entire world and as we walked among the ruins of Caesarea, it’s amazing to know He still does the very same thing today.

We traveled to Jerusalem to end our day staying at the Dan Hotel. What a day!

--John and Pam Aldridge