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Israel, Jordan Study Tour with Living Oaks Church
October 1-13, 2018
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Understanding Who Jesus Is
Morning Devotions with Pastor Doug – The Lost Sheep - Luke 15:1-7
Time is waning for reaching the lost. We are the ones that need to share the “Word” to everyone we know who needs to accept our Savior Jesus Christ. Pastor Doug suggested we make a list of each person to whom we need to witness. “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it.”
Katzrin – While traveling through the Golan Heights, Katzrin was our first stop. We experienced first century life by dressing up for that period. From the stomping of grapes and enjoying the juice it produced, to the olive press process, and ending with making our bread on a fire grill of the period. Of course, we got to sample our goods and they were good!!!
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
Pastor Doug’s teaching was from Matthew and the story of the young crippled man on a litter that was lowered from the roof. We sat in such a room and the bible story came alive. Jesus took away the man’s sin and then healed him. “Take up your mat and go.”
Tel Dan – This was our next stop. There has been a great deal of excavation happening here to uncover what really took place. Only 1% of the ruins have been uncovered. Ronen had us read from 1 Kings 12:1-11; 25-33 explaining that Tel Dan became full of idolatry, worshipping golden calves in Bethel and Dan.
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.
Caesarea Philippi – Pastor Doug shared from Matthew 16:13-20, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “Blessed are you, son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.” “And on this rock I will build my church.” This rock is the profession of faith that Peter made.
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.
On the way back home we stopped at Olea Essence where we sampled olive oil and various skin care products made from olive oil. We then enjoyed a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee as the sun was setting. It was easy to imagine the story of Jesus calming the waters and showing His mighty power. We also had fun with Ronen leading us in song and dance. Our evening concluded with a delightful fish dinner by the sea.
Another exciting day in the Holy Land! “HIS” presence is in this place.
Written by John Ecklund
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