Israel Study Tour with Passion Church

November 17-29, 2018

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This historical site on the coast

Today, after a full breakfast at the Ein-Gev Resort by the Sea of Galilee, we loaded up our tour bus and headed west to see three major sites.

The first place we stopped was an incredible archaeological mound called Megiddo. Throughout history, at least 25 different cities have been built on this land. Over time, as power would change, the city on this land would fall and then be rebuilt by a new leader. Megiddo was very important due to its prime location that allowed it to control the Via Maris, which was an international trade route. This meant it was an area highly desired by leaders all around. While there, we learned that this spot is where the final battle (Armageddon) will take place, as prophesied by the Apostle John in the book of Revelation. Wow! We were able to walk around and see ruins of the city gates, the horse stables, the temple area, and, most memorably, the water reservoir, which we viewed up close by climbing down many slick stairs to actually see it from the inside. References to this city location are strewn throughout the Bible and ancient history books. What an incredible place to get to explore.

Megiddo

From the earliest times (EB) to the earliest historical records of the area (Thutmose III) to the future (Revelation 16), Megiddo assumes a prominent role. This is largely owing to its strategic location astride the Megiddo Pass (Wadi Ara) and inside the busy Jezreel Valley.

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The second place we stopped was Mt. Carmel. This mountain provides a breathtaking view of the landscape and the many surrounding areas. More importantly though, are the stories we can find in the Bible that center around this mountain. One amazing story from the Bible that took place here is the story in 1 Kings 18, where Elijah challenged Ahab and the prophets of Baal when they were in a severe drought. Elijah trusted and followed God’s leading and, there, on the same mountain we stood on today, God proved himself and brought rain all those years ago, when the false god, Baal, could not. All we could say about this site was “wow.”

Mt. Carmel

Biblically, Mt. Carmel is referenced most often as a symbol of beauty and fertility. To be given the “splendor of Carmel” was to be blessed indeed (Isa 35:2). Solomon praised his beloved: “your head crowns you like Mount Carmel” (Song 7:5). But for Carmel to wither was a sign of devastating judgment (Nahum 1:4).

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The third and final place we visited today, before heading to our new hotel in Jerusalem, was Caesarea Maritima. This ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast is simply indescribable. There was so much to see, including ruins of a Roman amphitheater, a hippodrome (a sporting arena), and even the swimming pool of Herod the Great! The backdrop for the ancient city is, of course, the Mediterranean Sea. While there, we learned a bit of history about the city in its prime day, as well as references to this place in the Bible. One important story from the Bible that centers around this area is in Acts 10, when Peter had a vision from God. In Peters’s vision, God showed him that Jesus came, died, and rose again not only to save the Jews, but also to save the Gentiles as well. Ultimately, this led to Peter traveling to Caesarea Maritima to preach the news of Jesus Christ to Cornelius (a Roman Centurion) and his family, who were all Gentiles. Upon hearing the good news, Cornelius and his family were filled with the Holy Spirit. This important costal place was where Peter first saw, and really grasped, that Jesus is the Savior to ALL men. Our group was blown away by the importance, vastness, and beauty of this historical site on the coast.

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.

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Each day of this Israel journey so far has been unique and awe inspiring, and each site we have encountered has made Scripture come alive in front of our eyes like never before. No doubt, this experience will continually provide fresh insight on Scripture for all in the group, even long after the trip is over and we all go home.

Tonight, we ended our day by checking in to our new hotel in Jerusalem. After all the “wows” of today, we are worn out, but so excited for more tomorrow.

Rebekah Wiggins

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