Day 04 - Galilee: Mount Arbel, Tabgha, Capernaum, Chorazin, Mount of Beatitudes, Ancient Boat (Ginosar), Galilee Boat Ride

Today was our first day exploring the region of Galilee. A group of us hiked up Mt. Arbel, stopping to peek into ancient caves, and experiencing the rugged terrain upon which Jesus had walked. At the top we were greeted by a magnificent view of the Sea of Galilee. I was moved as Joey read from a list of the many things Jesus had done in this place, the place where 90% of His works were done. I was especially struck, not only by the beauty, but by the small population and rural feel of the area, which still describes Galilee today as it did in Jesus’s day. It is amazing to think that when God came into the world, He didn’t spend most of His time in the most “happening” places, where all the action appeared to be, in Jerusalem, Athens, or Rome. He spent most of His time in the backwaters of Israel. This shows the humility of God and reveals His love for the least of the earth. It also instructs us. Many times we humans chase after glittering positions where we think we will have real influence. Instead, we should be asking: Where does God want me to be? Because only when we are doing the will of God, in the place He desires for us, will we bear eternal fruit for His glory.

The entire experience in Galilee today has been awesome and enlightening!