You want me to go where?!

As day breaks on the Sea of Galilee, we are met with something we really haven’t seen on this trip since we left Michigan…clouds, not just overcast clouds, but what looks potentially like rain clouds!

Our usual morning routine involves a quick breakfast, a quick devotional, and a group recitation of the Shema in Hebrew and English, then we are off to more adventures.

Todays adventures have taken us to the Golan Heights, which were won during the 6-day war in 1967. Remnants of this battle exist in the forms of various bunkers, homes, minefields, and a blown out tank. I personally find it amusing to take notes of signs one would not normally see at home. The “Danger, Mine Field” sign is one I never thought to look for.

Today’s site discussions continue an ongoing lesson about why we exist in our cultures, and what are we doing about it. These are important questions and exploring what Jesus did to answer those define today’s tour.

Our first stop was to a Zealot fortress called Gamla. It was here that Jesus took his disciples out of their Jewish, Galilean lifestyle. As you may recall, the Zealots were a purist group of Jews who carried the Torah in one hand, and a sword in the other. Their resistance was not just against Rome, as many fellow countrymen, whom they felt were compromising, fell prey to their assassinations also. In this environment, 5000 men in this general area came out to hear Jesus speak. Like a pastor’s message that is both loving and convicting, Jesus presents the Sermon on the Mount…Love your enemies, bless those who persecute you, go the extra mile! Then, in an act that drives the point home, Christ feeds the 5000.

Our second stop took us to Tel Dan. This area is the portion of land Dan took after forgoing his inheritance in the land of Sorec (Day 1). This land is often called an Eden for good reason. The snow melt from nearby Mt. Hermon (also the location of the transfiguration) creates crystal clear, cold streams that form the beginning of the Jordan River. We learn of Jeroboam’s attempts to control the people through religious freedoms and practices.

Our third stop, was Caesarea Philippi. Herod’s son, Phillip ruled this region and set up his palace in an area of rock known to house temples in worship of Zeus and Pan. Additionally, there was a cave producing the main water source, referred to as “Hades’ gate”. This area is very pagan, yet here is Jesus dragging His disciples to the heart of pagan worship. He looks at all this Greek god worship and asks His disciples who He is. Simon says “You are the one and only God!”. God affirms Simon by changing his name to Peter (Rock) and says He will build His church on that rock, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it! His temple, His people, His presence!

Our last stop is to the 2000-year-old city of Susita. A Roman built city, it is opposite Bethsaida across the Sea of Galilee. This is the city Jesus refers to when He says a city on a hill cannot be hidden. It is here that Jesus drags his disciples once more across the stormy sea, to meet a demon possessed man who Christ appoints as his first missionary. The Gospel is spread, lives are changed, and 400 years later, after the temples to the “gods” are destroyed, a Byzantine chapel is formed among the ruins, from which comes the Apostle’s creed.

The question we are all faced with is this: Christ came to SEEK and SAVE the lost. Are we willing to boldly go where comfortable and pedigreed Christians wouldn’t?

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.” — Jim Elliot

Paul Copeland