Waking up in Israel!

Today was our first day waking up in Israel on the Sea of Galilee! What a great feeling to be in the promised land! Today we visited Tel Dan and Caesarea Philippi in the northern part of the country, then finished in the region of the Galilee where more than 90% of Jesus’ miracles took place. What a day to connect ancient Israel and the Hebrew kings to the New Testament ministry of Jesus.

Going to Tel Dan was special as this is the archeological site that Jonathan our leader has been excavating for many years with his colleagues. What a blessing to hear the stories and findings and how that helps us understand the bible more. Jonathan showed us how the people in Dan thought they were worshiping God well and serving him. Yet Amos calls them out in chapter 5 and says “I will not accept your burnt offerings”. We paused to reflect on our lives and how easy it is to think we are doing the right things for God but really we have missed what he has called us to.

At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus takes his disciples there (Matthew 16:13) and asks them, who do you say that I am”. What a pivotal moment in their lives individually and as a group. And doesn’t he still ask us the same questions today? Our actions are based on our faith, and our faith is based on what we believe about Christ – who he is to the world and to us personally. Jennifer contrasted Caesar worship of the time and the fact that God alone is worthy to be worshiped.

Capernaum is THE TOWN OF JESUS, the headquarters of his ministry and his earthly home. An understandably popular site (lots of people were here), the property features a 4th century synagogue which is built on the foundation of the 1st century synagogue where Jesus would have taught. Across from this is the remains of what is believed to be the home of Peter’s mother-in-law where Jesus healed her. It was amazing to take a few minutes and reflect on all the miracles and teachings that Jesus did in and near this town on the Galilee.

Jenifer finished the day off sharing in Magdala some personal experiences from her life and how without God we have no hope. As we have become a family on this trip her story really touched our hearts and we all walked away thankful for the assurance we have in the Lord that he will never leave us.

All in all this was a great day as we are loving the time we are having to focus on Jesus and how His teaching changes our lives today. Tomorrow we leave the Galilee region and will make our way toward Jerusalem.