Our day began at a high point in the Galilee area-Arbel. There is an ancient New Testament city called Arbel. Also the mountain itself is called Arbel. So, we began the morning by climbing Mt. Arbel. We didn’t go up the cliff side, however, but took the road in from the back side of the mountain (in case anyone was wondering)… From the top of Arbel, we had the most fantastic view of the entire area of Galilee! And since we got in after dark the night before, this was an eye-opener!
From Arbel, we proceeded North-Northeast to a the Mount of Beatitudes. Here we saw the Catholic Church that marks the site, built by Mussolini during World War II. There, on the veranda of that church, overlooking the natural amphitheatre that leads down to the edge of the Sea of Galilee, we got to hear Malcolm read the Beatitudes and explain to us what ‘Blessed’ really means–not just ‘happy’ as some translations explain it, but ‘more than happy’ as in totally and completely content. What a meaningful, meaningful time, as we heard the core of Jesus’ teachings & ministry!
Next was a place called Tabgha, a New Testament port for the City of Capernaum. Also the springs that fed Capernaum were located in this area. We went down to the shore, heard a wonderful short talk by Malcolm (our guide) regarding seeing the things of God only as we really look for them, concentrate our efforts in God’s direction. He then showed us that the gravel we were walking on wasn’t just gravel, but probably thousands (if not millions) of tiny shells were what was under our feet. And then we gathered… Everyone had shells to bring home from the Sea of Galilee, a reminder of how we need to keep our eyes on God and seek him in every area of our lives…
Pastor Rom, Jean Walker, Steve Colden & Julie Colden (with others in the background) at Tabgha…
We moved over to Capernaum before lunchtime and toured the ruins of this ancient New Testament city–Jesus second home during his ministry years. This was the home of Peter’s mother-in-law, the one who wasn’t feeling good and Jesus came over and healed. So, we heard that story and saw the ruins of two ancient churches and one modern-day church, built over the ruins of her home. Then, we toured the synagogue that Jesus probably taught in (aleit an earlier version). Finally, we heard about the biggest trade at Capernaum–olive oil. Malcom told us there were more olive presses per capita found in Capernaum than in any other New Testament location that’s been excavated. So, we saw our share of those at Capernaum, too!
Inside the Synagoge at Capernaum…
We then drove over to Magdala for lunch. We were entertained by one of the restaurant’s owners and served a magnificent lunch of Peter’s fish, spiced rice, and broasted potatoe wedges (along with a full Israeli salad bar). For desert? Bedoin coffee & hot tea & fresh dates! Mmmmmm….
Peter’s Fish Lunch at Magdala (home of Mary Magdalene)…
After lunch, we drove by Bethsaida–Peter’s home town–and the plain of the same name, on our way to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. We had to go to the opposite side (East) of the Sea of Galilee due to incredible wind of the side we were staying on and supposed to launch from. It was excellent though. We took the boat ride, cut the engines while out in the lake for a short time of worship, and got to hear Maria (Nelson) sing again as she led us in ‘It is Well’ and ‘Amazing Grace’. I was able to share one of the ‘lake texts’ (Matt. 14:22-33) and relate Jesus wanting to be present in his disciples distress (caught in a storm on the lake) to my mother’s time between when she discovered she was sick until her death. She learned that Jesus was present during her greatest time of distress too … and now she calls Galilee her final resting place (cremated and ashes spread on Gaililee several years ago). After our time of worship, one of the boatmen taught us to sing a Jewish song and then dance a Jewish dance! Oh, if I only had a picture of my two left feet… It was hilarious … and fun!
Some of our group on the boat ride on the Sea of Galilee…
We ended our day down by the Jordan River, remembering Jesus’ baptism and the new beginning of his ministry. Just as he was affirmed by God for his ministry, so too can we be affirmed in ours! A great reminder… And tomorrow’s another day…
Until then, Pastor Rom