Holy Land 2016 Day 4 (The Real One)

I begin this evening's post with a clarification and an apology. Today is for Day 4, our second full day of touring. Yesterday's blog (which I posted earlier this evening) had the original title for Day 4, but was actually Day 3. I know, it's confusing, but I'm tired and I mislabeled it. So, below is for today, the real day 4!

An Israeli Buffet Breakfast started our day well as we focused on the question Jesus asked of us, "Who do you say that I am?"

Then we headed for the far northeast reaches of Israel. We began in Chorazin, one of the cities of the "evangelical triangle" where Jesus spent most of his ministry (according to the scriptures). It was also one of those cities he "cursed" because the miracles done in them didn't turn them or cause them to change. Interestingly, none of those churches survived much longer (through the 3rd-4th Centuries). The black basalt stone city was very large and bustling in Jesus' day with the synagogue reminiscent of others we might find in Galilee. 

It was also refreshing to see that this site was being prepped for handicapped accessibility ironically so that those who pilgrimage to the Holy Land won't be hampered. Maybe Chorazin's curse can further be a witness to make up for its failure in the past.

From Chorazin, we travelled up highway 90 through the Hula Valley to one of the great and powerful cities that was conquered by Joshua, Hazor. Once large in the Canaanite period, was much smaller when Solomon rebuilt it around 1000BCE. 

A little further north, we stopped by the kibbutz Amir where Shraga grew up. We stopped for a short visit and walk through the beautiful town near the bank of the Jordan River, where Shraga's cousin helps run the kibbutz daycare. 

Then we travelled to Caesarea Philippi, also know as Banias or the town of Pan, the Greek god. It was a pagan city with no known Jewish settlement which made it interesting why Jesus brought his disciples to this place. Maybe it was the setting that prepared them and us for his message, that our faith as Peter proclaimed it, that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the Living God," was truly the Rock (Petra) upon which Jesus would build his church (not the little stone "Petros") and that the gates of Hades (or the cave of Pan) could not stand against it. Definitely something to consider.

A short ways away was a memorial site of a major battle in the 6 Day War between Israel and Syria (and Egypt). It was moving to hear Shraga tell this story of bravery during a difficult challenge to Israel's sovereignty. He was noticeably moved by the story as he, too, served as a paratrooper in this conflict and it hit home with him.

From there we traveled "down" the Goal to a Druze Village for lunch of Laban and fresh lavash before heading to Mt. Bengal, one of the inactive volcanos of Israel, but whose prominence made it a perfect vantage point to keep watch over neighboring Syria. 

Shraga gave us a great lesson on the modern history of Israel, especially through the conflicts. (And Abed, our driver, charioted us well on this long day of driving.) 

Just before dinner we stopped to get harassed at the National Diamond Center. No one bought anything which is considered a win for us all.

Another good day in the Galilee. Tomorrow we stay near the Lake and focus on Jesus' ministry.

May you be blessed yourself as Jesus continues to work in you as he continues to work in us.

Peace ><>

PC