Day 2

Caesarea and the Site of Paul's trial in Caesarea at the Hippodrom

Example of Tomb with Stone ; the Megiddo Valley from Mt Carmel

Megiddo Valley from Megiddo ; Site of the hill in Nazareth Luke 4

Picture of Cana taken from bus and The Jesus Boat

March 27, 2008

Bible Study Theme: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Matt 28:18

Places Visited:
Caesarea
Mt. Carmel
Megiddo
Cana
Megiddo Valley
Nazareth

Today we started out at the ruins of Caesarea! We had a bible study at an amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and found out Caesarea was a place where 200,000 people lived in its time. It was anchored by the largest sea port in the area. The very significant find was a stone engraved with Pontius Pilates’ name. There was also a second theater with a hippodrome. This was most likely the place Paul was put on trial.

Next we went to Mount Carmel; where the prophet Elijah made his stand against 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets Asherah. (1 Kings 18). We also had a bible study here and could see where Elijah took the prophets to be killed and where he ran off to.

After we left Mt. Carmel we headed for Megiddo and the Megiddo Valley. There was approximately 25 to 27 cities of ruins built right on top of each other overlooking the Megiddo Valley (Valley of Armageddon). From where we stood we had a 360 degree vantage point of the entire valley. No wander everyone fought over this piece of real estate. This was a truly awesome sight to be seen! We also had a bible teaching on the top of the hill, before moving to the middle of the Megiddo. In the middle of the ruins was a well dug out in the iron ages. We walked deep down into the well, through the cave and came out on the other side where the water source was located.

Leaving the Megiddo Valley we were dashed off to a hillside overlooking Nazareth. This is believed to be the spot mention in Luke 4:28-30, where Jesus was nearly thrown off the brow of the hill on which the city was built.

When we left Nazareth we did a drive-by of Cana. Cana is the location of Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine. We took a picture as we drove by on our way to see the Galilee Boat. This is a boat found on the shores of Galilee when the waters were receded one year. It was found to be approximately 2000 years old. You know… Jesus’ time!

Our final stop was in Tiberius. After checking into our room and eating at the Holiday Inn in Tiberius, mom and myself joined two other members of our group and walked the shore line of the Sea of Galilee and shared in some deep fellowship and prayer.

Thank you Lord for a wonderful day!

Things I learned in Israel today:

Israeli’s must serve at least 3 years in the Israeli Defense Force (Their Army)
Muslims do not serve in the Army!
Israeli’s would rather see a conservative Republican in the White House