One Last Look At Our Trip To Israel

The Beautiful Sea of Galilee

A pilgrimage to Israel is intense. The country is extremely small and filled with sights and experiences. On Saturday of our trip within only a few miles we moved from the Sea of Galilee in the north to the south following the Jordan River.

For me, the Sea of Galilee is one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth. Part of the beauty has to do with the lay of the land. The lake is about 13 by 7 miles (much smaller than Lake Pontchartrain where I live).

The lake is 600 feet below sea level. When you travel from almost any direction, you look down on the lake. It is truly a beautiful sight. Much of Jesus’ ministry occurred around the Sea of Galilee. Not long ago I read through the Gospel of Mark and noted the first six chapters centered on the lake.

The Jordan River as it flows from the Sea of Galilee

 

All of the following occurred on the lake: the beatitudes, the feeding of the 5,000, the healing of the Gadarene demoniac, and, of course, Jesus calming the waves and walking on the sea. Looking out over the lake lets you remember that you walked or sailed exactly where Jesus did.

The Jordan River flows from Mount Hermon on the Israeli-Lebanese border into the Sea of Galilee and flows out to feed the Dead Sea almost 100 miles to the south. At the place where the river exits the lake, the river is a small but beautiful sight.

Not far from the Sea of Galilee, we visited Bet Shan, one of the cities of the Decapolis (10 cities) from the time of Jesus. While we don’t have any proof that Jesus visited Bet Shan, it was a large and prosperous city in His day.

The Roman Theater at Bet Shan

I am thankful again to have visited the land of the Bible. It is truly a wonderful experience that helps you  “see” the events of Scripture, but we must live out our faith in our own land. God is here. Let us serve Him with all our hearts.

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2 Responses

  1. Thank you Lord for answered prayers. A good safe trip. Healing for some of the members who were able to attend. A reminder You are in the details Lord. Peace. Shalom! A bit more than Peace, An Attitude. Amen.

    Thank you Dr. Bailey!

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