A Grateful Grace-full Life

I so enjoyed our days in The Galilee, I found it easy to picture Rabbi Jesus and his disciples there. But this was our day to leave, and I was excited about two special stops we would make before ascending up to Jerusalem.

Our first stop was in Migdal (Magdala in the Greek) at a very precious piece of property called, Migdal Arbel. It was indeed a blessing to be there with Shelli Brim, Pastor George and Terri, and others that were also there when I first stepped on to this land in November of 2001. That’s when I heard the vision for this prayer and study center — it pierced my heart and has never left me, since that time I have felt that a piece of my heart was planted there. The project has been a rocky road, but much progress has been made and we serve a God of miracles. And, in my heart I believe I will return to it again.

Next we traveled to Ariel in Samaria (Hotel Eshel HaShomron) after crossing a security check-point as we entered the West Bank. There we visited with an amazing, courageous couple who run a hotel in Ariel. We heard how Tova Gilboa survived a 2002 suicide bomber attack in the lobby of the hotel, and about her husband, Menachem Gilboa, who was awarded Israel’s highest honor for his heroism that same year. Many Israeli soldiers were saved as Menachem prevented a suicide bomber from completing his mission at a nearby gas station and restaurant. Following that we visited their model of the tabernacle and toured the beautiful city of Ariel.

We then began our ascent up to Jerusalem. We read some of the Psalms, and as we entered the city they played “Jerusalem, Jerusalem.” My heart was lifted and my eyes filled with tears. We arrived in time to visit a park overlooking the city, where Guy, one of our guides also talked about the importance of our visit and support of Israel. Next we made our way to The Inbal and settled in for our first dinner and night in the city.

The second part of our thrilling trip was just beginning, but I’ll share more about that in my next post. Until then, did you know that The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) were sung by worshipers as they made the journey up to Jerusalem for the annual feasts? These Psalms are inspiring and amazing, pick up your bible and have a look. Here’s a taste:
I was overjoyed when they said, “Let’s go up to the house of the Lord.” And now at last we stand here, inside the very gates of Jerusalem! O Jerusalem, you were built as a city of praise, where God and man mingle together.
Psalm 122:1-3 TPT

Scripture quotations marked TPT are from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This day was about seeing some of the incredible raw beauty in the area of the Golan, hearing from some Israelis, and prayer.

We started the day on a long bus ride, leaving the Sea of Galilee and climbing high up to the area of the Golan Heights. First we visited the look out point at Misgav Am. The views were breathtaking as we heard from a leader about some of the history of this Kibbutz located literally on the border of Southern Lebanon. Our group took time to pray here too… for the people on the other side of the border, as well as for the people of the kibbutz and the soldiers stationed there. We really wanted to bless them, so I think we may have just about “bought out” their small store.

Next we visited Caesarea Phillipi near the foot of Mt. Hermon. It’s a beautiful park now with springs and more (including fig trees as in the photo above), but it has a dark and pagan history. If you want to learn more, you might find this article interesting, it includes some of the things that were shared by our Pastors and guides that day.

Our last stop for the day was The Valley of Tears Memorial, on the border of Syria (so close we could see buildings in the distance) and the site of one of the largest tank battles in history. It commemorates those who fought and lost their lives in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Rani Levy passionately shared the story of what turned out to be a miraculous battle and victory with us, as well as the importance of the Golan Heights to Israel. It was very clear how much he loves his country. If you want to learn more, check out this book: The Heights of Courage.

We traveled back down the mountains to the Sea of Galilee for our last night at the hotel there, with much to reflect on and pray about. I couldn’t help but notice the places where the land has been reclaimed and is once again fruitful. Just before laying down that night, I took one last photo, it’s Tiberias from the balcony of my room. I wish the photo would show how lovely it really was — the lights of the city were twinkling and shining brightly.

Jerusalem was coming next, and I was excited to go there. But still, leaving the Galilee was a bit heart-wrenching. It’s my desire to go back and spend time at Migdal Arbel, in His time.

Thoughts of Jesus filled and continue to fill my heart as I think of this day.  As the Gospels and historians confirm, the Galilee is where Jesus came after his baptism by John, his desert temptation and the miracle of the water & wine at Cana. It is on these shores where much of his ministry took place. I can picture him there, calling Peter, the miraculous net-breaking catch of fish, feeding five thousand, calming the storm, walking on the water.

We started our day at a 1st century synagogue in Magdala. Mary of Magdalene came from there and Jesus definitely would have taught there. The excavation was amazing, as was the beautiful mural in the church there. it represents the woman with the issue of blood who was made whole by her faith, and by touching Jesus.

Next was Capernaum (Kfar Nahum or Nahum’s village). Archaeological excavations there include Peter’s house and a 4th century synagogue (limestone) which was built on the foundation of a 1st century (black basalt) synagogue.  This was the hometown of Peter, James, John, Andrew and the tax collector Matthew. Its where Jesus healed the Roman Centurion’s servant, Peter’s mother-in-law and the paralytic lowered through the roof.

We spent time on the Sea of Galilee before going to lunch at Ein Giv. We enjoyed the peaceful waters, saw how the fishing net was thrown, sang worship songs and danced an Israeli dance (thanks to instruction from Eli, one of our guides), and were taught by Pastor Terri.

We visited the Jesus Boat Museum at Ginosar before continuing on to Yardenit, the baptism site on the Jordan river. At Yardenit many of us donned baptismal robes and were baptized by our pastors.  It was very meaningful for me, a reconfirmation of my dedication to Jesus, and it was so precious to be baptized by Pastor Terri . (I didn’t want to show myself crying, so the photo shows Pastor Terri smiling as I came up out of the water).

We ended our day with dinner back at the Sea of Galilee Hotel in Magdala, and rested in preparation for day 4.

I am so grateful to have been there, where he walked. I hope the next time you read about the Sea of Galilee and Capernaum in the Gospels that these images will help these places and stories come alive for you too.

And Jesus, getting into a boat, crossed over the Sea of Galilee and came to [Capernaum] His own city…