A stony hike, a boat ride and a mountaintop message

It was fun to start this day celebrating Katie Dew's birthday!

Today's eventful day in Galilee began in the Golan Heights with a long hike to the ruins of Gamla, a Zealot fortress written about by Josephus and containing a synagogue remnant. Jesus almost certainly preached there. To get to Gamla, a long descent on stony paths was required and we needed to help one another transverse the terrain. We delighted in the soaring eagles above us, but needed to concentrate on almost every step. Gamla's synagogue gave Pastor Bill the chance to challenge the thinking that one particular people has a corner on the gospel. Humans seem to have such a desire to divide; Jesus brings people together. After all, even within the band of disciples was Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector!

The soothing natural scene was occasionally interrupted by loud booms in the distance, as Israeli troops conducted military practices in the heights—yet another reminder of a land still troubled by division.

Lorraine and Dick Katte are ready for the long hike to Gamla.

Pastor Bill shares Gamla's history as we prepare to make our descent.

The hearty group heads to Gamla.

 

Bernie Woltjer and Tony Dew contemplate the breach in Gamla's city wall.

After an attempt to reach Susita (the road was newly blocked), we instead reflected at the nearby pastoral site of Kursi about Jesus healing the demonic and sending the evil spirits into pigs—which happened near these places. We learned how that one new Christian started a movement in that area which many years later provided a delegate to the Council of Nicea; it was ever more meaningful to recite the creed together in that historic location.

Teaching lesson at Kursi.

 

We enjoyed a quick lunch of shawerma (lamb on a pita) recommended by our guide, Khalil, and then got ready for our boat ride in the Sea of Galilee. Our very enthusiastic Israeli boat captain was determined to get us dancing to some national songs, but the most impressive lessons were simply being on that expanse of water, noting the many boat-and-sea scenes of the gospels. The wind picked up when we were in the middle of the sea, adding some real life understanding of the elements and how Jesus calmed hearts, minds and nature.

 

On the boat headed into the Sea of Galilee.

 

Our time in Capernaum was intriguing but more rushed due to the crush of other tour groups at that important (and popular) site in the Lord's ministry. It was fascinating to see the archeological site uncovering the synagogue area where Jesus taught and the home of Peter's mother-in-law, where we noted that there could be a sign on the door stating, "Jesus slept here."

Peter's mother-in-law's house in Capernaum.

Nearby by is the traditional site—Mensa Christi—where Jesus reconciled Peter after the resurrection. A powerful story of reconciliation to take deep into our hearts.

We ended the day on a mountain slope where some say Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. It was among the most moving times of the trip thus far as Pastor Bill delivered many passages of the text by memory on that special knoll. The radical, yet heart-filling message of these words had deep impact of the members of our group, just as our Lord's original words changed lives forever back then.

On the Mount of the Beatitudes.

As we arrived back at Nof Ginosar, we had a chance to see the 2,000-year-old boat that was found at the edge of the sea some years ago. After having just finished our own breezy ride on the waters of Galilee, we could more clearly picture Christ in that boat, saying "Peace be still," both to the waves and to each one of us.

We leave Galilee tomorrow morning and there will be some sadness as we've grown to love this region that Jesus so loved.  ~  Mike