Sunday
morning came with our lead rabbi able to return to limited service. His co-rabbis were affirmed for the meaningful service that they provided. They also stepped in to enable his needed rest during the day. Our first stop today was to hear our rabbi
lead us in the Sermon on the Mount of Beatitudes. After a few stops we ended up in Jerusalem
for the rest of the week.
Mount of Beatitudes…overlooking Mensa
Christi and the Sea of Galilee. Our climb to the top provided a grassy field to
rest and listen to what Jesus shared many years ago. We were struck with how clear the message was
at that time, as well as how it is still true today for anyone who wants to serve
God. Like the crowds at that time, we
affirmed their conclusion: He speaks as one having authority, not like the
scribes.
Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee
Climbing the Mount of Beatitudes
Listening to the Sermon on the Mount
Eremos…a cave setting on the trail
leading down from the Mount of Beatitudes where it is thought that Jesus spent
considerable time alone praying while overlooking the Sea of Galilee. One of these times He saw the disciples
struggling in a boat during a storm. Jesus walking on the water to them enabled Him again to calm their fears
and demonstrate His control over nature. A kind of solitude came over everyone as we returned to the bus. We knew that we were leaving the beauty and
meaning of Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee. We were now beginning our journey to
Jerusalem with the understanding of the reality of Jesus’ crucifixion. Knowing that the week following our return is
Holy Week has added extra intensity to experiencing this coming week.
Beth She’an…located at the east end of
the Jezreel Valley, this city was one of the Decapolis cities, Alexander the
Great’s ten model cities that were designed to attract people to Greek culture. Representing the ideal set of resources – water,
minerals and location – the city was known for its full complement of sports
arenas and baths for relaxation. Near
the Gilboa mountains, the Philistines hung Saul and Jonathon’s bodies on the
city wall as an example. Like other
cities, Beth She’an was destroyed by the earthquake of 749 AD.
Jordan River…while on the way to
Jericho, we stopped at a special site designed for group access to the Jordan River. Across from us was a similar site, but located
in Jordan. Our rabbi challenged us,
whether or not we stepped into the river, to rededicate ourselves to being the
Light of Jesus to a world in the midst of increasing chaos.
Rededicating in the Jordan River
Jericho…known for being the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. We observed the remains of a large tower that dates back at least to 8000 BC. We saw the remains of Herod’s opulence and heard stories of his violence. In the face of this wealth and knowing He was on the way to be crucified, Jesus still made time for healing a blind beggar who was willing to leave what he had and follow Him. As Jesus asked this blind man, He also asks us the same question today: “What do you want Me to do for you?” How willing are we to adapt ourselves for how He wants to use us to get His work done around us?
The Wilderness…As Jesus often did with
His disciples, our rabbi took us out into the wilderness for our Sunday evening
service. Using the model of shepherds
guiding their sheep through the wilderness, we were invited to explore how God has,
and continues to be, our shepherd who guides us through our wilderness times in
life. After a time of singing, we
reloaded the bus and completed the trip to Jerusalem.
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