Final day in Israel. What a time it’s been. Life-changing. They say when you come, “You’ll never be the same.” So true.
We spent the final two nights back where we began, in Tel Aviv. This time our hotel was right on the Mediterranean Sea, and it was breathtakingly beautiful.
On the drive east from there we saw Mt. Tabor - or - the Mount of Transfiguration. It is a perfectly rounded mountain. To think about what happened there - Jesus, Moses, Elijah - amazing.
To me, one of the most spectacular vistas of the trip (pictured above left) - and something that far exceeded my expectations, was the visit to Caeserea where we saw the remains of yet another of Herod’s palaces. This palace, hippodrome and ancient community sat right on the edge of the Mediterranean. You could almost envision the decadent luxury that used to be here - the marble bath houses - the splendor - parts of which still remain. I am planning on showing some video in church on Sunday of this location because of the tie-in to the I Corinthians 9 passage I'm speaking from then.
Next, a stop at Nazareth Village, a replica of the Nazareth of Jesus’ day, where He would have spent his boyhood years. Our guide, Rani, was a native of Nazareth and a current student at the Evangelical Seminary located there. His passion for the Gospel was contagious and his insight into scripture was enlightening. I learned from him. We laid hands on him and prayed before we left.
Our next stop was the Valley of Jezreel and Megiddo (pictured above right), where the final battle - ARMAGEDDON - will, in part, take place. This was a sobering moment for me as I stood on that mountain overlooking the huge valley and imagined what it might be like. The valley is expansive, green and lush. It doesn’t know what awaits it.
Finally, Mt. Carmel - where Elijah challenged and defeated the prophets of Baal. I got a rock from this mountain and brought it home. Don’t worry. Our guide said it was allowed. Scripture says the prophets of Baal were thrown headlong off this mountain. When you’re standing there and see how and where that probably happened, it sends chills up your spine. The spot we were standing in really does have a very steep drop-off. We had a final devotional here at this site and it was another unforgettable moment (Thanks, Mark).
And be blessed.
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