Israel 2012

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It has been a year since we were in Israel. In many ways, the time has passed amazingly fast. The images are still vivid in my memory. The contrast between our first visit in 2008 and last year's visit was significant. There has been considerable development, new roads, immigration from Europe and the tourist activity had noticeably increased. Today, the Holy Land is still embroiled in the continuing clash of cultures that scripture tells us is so much more than that! The brutal civil war in Syria is so close that we could have seen the fighting from where we stood in the northern territory on day two of our trip. The security of Syria's chemical and biological weapons (they have many) must weight on the minds of Israelis. The "Arab Spring" has threatened a decades long peace with Israel's neighbor Egypt. Of course Iran is closer to establishing a military nuclear capability that would radically destabilize the region. But life goes on in Israel. They are still transforming desert into gardens, producing life saving medical cures and technological breakthroughs. They continue to help their neighbors e.g. fresh water to Jordan, food to the region, even as many plot to destroy Israel. One constant for me is the insanity that drives Arab hatred for a people living on a minuscule strip of land that has neither oil or gold, or abundant water. They simply want to live in peace. However they do have a Covenant keeping G-d and He will provide in His time and according to His Sovereign Will.

As Christians and people of conscience, "we stand with Israel."

Maranatha!   

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I have been asked a number of questions about the trip. Here is my attempt to answer them.

1. Risk to American’s abroad: There was no concern about showing your American nationality, either while in Israel or Jordan. In fact, one member of our group used the day off to go to Jeriacho in the West Bank (where the wall’s came tumbling down.) The tour avoided the site because it is mostly Muslim and has become antagonistic to some in recent years. However, what they encountered was an enthusiastic welcome when it was learned that they were American. The people there have a story to tell and they claim to want America to hear it and to know it. Our tour members claimed to feel “very safe” and welcome. I’m sure in some places it can be an issue, but mainstream Israel (as opposed to Gaza for example) is not one of them.
2. About safety: We were safe and felt safe the whole trip. Both in Israel and Jordan. The country is very well prepared for all circumstances. People are alert, but not alarmed. The people who live there – Israeli’s – whether they are Arab, Jew, Christian or Druze seem to co-exist very well. One exception is that ultra-orthodox Jews are antagonistic toward Christian missionaries. In that case, it seems more harassment than threat. We did not encounter it, but we heard about it from others. Israel has a 24/7 jet air cover. We saw them a few times. Several of our group, are pilots and we talked about it often. Missile batteries were visible only on the outskirts of Eilat, where Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan are within five miles of each other. To the north in the Golan Heights there were military stations but nothing alarming. No significant risks were taken. If there was a questionable area (like Bethlehem has become) we simply did not go. We had one incident of a member of one of the other buses being surrounded and pickpocketed in the Arab quarter of Jerusalem. His wallet was stolen. Otherwise unharmed. It happened where we would have expected it – the Arab quarter. I think Precepts did an excellent job of organization and risk minimization. This could have happened in any American metropolitan area.
   
   We felt safe and we were safe.
3. Walking: We walked 2-5 miles a day. It was clearly too much for some in our group. However, for most, it was manageable. The toughest days were the first day in Jerusalem and then Petra. The first was a hard press to cover a lot of sites in the city. There were a lot of steps and stone. However, I have to add that everyone made it. The Precepts staff, members, that were coordinating were outstanding and kept the group together and moving. I would call the day hard and worth it! I wouldn’t know how to do it differently without adding days and costs. Petra was a trip "option." It was and will always be a hard day – but also well worth it. I will go again and it will be hard again. Many simply cannot and should not try it.
4. What was your favorite site? That is incredibly hard to answer, because each is special for different reasons. Do you take Jerusalem as a whole or as one of many? Capernaum has always been special for me because it was Jesus’ home during His ministry. Beit She’an is simply amazing. Petra is so extraordinary it has to be considered. The Garden tomb and taking Communion there was so special. Baptism in the Jordan with family. Any of Kay’s teachings, like teaching Revelation at Tel-Megiddo – amazing! Or David Arthur’s Mark 24 teaching at Caiaphas’ house, or David Lawson’s teaching at Mt. Carmel! OK, it is simply not possible to answer this question. However, David Lawson’s teaching in the Garden of Gethsemane about how this moment, when Christ ask to have this cup taken from Him was “the moment of truth” the tipping point for all mankind. That came close for me.
5. How was Susan? She never ceases to amaze me. After a tough preceding five months (health wise) she was a trouper! Up for everything, going hard and did very well. She was too excited to sleep.
6. Michele and Donna (Susan’s sisters): One of my (and I’m sure Susan’s) highlights were to see both of them experience the wonder of Israel, the wonderful fellowship, and the truth of G-d’s Word, taught by someone as incredible as Kay Arthur. And then to see them commit themselves to Christ, in the holy land and to be baptized in the Jordan River was extra special.
7. Where’s the beef? There is relatively little “beef” in Israel. Lots of Lamb, Fish and a few chickens, 2 ducks and partridge in a pear tree. But that’s later in the year. McDonalds brings its beef supposedly from Argentina (Good). Others from Viet Nam (bad, very bad!)
8. What did G-d speak to your heart: First, was the importance that I stand with His people (Israel.) The people here are amazing and amazingly generous to their neighbors and the world. Also, that I understand that every one of us on this planet has a story, carries a personal burden and that I need to be sensitive and compassionate for the ultimate goal is not estrangement and my defense of personal space. But rather it is the realization that my burden is not to point out or disparage differences, but rather to shine a light on the Truth of the world, the Messiah, our Salvation. It is to love the unlovely and unlovable; to have an ache and longing for them to find rest in Him alone. The message for me was to consider that in my every day walk. To have love and patience, to assist where needed and as Christ told the Disciples “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13: 34-35.) That is, unconditionally with a servant’s heart. Clearly He thinks I have some work to do in this area.
9. Did I get any elbow- jabs? A few. For those that don’t know it, I like to kid around, keep it light and laugh. I also have a hard time not speaking my mind. Susan has a tool to make sure I don’t get outside the boundaries – it’s called a sharp elbow to the ribs. I’m healing nicely thank you.
10. Was it a good group? It was an exceptional group of believers. The group was very geographically diverse, with the farthest coming from Australia. We had the common link of a hunger for the Word and to know what G-d had to reveal to us. Everyone helped each other. I liked getting to know everyone. A good group is the key to a great trip. The group size was about 108 divided into three buses. This was a bit smaller than usual. I thought it was a good size.

I can’t speak highly enough of the Precept team. Throughout the process they have been exceptional.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Question of the day: What “products,” that are grown in the desert of southern Israel, does Israel ship massive quantities of, to Europe and Asia? (Answer at the end of this post.)

We started our trip to Petra with a ride through some of the Middle East’s roughest terrain. The walk in is about 1¼ miles with a slight down slope. Of course that means that the trek out is an up slope when you least want it. The area is very old. Petra was a fortress city along ancient trade routes. It has been inhabited by many different groups.

The Nabateans came from north or the Yemen area. They were nomadic Bedouins who later started to settle in. Petra was on the trade route. They became very wealthy by watering and feeding the caravans that passed through. The merchants paid handsome tributes, and the Nabateans became very wealthy. This was around 8th to 5th centuries BC. Not much is known about them until after the reign of Alexander the Great. With the Seleucids and the Ptolemies warring against each other over and over for centuries, the Romans finally were victorious against the Greeks around 68 BC, but never went against the Nabateans. The Nabatean dynasty ruled from 312 BC-106 BC. (Be sure to read Day 13 to find out about the connection of King Aretas IV to Herod Antipas who beheaded John the Baptist and Aretas' connection to Paul the Apostle.)

The Nabateans were prolific carvers and responsible for the grand carved tombs and Temples. They were given to diverse idol worship. We also know that they were skilled at water conservation and were early masters of irrigation and damming for water reservoirs. They were also serious traders with the frequent caravans that travelled between Asia and Europe along the historic Kings Highway (named for the five kingdoms that ruled over the area; the Ammonites, Moabites, Amorites, Midianites and Edomites.)

Roman’s conquered Petra in the first century AD and put their mark on it. They built water systems, housing, a Roman theater and various other buildings. And, of course, they built Roman roads, many of which are still there.

The area still has local craftsmen who create local gifts that are comprised of local rocks and stones, camel bone and jute from the local area.

Although Petra is miles and miles of massive structures, the archeologist claim that 91% of PETRA is still under ground. Sand Storms are common, and Petra was left deserted for hundreds of years. These two factors, point to the probability that amazing discoveries are ahead for future explorers of the area.

Biblical prophecy, point to a time to come (in the “last days”) when the remnant of G-d’s chosen people will flee to the desert for safety. Many believe that, Petra is that place of safety.

ANSWER: Shrimp and Lobster!

Maranatha!

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Brief Update:

We are in the final stretch and it is hard to believe that we have been gone 15 days. (I know this says Day: 13 – I don’t know what days I missed? Travel time and transfers I guess.) Anyway, we are in Aqaba, Jordan after a day in the Nabatean city of Petra. Petra is a modern day “wonder of the world.” It is a 2 hour ride each way, but well worth it. As we drove today, it was like going back in time. First it was the Bedouin tribes of shepherds tending their sheep in the desert. Then there were tents replacing houses and camels replacing cars. After that I started to notice the change in topography as we went up and over 5000’in altitude, then descended into Petra.

Petra was the home to King Aretas IV who reigned from 9 BC to 40 AD. His daughter Phasaelis was the first wife of Herod Antipas who had John the Baptist beheaded. When Antipas divorced her to marry Herodius, the wife of his half-brother Philip, who was also Antipas' niece-(no wonder so many problems in this family), Phasaelis fled to her father Aretas IV. Since he and Antipas had been quarreling over borders for years, he had no problem invading Judea and capturing territories along the west bank of the Jordan River. This all happened around the same time that Antipas had John the Baptist beheaded according to Josephus Flavius.

In (2 Corinthians 11:32 and Acts 9:24) Paul writes that he (Paul) had to sneak out of Damascus in a basket through a window in the wall of the city, because the governor under King Aretas IV was seeking him to turn him over to the Jews who wanted to kill him because of his testimony of Jesus Christ.

The point in telling this bit of history is to tell you that on our last trip, our guide told us that they believe that "The Treasury" that gorgeous temple facade in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" was really the tomb of Phasaelis.

The city has grown in the four years since we were there, however the experience is pretty much the same. G-d’s handiwork is everywhere. Not the Nabatean carvings, the work of the wind and rain on the desert sandstone – it’s amazing!

We walked 5 miles with packs and the hot sun. So we are exhausted and still have to pack. So I will post later on the Petra trip. I’ll try to upload a few pictures now.

Maranatha!

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Question of the day: How far can a Camel travel in a day? I’ll give you the answer at the end.

Today we travel to Jordan (to our south-east.) We will stay the next two days in Aqaba, Jordan. It is located just across the border from the Southern tip of Israel, on the Red Sea. It is a port city, actually the only port in Jordan. It is also a resort area. Our hotel (The Mövenpick in Aqaba) backs up to Saudi Arabia. It is across the Red Sea from Israel which directly connects with Egypt. All four countries are within 10 miles of each other.

On the way south, we passed too many Biblical sites to chronicle here. However, of note, was The Valley of Elah, where David met Goliath on the field of battle. Here are a couple of side notes. Goliath was a Philistine. They were an advanced civilization compared to the Jews. Their origin was from the Greek Isles it's thought. It is believed that they came to Canaan because of an erupting volcano. They were “people of the sea.” They had advanced weaponry (iron) and battle strategies. The fact that Goliath came onto the field of battle as the Philistine “champion” to challenge the Jew’s champion was very Greek. That was how they resolved disputes and wars. (The fact that Goliath was 9'9" (6'9" depending on source) didn't hurt their challenge either.) The Jews knew nothing of this strategy and certainly were not prepared to contest a battle against a Giant and a warrior. But David slew the giant with one of five stones and his sling, because G-D was with him.

We also passed David Ben-Gurion’s Negev Desert home in the Sde Boker kibbutz. He was Israel’s first Prime Minister and played a critical role in making Israel a state. But there is a side you may not know. He was a socialist. He was willing to play politics with the British in order to create the nation of Israel. That meant barring some of the Jews escaping Nazi Germany to Israel and not allowing anymore weapons to enter the area. Menachem Begin, was a nationalist who fought for freedom and was a leader of the Irgun. The rift between factions in Israel came to a head in June 1948 with the Altalena Affair when Ben Gurion ordered the ship to be refused, and Begin worked to bring it ashore. Subsequently the ship was fired upon, It exploded and many were killed. The freedom fighters of the day never forgave him. With his people it was a love-hate relationship -- even though he played a pivotal role in the establishment of Israel as a State.

We also passed through the Wilderness of Zin. This is where the Israelites were near revolt and Moses asked G-d to help. They were desperately short of water, which is a prime asset in this area. So G-d told Moses to speak to the Rock and call forth water from it. Moses, in a lapse of judgment, was so mad at the people that he struck the rock with his staff. Water gushed forth, but Moses had disrespected G-d. He allowed his anger to take priority of G-d’s plan, and It cost him! He never entered the “Promised Land.”

This is a harsh land. The mountains and wadis have almost no vegetation. It is a barren land. The views are fantastic, but this is a hard life for the Bedouins who choose it.

I have noticed a lot more troops wherever we go. It makes me wonder.

A: A Camel averages 27 miles a day.

Maranatha!

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Today we travelled through the Damascus Gate and through the Arab quarter of the old city. Our destination was the place where Jesus was taken and put on trial for blasphemy and subversion. He was taken to the home of Caiaphas the High Priest of Israel. At this time in Jerusalem, since they were under Roman occupation, the High Priest was appointed by, and paid tribute to Rome for the appointment. Caiaphas wanted to protect his position and to please Rome who he had some allegiance to. Jesus was a threat. He was an enigma to them. His knowledge of the Torah, the miracles accredited to him and the possibility of him causing trouble for Rome (He was called King of the Jews) and thus for Caiaphas, the threat was becoming clear. They schemed and planned on how to take Him without an uprising of the people. (John 11:48-52) "It is expedient for you that one man die for the people and that the whole nation not perish." When they had Him, they brought Him before the High Priest and members of the Sanhedrin to answer to the charges. They didn’t understand Jesus’ comments like, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19) So He was tried and kept overnight before being taken to Herod. They did not have the right to crucify a fellow Jew – Herod did!

Historians have a pretty good read on where Caiaphas’ house is because they have identified a road that ran beside it, as leading to one of the cities primary water sources, in the Kidron Valley. And, actual excavations at the site have reinforced the belief that this was the place. Since Peter followed as they brought Jesus here, it was also where he denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus had told him he would earlier in the Garden. There is a statue of this encounter and a Rooster on the spire of the church to commemorate Peter’s denial. There are some interesting pictures on the Visual Impressions page.

This morning David Arthur gave a powerful teaching from the Gospel of Matthew. He started in Matthew 21 telling about Jesus’ entrance into the city on Palm Sunday Road (the road we just walked down.) Then took us through the succession of events from the Last Supper, to Jesus delivery to Caiaphas’ house where we are today. He led into the discussion of Jesus return, which I believe we will hear more about tomorrow (our last day.)

Yesterday I was struck by a talk and prayer that our leader David Lawson gave while we were in the Garden of Gethsemane. He said Jesus having asked the Father to take, ‘this cup” from Him, referring to the task before Him leading to the cross! David said what if Jesus had said no or G-d had said, OK you have lived a perfect life come on home. Where would we be? In our sin and doomed for eternity. So as David said, this was the moment! Everything rested on the sacrifice for our sins. We were saved by unmerited Grace!

THE GARDEN TOMB:

There are two places in Jerusalem that claim to be the place of Christ Crucifixion and burial tomb. One is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre inside the city today. The other is the Garden Tomb, which also present some pretty impressive credentials for being the site. Today a point was made that whichever site is it, the important facts remain unchanged. That Jesus died and rose again. He is not there. For that matter He only had a short stay! The point seemed to be do not dwell on the trivial, focus on what matters! The fact that Jesus was here at all is amazing to me. That G-d loved us enough and wanted to reconcile the rift between Himself and His creation really says it all. He is G-d! We cannot even conceive of the scope of His domain. It is said that our universe would fit in the palm of His hand(Isaiah 40:12) states that G-D measured the oceans in the hollow of His hand and He marked off the heavens by the span. (a span is the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger.) He thinks and things simply ARE! He breathes LIFE. How can we understand majesty like this? There is a “peace” knowing where we are. I am truly blessed. Our world today has gone astray. There is no doubt about it. The world is crueler, greedier and less focused on G-d, than probably since mankind became “civilized.” Yet, the sovereign G-d of all creation has reconciled us to Him. Our sins have been imputed. We are forgiven. Tomorrow is our last day in Jerusalem. We will say good bye to some new friends and travel on to Petra with some others. This has been an amazingly fast two weeks. It has been a wonderful experience except that we miss our family and friends and wish we were experiencing this together.

Maranatha!

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MOUNT OF OLIVES:

It was an early wakeup this morning (5:00). Oh, I forgot that was for people who properly set their alarm clocks! For the rest of us, we got up at 5:40 and were on the bus at 6:00! This was a special morning. We had private access to a church on the Mount of Olives. Kay Arthur gave a lesson on Matthew 24. It was excellent. She makes scripture come alive. From there we went to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus often went to pray when He was in Jerusalem. We walked down Palm Sunday Road, where Jesus entered the city on a donkey prior to Passover. We toured the garden and had time to reflect on what was done there and what it meant to us personally. Our tour leader Pastor David Lawson gave a powerful talk on the importance to all of us (who believe) of the decision G-d made on Jesus’ last day here. He pointed out that, all of Jesus’ ministry, came down to this place and THIS time. When He entered the Garden more than 2000 years ago, He left His disciples to go and pray. During prayer, Jesus asked G-d to take “this cup from Him.” He knew what was ahead. But then He said, “but Your Will be done.” The answer was that Jesus was to fulfill His mission. Imagine what would have happened if Jesus had not gone to the cross? We would still be in our sin. There would be no atonement. There would have been no resurrection. We would be doomed to the consequences of sin. However, thankfully, Jesus became the Lamb of G-d that takes away the sins of the world. That changed everything. I am thankful that through grace, our sovereign G-d has given me the ability to believe. By faith, I am His.

YAD VASHEM:

“They came for the Communists and I did not object, for I was not a Communist."

"Then they came for the Socialists and I did not object for I was not a Socialist."

"Then they came for the Jews, and I did not object, for I was not a Jew."

"When they came for me There was no one left to object”

Martin Niemöller, German Pastor

The Holocaust Museum is a tough destination. It is graphic and gut-wrenching. It is impossible to describe. I simply could not do it justice. This was my second visit. It was no easier this time. Yad Vashem means “a memorial and a name.” (Isaiah 56:5—“To them I will give in My House and within My walls a memorial, and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name which will not be cut off.”) There are many victims with no name. The Israeli Government and the Museum, have attempted to collect wherever possible as much information as they can about those that died. They are memorialized here. Of the six million Jews, who were killed, (not as combatants, but as innocents,) 1.3 million were children. You cannot miss this in the exhibits. The faces and names are haunting. I noticed a few things that made a particular impression on me:

1. This dark story for humanity started by creating animosity toward a particular group of Citizens. It pitted Jews against non-Jews. All were Germans (the early focus was in Germany.) It wasn’t class warfare. Maybe you would call it ethnic warfare.
2. Dehumanization tactics soon followed. Despoiling was the strategy; first, by banishment from economic life, then dispossession of material items and identity; and finally the trains to utter banishment.
3. They denigrated mixed race couples, had all Jews wear a yellow Star of David on their sleeve. Then adults and children alike bullied and even killed with government impunity.
4. Where ever Germany occupied a nation (Poland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Yugoslavia, Greece, Italy etc., methodically one by one) it was as a means to activate the “Final Solution.” That was the name for the German strategy for genocide of the Jews. They would “relocate” the Jews which meant they sent them to death camps.
5. Albert Einstein who developed the Theory of Relativity and won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 had to leave Germany. He wasn’t “good enough.” Because he was a Jew.
6. A study of Germany in the 1930’s and 1940’s is a story of the rise of big government. Government intentionally nationalized industries, developed hundreds of thousands of new government jobs to “transform” Germany.
7. The first adherents to Hitler’s scheme were the labor unions. They gave him the muscle to take over the rest of the society.
8. They took over education and taught revisionist history.
9. They gave away their freedoms and liberties for the “common good.”
10. I also noticed that the leaders of the Third Riche were educated men. Mostly highly educated (doctors, lawyers, theologians, engineers and professors etc.) This seemed to underscore the “intellectual elite.” The established theory that, they simply knew better what was needed for “the people.” That is frightening. The sentiment has been around in America for decades.
11. I watched the public speeches of Hitler and the “rock star” treatment afforded to him. People simply bought everything they were told.
12. As I walked through the exhibit I began to feel uneasy about our country. We are divided, class warfare is being fomented, and anti-Semitism is as bad as I can remember it in my life. As a nation we are in a truth war which makes our situation much more perilous.

“Remember only that I was innocent and just like you, mortal. On that day I had a face marked by rage, by pity and joy; quite simply a human face."

(Benjamin Fondane, Exodus, murdered at Auschwitz, 1944)

Upon leaving, I found myself reflecting on the quote I first encountered upon entering Yad Vashem:

“A country is not just what it does – it is also what it tolerates.”

(Kurt Tucholsky, German essayist of Jewish origin)

Maranatha!

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MASADA:

Masada is a Mountain fortress built 1320’ above the Dead Sea in the Judean wilderness. It was built by “Herod the Great.” He was an architect and prolific builder. This was to be his fortress of escape if he was ever overthrown. But he never stayed there, word is that he never even visited. It is an amazing place and was “almost” invincible in its day! In 70 AD in the midst of the Jewish revolt against the oppression of the Romans, Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed by Titus the Roman General. The rebels fought and retreated to their “secret” place – Masada! It was “almost” invincible because after a three year siege by 8 Roman Legions it fell. When the Romans breached the wall, they found that the (estimated) 1,000 Jews (men, women and children) that were in Masada committed suicide rather than have the women ravaged, the children enslaved and the men put to death. Masada was destroyed by the Romans, however, because of its remote location they soon left it. It then remained abandoned almost 1,500 years. Once rediscovered, Masada began to give up its secrets. It was fully self-sufficient. It used a hydraulic principle to capture rain water from flash floods to fill cisterns built into the sides of the mountain. With one good rain storm a year, the floods would capture millions of gallons of water. It was enough for growing food, irrigation, drinking, bathing etc. FOR FIVE YEARS! Herod had two Roman Baths built on Masada, storehouses of food and weapons and a Palace for himself. Ten years ago (approximately) while excavating one of the “storage areas” on Masada, they uncovered an intact urn. The top was sealed. When they opened it, they found it was filled with dates from ancient date palms in the region. (subsequent research suggests that the urn wasn't filled with dates, but one of the seeds was regerminated successfully) These however seemed petrified from the age and dryness. They were taken to Hebrew University’s hydroponics lab and they attempted to rehydrate them to check the DNA. They had some success and planted several and they grew! The date palms that rose were like nothing anyone had seen. These were the original date palms of Judah. They had all been killed off in a disease sometime after this urn was sealed. Now they are planning to repopulate the land with the original palms. Dates are a source of fruit which honey is made from and a mainstay of historic Judah. They have made tremendous progress in restoring Masada since we were last there in 2008.

THE DEAD SEA:

The Dead Sea is 1300’ below sea level. It is one of the lowest dry point on earth. It is called a “Sea” when in reality it is a lake. The Sea of Galilee is the same. The reason they are called “sea” is that the Jewish people of the day had no word for lake. So they called it what they called any large body of water, a sea. The salt content is the second highest of any body of water in the world. The other is in Russia. The salt content in the Dead Sea is 33% making it “heavy” as water goes. As a result when you go in it, you float. It literally tries to spit you out. You lean back, raise up your feet and it is like you are in a hammock. The minerals in the water include many more than salt alone. This makes it a dangerous concoction. It will make you very sick if you drink it. (our last guid told us that if a grown man drank a jigger full he would die.) However, on your skin, it has a remarkable healing quality. People come from all over the world for treatments using the Dead Sea. We had a blast in it today. While you are in the water, it feels like there is baby oil all over your skin. When you get out, your skin is like a baby’s. The minerals come from the mountains that surround it. There is little vegetation in this region. There’s nothing there to stop the erosion of minerals into the sea. The Dead Sea is also shrinking a few inches every year. This is because they have dammed part of the watershed upstream that feeds it (like the Sea of Galilee) to provide for more human water consumption. They say they are working the problem and think they have a solution. Stay tuned!

QUMRAN:

In 1947 two shepherd boys (supposedly) while searching for a lost sheep, found one of the greatest historical and religious finds in history – The Dead Sea Scrolls! It proved to be a huge cash of scripture. The whole of the old testament (less the book of Esther and Nehemiah) in multiple copies were there. It is believed that the approach of the Romans to destroy Jerusalem in 70 AD, resulted in a desperate race by a group of scribes to hide the WORD OF G-D from certain destruction by the Romans. The accuracy of the 2000 year old text to today’s Bible is amazing. There were many important discoveries as well. For example, there have been allegations that the Book of Isaiah (the most frequently quoted by the New Testament) was said to have been rewritten and changed to insert the prophetic claims of a Messiah that seem to so clearly point to Christ. This proves that that did not happen. The scrolls are mostly located in Jerusalem. Some are in Amman Jordan. Others are in private “collections.” There were other books found as well. We will see some of the actual scrolls later in the week. Some more photos have been posted to the Visual Impressions page.

Maranatha!

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We had a day of rest today. It was needed because yesterday was brutal. It was hot, and we walked 5-6 miles on uneven stone. We were in the Arab quarter quite a bit and it was crowded in narrow spaces. Plus the day was long. So today we got up late, had a leisurely breakfast, did a little shopping and took it easy. I hit the Sauna for a little R&R. Tomorrow is Masada, Dead Sea Scrolls and swimming in the Dead Sea! It will be an incredible and visual day.

Hope all is well back home with you all.

I have developed a love for the people of Israel. They are genuine. I hope you know what I mean. They are warm and engaging. "What you see, is what you get." You feel welcome everywhere. No one is too busy to help you. If you ask for directions, or where to buy something you’re looking for, or if you just want to talk. They will take the time. It is very refreshing. I met a man the other day (Jewish) a shop keeper that use to live in Atlanta (where I’m from.) He had also been to Destin Florida where I use to live, and knew quite a bit about Sarasota. It is a small world indeed. Today I had a fifteen minute political discussion with a jeweler by the King David Hotel. It concerned Israel, the Arabs living in Israel that are not citizens and the voting process. In talking/debating with our Jewish friends, you further the discussion by answering questions open-endedly or with contrasting questions. It serves to forward the dialog and moves the discussion along.

Also, I have added a few pictures to the Visual Impressions page of the site.

Maranatha!

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This will have to be brief. I am still having internet problems both on the PC and my phone -- working the problem.

Today was our first day in Jerusalem. It was a great day. Interacted with people, talked about issues and walked! All in, we probably walked 5-6 miles. We covered the Old City (the Muslim section) and went through a tunnel that was right next to the Muslim "Dome of the Rock." We saw a lot of Herod the Great's handiwork. He was a genius for his time. He carved a huge section of the mountain to build the temple. He has single stones in the foundation that are 570 TONS! These had to be cut, shaped, carried to their place and installed. That is huge. Herod was also pure evil! He killed his brother, his best friend, his wife and a number of his kids. He was afraid that everyone wanted to take his crown away. But as I said, his engineering was pure genius! I'll be glad when I can apply pictures to this. I have seen some extraordinary things since I have been here. I'll try to add some pics to the "Visual Impressions" section. That is the only place that will take download and it is dicey. The big news today is a major coalition between rival political factions in Israel. It means that Israel will not have early elections and is probably preparing to deal with Iran in some way.

Kay Arthur knows the Israeli Prime Minister well. She gave us some insight about this and we should be fine here. She also taught a lesson on the Book of Daniel. We were on the southern steps of the Gate to the old city. It was thoughtful and insightful.

The city is VERY busy right now. There are lots of people here, many of them European, Asian and South American.

That's about it for now!

Maranatha!

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Today was a transition day as we move out of the Galilee and on up to Jerusalem where we’ll stay the next five days. Last night as our final night in the Galilee, Kay planned a sunset boat trip on the Sea of Galilee. It was a wonderful and relaxing trip. The weather cooperated. From the center of the Sea, we could see the orientation of a number of New Testament Scriptures. We could see Tiberius to the West, to the North Capernaum, the Mt. of Beatitudes where Christ explained the attributes G-d seeks from His people and their rewards. We stopped in the center of the Sea, where the disciples were when a storm arose to test their faith and where they saw Jesus approaching as He walked on water. Closer to Capernaum, where Jesus told his disciples to drop down their nets, “on the other side of the boat,” if they wanted to catch fish. After hours of diligent fishing with no results, I can imagine the disciples were thinking “are you kidding me?” Now I can visualize all these things and where they happened. That is the wonder of seeing the Holy Land. Scripture comes alive.

The boat ride ended in a fabulous meal at a restaurant with Israeli folk music and dancing.

Today we packed and started the journey to Jerusalem. As we drove, it became apparent that almost every mile there was something of historical significance. We learned about Israel and the pride and strength of the people who live here. The harmony of the cohabitation of Arab, Jew, Christian and Druze is a testament to the fact that Israel is committed to peace and is living the commitment.

Beit She-an is a Roman City of the time of Christ. It was one of the "Decapolis" which was a region consisting of 10 cities, and acted as centers for the diffusion of Greek and Roman cultures to the farthest reaches of the empire. It was a magnificent principal city (also known as Scythopolis), and was the only one of the 10 that was located west of the Jordan River. The rest of these cities were to the east of the Jordan River, in what is today modern Jordan. In its day, it was a mighty city with a Coliseum for plays (much like Caesarea Maritime.) And of course was a center for pagan worship. The city is on the approach to Jerusalem. So it was strategically positioned. In 749 AD the infamous earthquake and mudslide buried the city. It was only rediscovered a few decades ago.

We stopped at a site where Abraham would have probably stopped on his journey from Ur to Canaan right in the heart of the Judean Desert on the way to the Dead Sea. It's called Genesis Land where they had a representation of what it was like to travel this land (without air-conditioning) probably on foot or camel and looking for water, food and hospitality. We had a lunch in a traditional Arab or Jewish fashion you might encounter if you were sojourning through the desert and came upon a home site. We ate local food, in a tent, high atop a mountain, on the ground and listened to stories from of old. It was wonderful. Susan discovered that she likes "babaganouj"--dont ask! Outside our tent were camels. How did I know? I could SMELL them, hear them and that was enough to make me eat quickly. On the way out of the area, one lady in our group was petting a camel during a photo op and the camel bit her on the side. Nasty creatures!

I should be able to upload more pictures tomorrow. The videos may have to come after we return. Band width here is limited and because of the pace of the daily excursions, I have limited time and have to compete with 150 people each night for the hotels limited capabilities. But we’ll get it all posted eventually. Hope everyone at home is doing well. Tell my “brother” Gil, I’ll put a prayer in the wailing-wall in Jerusalem for his eye. Maybe a little travelling mercy for my riding buddies too.

Oh, yesterday Susan and I and her sisters Michele and Donna had a little ceremony in the Jordan River. We’ll have more on that later.

Maranatha!

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Megiddo is a "Tel". A "Tel" is an excavation of a site where multiple civilizations existed throughout the centuries. As one group was conquered and destroyed, if it was an important place, the conquering force would rebuild on the old site. This creates an archeological site of immense interest. The more important the site was the more layers or strata that needed to be researched to unlock its history. Tel Megiddo is one of the most important Tel’s in history. Why? Because it was on one of the most important sites in history and it has an important role to play in the future.

For a site to have strategic importance, it needed three things:

1. First, a defendable position – usually a walled high place.

2. Its own water source – accessible from within the walls

3. A strategic location – usually on a key trade route.

Megiddo meets all three. It has high walled and defendable position. It has a hidden tunnel to a spring. And, it is on the important trade route between the East and West of the known world. It was strategically placed between the King’s Highway that bordered the east side of the Jordan River and the Via Maris (the “Way of the Sea”) that ran from Egypt to Damascus near the Mediterranean Sea.

If you controlled Megiddo, you controlled the fertile land of the Jazreel Valley (some of the best in the world) and the entrance to Jerusalem. More wars have been fought on the Plain of Jezreel than any other place in the world. Napoleon called it the “most perfect battlefield on earth. King Solomon made it the northern fortress of his empire. This was important ground in the ancient world.

Megiddo has 27 different civilizations in it, more than any other known site. There are altars for pagan worship and sacrifice; there is evidence of Roman occupation and much more.

Perhaps to the current world, Megiddo is best known for its “future” role. It is after all, Har Megiddo (Mount Megiddo) from which is derived Armageddon!  Armageddon is the prophetic site of the staging of the battle to end all battles, where the kings of the earth will be gathered to come against Jerusalem. But unlike most "end times prophecy" commentaries, the so called Battle of Armageddon does not take place there. The armies are only gathered there. (Revelation 16:16) It is the battle between the powers of the earth and the Sovereignty of Heaven and it takes place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, which is the Kidron Valley. (Joel 3: 2, 12)

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Today was an amazing contrast. First we went to the "high place" of Mt. Carmel which is NW of the Galilee at the western end of the Jezreel valley. Then we travelled to the Caesarea by The Sea on the Mediterranean coast. Both are amazing for very different reasons.

Mt Carmel is in the lush forest of the mountainous region. Because it was a blessed area of fertile ground and plentiful rain, it was the center of pagan worship. It was where Baal was worshipped by Phoenicians, Israelis and Arabs. The Prophet Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest regarding the true G-D (1 Kings 18: 1-46)

Caesarea By the Sea was an amazing “wonder” of its time. It was Herod the Great’s massive Roman project on the sea coast. He created a huge seaport for trade with East and West. He also built a hippodrome and coliseum, theaters, and palaces. They held Olympic style games. But like most of this region, this is an area of higher volcanic activity and Caesarea was devastated by both earthquakes and Tsunamis.

The Apostle Paul was brought here to defend himself before The Roman leader Agrippa and the local Governor, Festus.

Maranatha!

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Today we started on a four journey day through the Galilee. The area where Jesus was born, was raised, performed His miracles and a 3 1/2 year ministry that would change the world. It also gives us an interesting perspective on two of the modern day issues facing Israel, namely Lebanon and Syria. We are in a weather situation where a strong sand storm from off Africa has put into the atmosphere considerable sand.

Chorazin:

Two miles north of the Sea of Galilee are the ruins of Chorazin. In Jesus’s day it was a town with a Synagogue, bath house and like most towns in this area it was in the Olive oil trade. On January 18, 749 AD, Chorazin along with neighboring towns of Bethsaida and Capernaum were destroyed by a devastating earthquake. There was a rare find in the excavation with the finding of a “Moses Seat.” It is a place for leadership to be recognized. Since the earthquake they have never again been inhabited, thus fulfill bringing light to Jesus' words in Luke 10:13-16. Interestingly, in the ruins is evidence of multiple civilizations ranging from Greek with a stone carving of Medusa, to traditional Christian and Jewish faiths. I have some interesting pictures in the gallery.

Tel Dan

Do you know what a“Tel” is? It is a small hill where multiple civilizations have conquered the land. They destroyed the old city and built a new one. As this happens the “mound” grows and holds secrets of each civilization. Archeologists explore these Tels and find amazing things about each one. At Tel Dan they learned that the Tel was over 4000 year old. They know that Abraham was there. That gives it status. In the last few years they have found the “city gate.” A main part of the Tel. They can say with certainty that it is over 4000 years old. They learned that the gate was “arched.” The amazing part is that it existed almost 2,500 years before Arches known to exist!

Caesarea Philippi:

Caesarea Philippi is located at the foot of Mt. Hermon. It has a long history and is a source water for the Jordan River. It was a place of pagan god worship. Among them were BAAL, and Pan. However Pan was the most attached to this site. Pan was a Greek g-d of fertility. The name Caesarea Philippi came later from the Romans as a dedication of the site to Caesar. The Name Philippi was for the Herod Philippi the son of Herod the Great.

Jesus took the Disciples to look on this site. In Matthew 16:18, it is here that Jesus said, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." It was believed that the cave in Philippi lead to the abyss where the gods resided. Jesus was stating that Peter's affirmation that He was the Christ was the foundation of the Christian faith and the Body of Christ which is the church. (He was not referring to Peter becoming the first pope of the Roman Catholic Church which did not come about until the 300's AD)

Finally, we toured the Golan Heights. It is amazing to see the closeness of both Lebanon and Syria. At one point we were within a mile of the Syrian border and could look at Lebanese towns from where rocket attacks are commonplace. This is the high country with peaks over 9,000 feet. It was captured in the 1967 Six Day’s War, from Syria and Lebanon. It is still in dispute today.

We couldn’t take pictures of military installations. Suffice to say we saw tank and artillery units and outposts along the border.

Maranatha!

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We have arrived! It took eleven hours and covered 7650 miles (on one tank of gas.) We flew a 747-400 “Long Reach.” It is one of only a few planes in the world that can fly this far. Weather is good, people are wonderful and the Israeli economy is booming! Isn’t that interesting?

We just arrived in Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. It is a beautiful little city. It will be our base of operations for the next five days. From here we will explore “the Galilee,” the Golan Heights and go west toward Jordan.

Tomorrow is Chorazin (where Jesus turned water to wine) and Bethseida where four of the disciples were from. Then (maybe tomorrow) we’ll see Capernaum which was where Jesus’ ministry started and the home of the apostle Peter.

We also entered the country in the middle of an Israeli military “exercise.” Planes flying along the Sea of Galilee and up across the Golan Heights. Supposedly it is a big exercise encompassing most of Israel. It bears watching.

Maranatha!

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Not long now!

We are two days away from the trip. Our bags are mostly packed, cameras are ready and I think we have made the most of our luggage space for a seventeen day journey. We are allowed one suitcase each (50 lbs.) and a small carry-on. Suggested reading is going well and so we are just making sure that everything here at home is taken care of while we are gone.

The weather in Israel is magnificent. Depending on where you are, like in the heights of say Jerusalem (75/59) or the lows of the Dead Sea (92/71) the temperatures are still moderate. This is supposed to be one of the best times to be there.

This is also a festive time in Israel. On May 10th it will celebrate its 64th year of independence, the time when Israel once again became a state (1948).

Maranatha!

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