After a slightly nerve-wracking jaunt through the West Bank up the eastern edge of Israel (nothing happened which should have made me nervous, but the mere mention of the area "West Bank" makes me sweat a bit), within very close viewing proximity of Jordan (the country, not the river or the Michael), our first stop was the archaeological marvel at Beit Shean, a prominent ancient city that has ruins on top of ruins on top of ruins. We wandered around in a quick jaunt (because we had other higher priorities to see that day), checking out the huge and spectacular Roman amphitheater, a large Roman bathhouse, a large and well-preserved Roman main street marketplace, and a huge public bathroom (yup, one cheek on each stone, while perched over the gap), pictured below (but only with simulated usage).
As we headed back to the car, we were able to capture this shot of the entire Beit Shean site, including the ancient tell (a man-made hill of ruins, barely revealing the very walls on which King Saul's body was hung after he had been killed by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 31.)
Driving further north, we drove through Tiberias and to Ginosar, where we met up with our Worship Boat tour. Since the Galilee boat tours are all on boats much bigger than our twosome would need, we called to book a few spots with a larger group. It turned out that the rest of our group was Brazilian pastors, which meant that there were a lot of languages being spoken on that boat, but all of us were there to travel on the Sea of Galilee, as Jesus and His disciples did countless times in the Gospels. Our boat was the only boat owned by believers in Jesus, and we had the privilege of putting down anchor in the middle of the lake and singing worship songs together (again, in many languages). Though slightly campy, it was still very meaningful to spend time on the same body of water where so many meaningful stories from Scripture took place. And there's something inherently refreshing about the sounds of lapping water.
After driving a bit further, we had a refreshing picnic lunch on the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus may have given His Sermon on the Mount. This turned out to be one of my most meaningful spiritual experiences of the entire trip, as we were on top of the hill all by ourselves, eating a simple meal, reading Scripture and praying together, and simply reflecting on the pivotal events that had happened on the surrounding hills. It wasn't fancy, but was deeply spiritually refreshing for me.
And here's a more artistic picture from that same hillside, looking out over the Sea of Galilee. As much as anywhere else we've been on this trip, the Scriptures came alive here.
After the Mount of Beatitudes, we made our way to nearby Capernaum, which was home base for Jesus during his years of ministry. Here's the ruins of a Roman-era synagogue, where Jesus likely taught.
Here's a lovely lady enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings at the point where the Jordan River feeds into the Sea of Galilee. Again, after spending much of our trip in brown, barren, desert-like conditions, there is something very refreshing about moving water and plentiful plant-life.
After driving around the west and north shorelines of the lake, we made our way up to the top of a scenic overlook in the Golan Heights. I'll let this panoramic picture speak for itself. (Click on the picture to see the whole thing...)
Then, an idiot almost fell off the cliff. I'll also let this picture speak for itself.
Then, a cute couple enjoyed some snuggle time with a beautiful backdrop.
Then, after several hours of waiting, with the clouds seeming to part and disappear at just the right time, we saw one of the more glorious sunsets I've ever witnessed.
Finally, after enjoying a delightfully refreshing day stomping around Jesus' old stomping grounds and a fabulously meat-based dinner, we headed to our accommodations on a kibbutz. Though nothing spectacular, the Ohalo Manor was a delightfully peaceful place for us to sleep, refreshed for another day in the Galilee.
In contrast to the swarming congestion, relentless tension, and incessant commercialism of Jerusalem, the Galilee was such a literal and figurative breath of fresh air. We spent considerable time just sitting and watching and enjoying God's creation this day, allowing the sights, sounds, and smells of the area to help us conjure up vivid images of what it must have been like to encounter Jesus here in these special places in His life and ministry. What a refreshingly simple joy it was for us to be here in this special part of the world!
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