This Tuesday represented our first real touring day. It was also a day where many of our folks are feeling the effects of jet lag. Everyone did very well today despite feeling a little exhaustion. It is a blessing traveling with this group.
Our day began with an 8:00 am departure, following the path Peter would have taken from Joppa to Caesarea. We discovered the difference between a theater and an amphitheater as Nir told us of concerts which have been presented at the 2nd Century theater of Caesarea. We were wowed by the fresh water large pool that was a part of Herod’s sea-side palace. A stone confirming Pontius Pilate’s existence as governor stood nearby Herod’s palace. We pictured Paul giving his defense before Festus, Felix and Agrippa below the platform at the hippodrome. A short visit to the harbor area and we were on our way to Mt. Carmel. Along the way we saw the aqueduct that brought water to the city of Caesarea.
We recounted the challenge Elijah gave after 3 years of drought. “Quit going between two opinions: if God is God serve Him and if Baal is god, serve him.” The challenge is taken up by 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Astoreth. They prepared, called, cut themselves and shouted, but no one answered. Elijah had them pour water on the sacrifice, the wood and into a trough. The fire of God fell and consumed it all. The name “Muhraqa” means the place of burning.
Megiddo controlled the northern part of the Jezreel Valley. It was a chariot city, meaning the horses were more important than the people. We learned more about the art of archeological excavation. It exposed multiple layers to this city dating from several different time periods. And the protected water source along with the grain silo gave us a great understanding of life in these days.
We completed our day by going to Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. Sitting in the traffic we learned a little about cultural differences. We made our way to the synagogue that tradition holds was built on or beside the foundation of the original synagogue where Jesus read the Scripture from Isaiah 61 declaring Himself to be the Messiah. We then stopped at the Precipice where they were going to throw Him off the cliff because of blasphemy. He walked right through them and departed.
We are now settled into our home for three nights at Nof Ginosar. Tomorrow will be our day around the Sea of Galilee. Rest well teammates.
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| Dan in the water tunnel, Megiddo |
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| Ian reading Isaiah 61:1-2 in old Nazareth synagogue |
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| Canaanite altar to sacrifice children, Megiddo |
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| Water tunnel, Megiddo |
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| Main gate, Megiddo |
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| Going down to water tunnel, Megiddo |
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| Manger, Megiddo |
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| Synagogue sign, Nazareth |
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| Secondary gate, Megiddo |
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| Statue of Elijah, Mt. Carmel |
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| Nir showing route on the bus |
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| A bus group selfie |
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| Showing the 26 layers of civilization at Megiddo |
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| Plague naming Pontius Pilate, Caesarea |
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| King Herod’s summer palace foundation, Caesarea |
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| Map showing where varied marble came from to build Caesarea |
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| Sign showing number of steps to traverse water tunnel, Megiddo |
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| Theater, Caesarea |
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