It has been quite a privilege to be here in Israel. I realize that very few Christians have the blessing of being in seminary. And very few seminary students get to take a trip to Israel to contextualize their studies. Thank God for all of this!First thing this morning, we studied Caesarea, the place where Paul was on trial and appealed to Caesar. This is probably where Paul was being detained:
When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him…[Felix gave] orders for him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium. –Acts 23:33-35
After that, we went to Mount Carmel, where Elijah had his showdown with the priests of Baal. I could see how this was a suitable place for this, considering its prominence in the land.
So Ahab sent a message among all the sons of Israel and brought the prophets together at Mount Carmel. Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” –1 Kings 18:20-21
We traveled to see the ruins at Megiddo, one of the most visited sites in Israel because of its prominence in Revelation. Armies will gather here before the battles take place in the end.
…to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty… And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har -Magedon. –Revelation 16:14-16
Finally, we arrived in Nazareth, the home of Jesus! Walking the streets of my Lord. I can’t even begin to realize how amazing that is.
Awesome Pics. I’m just seeing this as I was googling for information to help me with some of my pics from my trip to Israel. Looks like this was 1 year ago. Hope all is well with you and your wife’s life as Christians. Times are getting tough and I want to encourage you both the hang in their and on every word of God!!!