Sixteen Sojourning Servants

Today we were sixteen sojourning servants who had a surreal day. It's always hard to believe we are actually here, walking in the footsteps of Jesus!

Our first day of touring the Holy Land was a busy day. It started on a boat as we sailed across the Sea of Galilee. We spent time at the Old Boat Museum where we saw a boat similar to one Jesus' disciples would have used for fishing.

We then went to the northern tip of Israel to the ancient city of Dan. Here we walked the ruins of the temple built by Jeroboam after Israel and Judah split. The temple was built around 1000 BC to discourage the people of Israel from going to worship in Jerusalem. A "Golden Calf" of sorts, that was eventually destroyed. It was a tough climb but worth every step. Another short walk from Tel Dan and we saw a mud gate that dates back before Abraham. Wow!

From there we went to Caesarea Philippi, also known as Banis. This place is where the people of Jesus day went to worship the god Pan, and many other gods. Jesus came here and reminded the people that He is the "rock" that the church would be built on.

As we headed back to Tiberias through the Golan Heights, Israel showed a personal face as we stood just a few thousand feet from Syria looking at the UN buildings. We heard of the fear the Jews experience daily as their enemy sits in plain site just across a small valley.

We finished our day with a visit to the olive oil store for a little shopping.

Today reminded us of our "true" enemy. The one sitting, waiting, and crouched at the door, ready to destroy. The places we went today reminded us that God wants our full attention, our companionship. We are not to worship any Golden Calfs of the North but rather are to stand firm dressed in the full armor of God!