We have done so much in three days! On one hand, it seems like we have been here a month. On the other hand, we are just getting started. We had our last meal this morning in Tiberias overlooking the Sea of Galilee. We were blessed with a very rare view of the snow-capped Mount Hermon from our breakfast table. A spectacular site that even had the tour guide run back to take a second look.
We sort of went backward in history today as we began our tour at a 10th-century Christian Crusaders fortress called Belvoir. The history behind Belvoir, well let's say, it was a very sad time in Christian history. From on top of this 1,600-foot mountain, we had another beautiful view of Mount Hermon some 60 miles to the north as well as the Jordan River Valley to the south.
We then drove down to Beit She'an. Beit She'an is a huge city at the junction of the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley. The site has everything from a temple built for the Greek god Zeus to a theatron, a bath house, stables, shops and even a public latrine. An earthquake destroyed the city in 749 but still we see beautiful mosaic tiles that covered the streets and pillars larger than any I have seen.
We proceeded down the cost to Qumran. In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in several caves at Qumran. A group of Essenes (AKA the Dead Sea sect) lived here around the 8th century BC until the destruction of the Temple in 586 BC.
We then traveled through the West Bank down to the place in the Jordan River where it is thought that Jesus was baptized, and then over to Jericho before we headed to the Holy City.
Our last stop was up to Mount Scopus for an excellent view of the old city of Jerusalem. The moment we've all been waiting for, and it was utterly breathtaking!
Today we saw God's faithfulness at every site. In the destruction at Belvoir, we could see how God was faithful to once again protect Israel from an unjust war. Bet She'an, as strong as it was, they served other gods and in less than a minute, God removed the idolatry with an earthquake. At Qumran, we can see how God chose to provide proof of His faithfulness by leading a shepherd to the Dead Sea scrolls. The baptism place of Jesus reminds that God has not only told us what to do, but He also sent Jesus to teach us. We realized that this was no easy walk-in-the-park either. It's hot here by the dead sea. The terrain here is rugged, dry, barren and oppressive. But nonetheless, Jesus showed us the way.
At almost every site, we are blessed to hear a young woman, Stephanie, sing for us, but not just to us, to those who are nearby as well. Great is the faithfulness of God when we sing His praise in the presence of others!
Today is Russ' birthday, and we sang to him from Mount Scopus. What a memory he will have!
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