Day 5 January 31, 2012

My iPad has converted to Hebrew --not the keyboard but all the commands. It makes writing this blog interesting because even though it is writing in English it is writing from right to left. Today we travelled to the Golan Heights and went to Baniass which used to be called Caesarea Philippi --now its familiar right? We went to the site where it is reasoned that Jesus asked Peter "Who do you say that I am?" While most of these sites are not known to positively be the place where certain Biblical events took place research over the years gives plausible reasons for choosing the sites. Caesarea Philippi was a place where archaeologists have found the ruins of at least 20 temples dedicated to other gods. It makes sense that Jesus would ask Peter this all important question in this location -- in the face of competing gods. This is also the place where many springs come together and the Jordan River is formed. Many of us grabbed empty water bottles and collected our Jordan River water. I went back to the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes. It's a quick walk from our hotel and it's a wonderful little chapel. I lit candles and prayed for friends and family. We gather at 5:45 for sort of debriefing and then 15 minutes of prayer and worship. Today our leaders asked us to consider how we answer the question "Who do you say that I am?" I hear the familiar answer "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior" echo in my head and I find that to be still true --and so much more. So much more.