My first full day in Israel, like others who have posted I'm sure, has been remarkable to say the least. We began the day by going to Tabgha, (which means Seven Springs) and is the traditional site of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Amazing to be there and awe-inspiring. Just the thought of being so near where Jesus walked and taught and did ministry is overwhelming and truly spiritual. In our time for worship this evening we were asked to speak one word that might describe what we experienced (at least in part) and after thinking for a while I came up with "connected." I feel connected to the stories (as they were read at the locations we visited) and connected to the land and the ministry of Jesus and to the mission of Jesus in a way I've not experienced ever before. Just the thought that as the scriptures were read from the Bible that we were in the location where the story took place made me feel so much more a part of it.
After seeing the location of the loaves and fish story we went to the Primacy of Peter. Here, one of the members of our group read from scripture the story in which Jesus tells Peter 3 times to "feed my sheep." Again, truly awe-inspiring. We then went down to the Sea of Galilee and again, the emotion of being near (and in a little) such a biblically prominent body of water was a moving experience. I knew when I left (mentally) that it would be moving, but I didn't know how much.
We left that location and moved on to Capernaum. Wow! I mean Wow! I was blown away here. At Capernaum we all were intrigued by the information we received and again deeply effected by the location itself. While there we learned that Peter lived in Capernaum (we knew that part) and that Peter and Capernaum were strategic choices for Jesus. All around were small towns of little influence and the one most likely to be of help to Jesus' ministry was Capernaum. And Peter, whom I have always thought was probably pretty poor, was a person of both means and influence. A pretty wise choice for a companion to Jesus in ministry. Capernaum, too, was a town passed by many travelers. So when "word of Jesus spread" it did so because so many people travelled by Capernaum and would then carry the . stories to the locations they were traveling to. I found that fascinatin
In Capernaum we were able to see the house of Peter, the 1st century ruins and the Synagogue built after Jesus but on top of the synagogue he would have taught in. Amazing.
I'll end by saying that there is little I can say that can capture the power of this incredible place. We've hardly been here and already I have seen and experienced more than I thought I would. I mean, I knew it would be good, but I didn't know what good meant. This has been truly moving and I look forward to sharing more. Now if I can just get this to post. My blog page is in Hebrew and I'm not sure what button to push.
Peace to all of you at Fourth Presbyterian and thank you for your continued prayers.
P.S. I've posted pictures on facebook so if you are a friend of mine on facebook you'll see photos. I may try to send some via churchwide email, but I don't want to send so many that it bogs down your computer trying to receive them.
After seeing the location of the loaves and fish story we went to the Primacy of Peter. Here, one of the members of our group read from scripture the story in which Jesus tells Peter 3 times to "feed my sheep." Again, truly awe-inspiring. We then went down to the Sea of Galilee and again, the emotion of being near (and in a little) such a biblically prominent body of water was a moving experience. I knew when I left (mentally) that it would be moving, but I didn't know how much.
We left that location and moved on to Capernaum. Wow! I mean Wow! I was blown away here. At Capernaum we all were intrigued by the information we received and again deeply effected by the location itself. While there we learned that Peter lived in Capernaum (we knew that part) and that Peter and Capernaum were strategic choices for Jesus. All around were small towns of little influence and the one most likely to be of help to Jesus' ministry was Capernaum. And Peter, whom I have always thought was probably pretty poor, was a person of both means and influence. A pretty wise choice for a companion to Jesus in ministry. Capernaum, too, was a town passed by many travelers. So when "word of Jesus spread" it did so because so many people travelled by Capernaum and would then carry the . stories to the locations they were traveling to. I found that fascinatin
In Capernaum we were able to see the house of Peter, the 1st century ruins and the Synagogue built after Jesus but on top of the synagogue he would have taught in. Amazing.
I'll end by saying that there is little I can say that can capture the power of this incredible place. We've hardly been here and already I have seen and experienced more than I thought I would. I mean, I knew it would be good, but I didn't know what good meant. This has been truly moving and I look forward to sharing more. Now if I can just get this to post. My blog page is in Hebrew and I'm not sure what button to push.
Peace to all of you at Fourth Presbyterian and thank you for your continued prayers.
P.S. I've posted pictures on facebook so if you are a friend of mine on facebook you'll see photos. I may try to send some via churchwide email, but I don't want to send so many that it bogs down your computer trying to receive them.
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