Hello everyone. We did so much today, that I am am just going to briefly mention each one for your sake and mine. We made stops at Caesarea Maritima, Megiddo, Zippori, and Nazareth for the Church of the Annunciation and the Mount of Precipice.
 |
| The updated but original theater at Casarea |
First we drove over to the Mediterranean Sea and the ancient port city of Caesarea Maritima. Caesarea is a beautiful city that was originally constructed by Herod in an effort to impress the Roman government, and was one of the greatest architectural constructions of its time. For Biblical purposes, it is the place where the Apostle Paul made his defense to King Agrippa and was held before going on to Rome, as well as the city where Peter was told to go to meet Cornelius, the first Gentile convert. The city ruins showed us the remains of a Roman theater (that now plays host to some of the biggest names in entertainment, most recently Bon Jovi), as well as a Roman
hippodrome, an arena where horse races were held.
 |
| The remains of the hippodrome and the Mediterranean Sea |
 |
| Some of the tels of Megiddo revealing an ancient altar among other things. |
After leaving the beautiful shores of Caesarea, we traveled to Megiddo, a tel that was very strategic, much like Tel-Hazor because of its location along the only route across the Mediterranean, the Via Maris. This is the largest tel in Israel, consisting of 25 tels, the oldest dating back almost 6,000 years! This location was conquered by Joshua, rebuilt and fortified by Josiah, and continually contested throughout centuries because of its controlling state over the Via Maris.
 |
| Heading into the spring where water was gotten |
 |
| Walking through the now dried up 1,000 year old water spring |
Following Megiddo, we stopped for lunch in Nazareth at the YMCA restaurant before going on to Zippori, a city with little Biblical importance, but it was viewed by some, such as the historian Josephus, as the capital of the Galilee. It also is believed to be the birthplace of the parents of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It also offered glimpses at some extremely beautiful mosaic floor pieces dating to the 1st & 2nd century AD, as well as a vivid layout of an ancient city.
 |
| Inside the Church of the Annunciation |
Following Zippori, we went back to Nazareth to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, a Catholic church that is constructed over the grotto of a church that is built on the traditional site of where Mary, the mother of Jesus, received the revelation from the angel that she would bear the Son of God. The original grotto is located underneath the basilica which was consecrated in 1969 around this original. It was an absolutely breathtaking church, and there was even an Israeli wedding going on as we entered, which the families didn't mind our presence at all.
Finally we went up to Mount Precipice, the site where Jesus' fellow townspeople from Nazareth attempted to push him off the mount after he read from the scroll of Isaiah but Jesus would escape their efforts, as recorded in Luke 4. While at this site, Dr. Jorgenson, CUDS theology professor, read from the gospel the account of the events that took place there, truly a remarkable experience to be able to enjoy.
 |
| Standing on Mount Precipce, with Nazareth in the background |
 |
| Dr. Jorgenson reading on Mount Precipice |
Today was a considerably busy and long day, beginning at 8 AM this morning, and not returning back to the hotel until after 7:30 PM, but it was a great day. We have much planned for tomorrow, and I wish I could share more, but I hope this small taste will allow you a glimpse into this wonderful pilgrimage.
Comments
Post a Comment