This morning, we checked out of the Sea of Galilee Hotel and made our way towards Jerusalem. Our first stop along the way was at the hilltop city of Megiddo, which overlooks the Jezreel Valley. The ruins of this ancient city were simply amazing, giving you an historic insight into the period. Megiddo is widely considered to be the Armageddon of the New Testament where the final battle to the end of the world. One of the impressive features of this city (apart from a breathtaking view of the valley) was Ahab’s tunnel. This tunnel was dug to connect the heavily fortified city to underground springs that lay outside the city gate. That way, the occupants could access fresh water without leaving their gates and out of sight of their enemies. Genius!! There was also an underground grain store with stairs leading in and out to ensure the community had access to an ample supply of food. Another example of clever civil engineering.
From this impressive city, we drove to Mount Carmel where Elijah confronted the Prophets of Baal in the Old Testament. I was given the privilege of reading the story from 1 Kings 18:16-39 in a garden courtyard alongside a rather intimidating statue of the prophet Elijah. While reading this Scripture, the rest of our group noticed a cross in the background. Elijah’s prayer…
“Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again” (1 Kings 18:36-37).
Reading this Scripture in such a location was truly an awe-inspiring moment! What added to the moment was the rumbling of military aircraft engines in the distant background. It almost sounded like thunder in the distance. Following this reading, I invited our group to sing together the chorus ‘Be Still’…
“Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.
Come bow before Him now with reverence and fear.
In Him no sin is found. We stand on holy ground.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.
Be Still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.
He burns with holy fire; with splendour He is crowned.
How awesome is the sight, our radiant King of Light.
Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.
“Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.
He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace.
No work too hard for Him. In faith, receive from Him.
Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.”
This was truly a mountain top experience in every way! I never imagined in my life ever being able to stand in the same space as the prophet Elijah and read a part of his story in the very place it happened. I’ve always connected with God on the top of mountains but today was something special that I’ll always remember.
As we passed through Haifa, we made a brief stop at the Bahai Temple and Garden. The view across the city was amazing and the Bahai Gardens were beautiful. However, I really did wonder the relevance and appropriateness of such a stop on the “Footsteps of Jesus” Holy Land Tour?! Personally, I would have much rather stop at the Elijah Cave while passing through Haifa. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the journey.
The journey along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, before turning inland to Jerusalem, offered some amazing Roman architecture with views of the Roman Aqueduct in Caesarea and the Roman Theatre at the Caesarea National Park. Among the ruins of the Roman Theatre, we paused to read from Acts 25:1-12, when Paul stood accused before Festus and boldly defended himself by saying,
“I appeal to Caesar.” Once again standing in the very location where these Scriptures happened is quite amazing.
Our final stop for the day, before reaching Jerusalem, was at Jaffa. Apart from the biblical significance of Jaffa (aka Joppa) being the place where Jonah ran from God (Jonah 1:3) and where Peter had a vision and met with Cornelius (Acts 10:9-23), this was an absolutely delightful city. The European influence is unmistakable in the Middle Eastern architecture and cultural interaction in street markets and cafes along the esplanade. We were given some welcomed free time (not enough) to explore the beauty of this delightful setting. Of course, I found a quaint little café where I took the opportunity to order a double espresso, which didn’t disappoint! I would definitely return to Jaffa if I ever had the opportunity, to take in every part of this city. Oh yeah, the view of Tel Aviv was spectacular also!!
We drove into Jerusalem after sunset and checked into our second hotel for the trip – ‘The Olive Tree Hotel’ – which is gorgeous! From the ancient Judo-Roman décor to the olive tree in the middle of an elaborate dining room, then the personalised greeting on the TV monitor in our room, this place is something special. I think we are going to really enjoy the next five nights in this accommodation. It’s been a long, full day, but a blessed day. We look forward to getting out and about to explore some of the significant places where Jesus actually walked.
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