Catching Up

Wow. It’s only been a few days since I posted anything, but the days are so full here that I feel far behind. You are just going to have to ask me about these experiences for me to really be able to communicate to you the learning and blessing that we are all receiving. Here’s a quick list…

Qumran – We learned about the dedication behind the transcription of the scripture. The people group likely here were Essenes who were extremely devout. Their faithfulness is amazing, but they are shut off from the rest of the world. A very tough climb!!

Ein Gedi – The desert oasis. David spent time here while running from Saul. The faith lesson was on the reality of living water in the desert and what it means when Jesus tells us that he is the living water. If you know Travis Wert, ask him about the awesome gift he gave us here! We are so proud of this young man!

Capernaum – Here we learn about where Jesus claims to derive his authority, or as the rabbis call it, smicha.

Korazim – Community!!! We study the communal way of life of the first century Jewish community that Jesus was a part of. The families were close knit and lived in what was essentially one home with a central courtyard

Bethsaida – Peter, Andrew, Phillip, James and John are from this tiny fishing village. We think of them as children and the potential that our own children have. We also learn of the dedication that they grew in and here the story of the martyrdom of Phillip.

Tagbha – a small spring on the shoreline of the Galilee. This is likely the spot that the disciples were fishing when Jesus meets them at the shore.

Gamla – Home of a group of Jewish zealots. Their story is powerful and sad. This is the passion that Jesus draws on. He calls at least one and perhaps two identifiable zealots to join his disciples.

Caesarea Phillippi – One of my favorite teachings. Disgusting worship of the pagan god Pan was centered here and Jesus proclaims that on this rock he will build his church. Inspiration and an invitation to go to the tough, hard, perhaps nasty places and show them some true love.

Jordan River – We learn of John’s baptism of repentance and the necessity to approach the world with wet feet.

Beit She’an – One of the cities of the pagan Decapolis. We learn to appreciate G-d’s created beauty and not our own faulty creations. We get a taste of the Hellenistic world that Jesus’ message seems to denounce at every turn.

Susita – Another city of the Decapolis. Here we discuss the absolute necessity of each of us telling our own story trough a study of Jesus with the demon processed man on the other side.

Mt. Arbel – Another very tough climb. We learn the power and importance of prayer, especially prayer guided by G-d’s own words.

Nazareth Quarry – A long walk from here to the next location. We learn of ancient boundaries, uncut corners, and a couple of tectons from nearby Nazareth.

Zippori – Another taste of the culture of Hellenism in this world. We also study the strange interactions within the Herodian family and how Jesus uses the present stories around him in his ministry.

Tonight closed with an awesome boat ride from the eastern shorline to our kibbutz on the western shoreline. The wind was blowing and the sea sprayed all over us. We were soaked and exhilarated by it.

Bless G-d for his awesome creation and his willingness to let us inhabit it. Bless G-d for the story he told us through his word, and the story tells everyday through each of us.