Caesarea

On our way to the Galilee last weekend, we stopped at the Mediterranean Coastal town of Caesarea. Caesarea is the beginning of the gospel of the Lord Jesus being extended to the gentiles through the Roman centurion, Cornelius, and his family. There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. Acts 10:1-2. Below is the ancient gate of the city of Caesarea from the inside of the city looking east.

The National Park sign. It looks like I am leaning a little to the right when taking the picture. It was after a couple of hours of walking so I must have been tired.

Caesarea was a port city right on the Mediterranean Coast. After the apostle Paul's 3rd missionary journey, he (and Luke) arrived at Caesarea before going to Jerusalem. And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea. Acts 21:7-8.

From the southern side beside the Roman Amphitheatre, this is the view looking north over the Hippodrome to Caesarea.

Ancient columns make good park sculptures.

Ancient columns with the blue Mediterranean in the background.

The National Park sign describing the Hippodrome where chariot races were held.

This bottom portion of the sign suggests other things may have happened here.

Looking south over the Hippodrome with a modern chariot sculpture on the left.

Beautiful mosiac floor in the Hippodrome preserved by the sand.

The entire mosiac floor.

This looks like a race track for men instead of chariots.

After a couple of thousand years including many battles, a large portion of Caesarea was destroyed and is lying under shallow water. You can go scuba diving here and see the city that is underwater which would be a fun experience. Looking closely at these rocks, you can see at one time they were walls.

Zoom in on this photo and you will see a young Arab couple having some wedding photos taken with the Mediterranean Sea in the background. Good location for photos. They had passed by us just after we finished eating.

Ancient ruins of Caesarea. Philip, the evangelist, who baptized the Ethiopian eunuch in Gaza lived here. Philip, like Stephen, was one of the seven chosen for service in Acts Chapter 6. And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip... Acts 6:5.

Philip preached the gospel all along the coast. So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus (Ashdod). And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:34-40. Below is one of the many nice restaurants to choose from in Caesarea.

The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day for photos. 20-25 years after Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, it was his house that Paul was at on his way to Jerusalem. On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. Acts 21:8.

Just a little bit north of the city of Caesarea are the ruins of an ancient Roman aquaduct. The aquaduct actually brought water from Mount Carmel (several kilometers north) to Caesarea.

Today the aquaduct is situated on a beach where there were many Israelis enjoying the day.

This is the well preserved Roman amphitheater at the southern end of Caesarea. The ancient ruins are in such good condition that modern day concerts and symphonies are held here. You can see the stage background and lights that have been put on the amphitheater.

Ancient ruins by the amphitheater in the foreground with modern Israel in the distance. Caesarea is where Paul almost converted King Agrippa. Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." Acts 26:28.

Just as the Holy Spirit came to the Jews in Jerusalem in Acts Chapter 2, When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1-2, the Holy Spirit came to Gentiles at Caesarea, While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also... Acts 10:44-46.

Seating in the Hippodrome with some modern day paintings of ancient pictures added.

It was a beautiful day in Caesarea. We do thank Almighty God for His Grace, His Mercy and for extending the good news of our saviour, the Lord Jesus, to us Gentiles, too.

Mount Arbel

May has been a busy month with Christian Friends of Israel's Annual Conference plus Israel's 60th Anniversary as a modern nation. President Bush also made his second 2008 visit to Israel and Jerusalem. I apologize for not having time to post anything. However, this weekend, my friends from CFI-America in Texas, who were here for the conference, and I went up north to the Galilee. The Lord Jesus really blessed us with beautiful weather. Overlooking the Sea of Galilee from the west is Mount Arbel which provides beautiful scenery in all directions. Below is the face cliff at the top of Mount Arbel. You can see the highway going north out the city of Tiberias. After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. John 6:1.

The Sea of Galilee from Mount Arbel with the Golan Heights in the background.

Fascinating colors in the mountains lo0king west from Mount Arbel.

Looking north to mountains in Israel just north of Galilee. Who established the mountains by His strength, Being clothed with power... Psalm 65:6.

Below is Mt. Arbel from Kibbutz Ginosar where we stayed. The valley below Mt. Arbel is called the Valley of Doves. Going west through this valley leads to Nazereth. Within 2-3 miles from where I am taking the picture on the shores of the Sea of Galilee is Capernaum, Bet Saida, and Chorasin. Right below Mt. Arbel is the town of Migdal, home of Mary Magdalene. Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons. Luke 8:1-2

Looking down at the town of Migdal from Mt Arbel.

It was a very windy but gorgeous day on top of the mountain.

North.

Northwest.

Migdal.

The northern end of the Sea of Galilee. Kibbutz Ginosar, where we stayed, is right on the shore. A large portion of the Lord Jesus's ministry took place on the northern side of the Galilee. On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Matthew 13:1-2.

The hills east of the Sea of Galilee today are called the Golan Heights. On the other side of the Golan Heights would be Syria. Since 1967, Syria has been demanding Israel return this piece of land. Israel and Syria recently renewed discussion regarding this matter. Biblically, the Golan Heights was called Bashan. From the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh the sons of Gershon were given Golan in Bashan with its common-lands and Ashtaroth with its common-lands. !st Chronicles 6:71.

Wild purple sage brush along the walk to the top of Mt. Arbel.

Definitely windy. The Israeli National Flag and the National Parks Flag.

Petra - Part Two

To see the Treasury Building and the immediate surroundings are just the beginning of Petra.
Looking to the left from inside the Treasury Building, you see an opening which leads to the rest of Petra. Revelation Chapter 12 describes a "woman" (Israel) running to a "place prepared by God" during the Great Tribulation for three and one half years. One reason I wanted to visit Petra is because of that verse. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. Revelation 12:6.

Below the young Arab girl is looking straight up taking a photo of the massive height of the Treasury Building. I had just taken the same photo myself.

More "red" mountains of Edom as we turn the corner. When the Lord Jesus discusses future events with His apostles, He tells Israel (Judea) to "flee to the mountains." Jerusalem is located in the Judean Hills or mountains. From the Judean Hills; to the south is the Negev desert; to the west is the Mediterranean Sea; the enemy might be to the north in the Valley of Armageddon; so to "flee to the mountains" only leaves running east & southeast to the mountains of Jordan. “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains..." Matthew 24:15-16.

One of the corridors of Petra.

The red stone is beautiful.

Several layers of color here.

This desert taxi was by himself. I did not see anyone close by.

Petra had a lot of these pink floral bushes in bloom. In the distance you can see some of the dwellings (caves) that were probably inhabitated when built.

A portion of Daviel Chapter 11 describes the adversary (antichrist) which is to come. During the tribulation, he only part of this world that he cannot touch is here, Biblical Edom and Moab. He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. Daniel 11:41-42.

Below is a Roman-styled amphitheater that could seat 5000. Revelation 12 also describes how Satan chases the woman (Israel) so far then gives up and turns on the rest of the world, especially the Jews and the Christians. Those verses suggest that Israel fled to a region of safety (Edom) where they cannot be pursued. Now when the dragon (Satan) saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman (Israel) who gave birth to the male Child (the Lord Jesus). But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time (3 1/2 years), from the presence of the serpent ... And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:13-14:17.

Matthew 24, Revelation 12, and Daniel 11 are Biblical eschatology (future events). Not only do we not know for sure what will happen but believers in the Lord Jesus won't even be present on this earth when those events take place. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1st Thessalonians 4:15-17.

It was a good day to meditate on God's Word.

The guide say there were about 800 dwelling places in Petra.

The amphitheater from a different angle.

More dwelling places.

Petra has it's only little highway of camels, donkeys, and horse buggies (chariots). Arab kids start very young leading the animals and having employment in Petra.

This one looked like Kay's Hannah to me. When Boomer gave birth to Hannah early one morning, Kay hollered at me as she ran to the barn "tell them I won't be at work today." It was a winter morning and Kay spent all day in the barn getting hay for Boomer and Hannah. She did love animals and would have wanted to pet everyone of these.

To get closer to this structure would have required another hour or so to hike.

Below is the same photo not zoomed.

When we finally got to the bottom of the canyon, there was a little restaurant there for lunch. The guide said "it was a free walk" back to the entrance and we had a little over an hour and a half to get there. A young, Arab entrepreneur said "7 dinars to ride to the Treasury Building" on his donkey. That sounded good to me. As I was riding, I managed to take some photos one handed of the "traffic" that was coming at me.

More traffic.

This young man was willing to pose.

This little white donkey either threw his rider or just got away from the owner. He was not the only riderless animal that I saw that day.

The pathway is very clear to see. The animals know the direction without a lot of guiding.

A camel and a cellphone. Only in the Middle East.

One of the photos from "donkey-back."

After reaching the Treasury building, I tipped my young guide 3 dinars and gave him a 10. It was not going to do me any good in Israel. One Jordanian Dinar is close in value to a one Euro which would be about one and a half dollars. Fifteen bucks including tip to ride the donkey. Since my heart was still beating it was well worth it.

I chose a more expensive ride, the chariot, to exit Petra through the siq. But it was also worth it . The young, Arab driver was singing to all the Arab girls as we went by. He did have the horse at a gallup here and there on a very bumpy road. Holding on to the camera and my hat were the hardest things. I was at the meeting place 45 minutes early so I stopped and had an ice cream at the Indiana Jones Coffee Shop. These two young men wanted me to sit in front of their establishment for advertising. It cost them a photo.
After boarding the bus to head back to Aqaba and Eilat, we climbed and climbed uphill before arriving at a beautiful overlook of mountains around Petra. If you zoom in on the lower center left, you will see some tiny, little people that are getting ready to enter the siq leading to Petra.

Same overlook just a little bit further north.

The Jordanian town of Wadi Moussa by Petra. The guide said "because of Petra, everyone has income." There were not many towns close by.

From the bus, the red, red sands of Edom.

It was dark by the time we got through Jordanian customs, but I had taken this picture earlier.

Definitely nice to re-enter Israel. We got back to our hotel in Eilat around 8:00pm. It was a long day but well worth the trip. Petra could be Revelation 12's "a place prepared by God." Even it is not, we do know for sure that He made everything. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1. Although it can be a challenge at times, overall it is a tremendous privilege to live in Jerusalem and be able to see the Land of the Bible. ‘Since the day that I brought My people out of the land of Egypt, I have chosen no city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house, that My name might be there, nor did I choose any man to be a ruler over My people Israel. Yet I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name may be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel. II Chronicles 6:5-6.