We are in our fourth day of touring and I am still not running out of things that have amazed me and strengthened my faith.
Our first stop today was the Mount of Transfiguration. We went up the mountain known as Mount Tabor. This is the mountain where Deborah would sit under a tree and judge Israel. This is also considered to be one of the places where Jesus was transfigured.
Dr. Effler shared the passage (Matthew 17:1-8) where Jesus was transfigured. He made mention of people who were chasing only an experience. We must have an experience but we must also have a lifestyle that is produced from that experience.
Mike Odonell then shared about a man who was saved on the very mountain during one of their trips. We then offered prayer to anyone who wanted God to work in their lives. Only one person came up for prayer. At that moment I felt that I should say something. I told the group not to leave without praying. Don't go off this mountain disappointed! Let God work in you. Several more people came forward and we enjoyed a time of prayer together!
What an amazing place! As Jesus was transfigured I hope that God would transform our lives to make us more like him!
Our second stop took us to Beth Shan. This was the city that the Philistines brought the body of King Saul and hung it on the wall. On the way to Bet She'an (modern spelling), we passed by Mount Gilboa. This was the place where Saul and Jonathan were killed. David, after this, cursed Mount Gilboa and said that nothing would grow on it forever. There is one mountain where there is nothing growing and it is called Mount Saul.
We also saw the new city of Beth Shan that the Romans built. We stood inside of the amphitheater and heard Mike speak from the stage and we could hear him perfectly.
We also walked to the main shopping center of the city.
As I reflect I understand that time is quickly passing, one generation passes and is replaced by another generation. We only have one generation to reach one generation.
In Saul, one kingdom passed to another - David. Beth Shan became Bet She'an. We are charged with going into all the world and preaching the gospel to every creature. The church must wake up to the reality that time is not waiting for us to do what we have been commissioned to do!
Our next stop led us to Megiddo. This was a city that was inhabited by 25 different civilizations. Israel was in Megiddo in the time of Solomon all the way to Ahab. It is a very strategic place. From Megiddo you can look into the Valley of Armageddon. This is the place where the last battle is going to take place in Revelation where the blood will flow for two miles up to the horses bridles.
We also traveled underneath the city of Megiddo where the people had dug a tunnel so that they would have access to water during a siege and could get water without leaving the city. We saw altars of worship from different time periods. At Megiddo I can see man's constant search and longing to find God and worship him. And because many will not find God and many will reject him, on this very spot the bloodiest battle to end all battles will be fought.
Our guide mentioned a British soldier who led the troops in Israel in World War I. He was knighted and given the title "Lord of Armageddon". But Jesus will come with a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords!
Our last stop took us to Nazareth,the home town of Jesus. We went up to the Church of the Annunciation. This is the place where it is believed the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would have a Son. The church is a beautiful structure with Mosaics and decorations that are truly unbelievable. It is built right over what is believed to be Mary's house. It is still there below the main sanctuary.
This is significant because Mary was a virgin. She found favor with God, and obeyed in everything that he tells her. We too have experienced the favor of God through Christ. We are also called to serve The Lord in obedience and truth!
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