The day started with a drive to Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18). Where Elijah ‘fought’ with the 450 prophets of Baal and won! One man with God on his side- defeating 450 men! Elijah knew, as we should – the he and God were a majority! I imagined the entire scene as Lon read the passage. I love the way God’s glory was revealed- read over the story yourself and be reminded of the amazing God we serve.
We then traveled to Caesarea on the coast of the Mediterranean – absolutely breathtaking! We stood in the stone amphitheater and my first thought was, “Frontline Caesarea!” Hey, why not. If we can use technology to start a church in Arlington…why not Caesarea? Paul was imprisoned in this city for two years.
Apart from the stunning architecture, the most significant thing I saw from a biblical perspective was the “Pontius Pilate Stone.” For centuries there have been people who have said that there is no evidence other than the biblical record that Pontius Pilate ever existed. Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea at the time of Christ and Jesus was brought before him just before Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27). But, archeology has once again proven the Bible to be completely accurate! The name of Pontius Pilate was found inscribed in stone at Caesarea! He was in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover Feast when Jesus was arrested but he was stationed in Caesarea by the Romans. Most likely, because the city had been built in a more Roman fashion- with a large amphitheatre, hippodrome (horse racing), and a large port - he was comfortable here. There was also an aqueduct leading to the city, along the Mediterranean coast and it is still standing.
We then went to a place called the Tel Megiddo. This city overlooks the Valley of Megiddo where the battle of Armageddon will take place (Revelation 16). This is the battle that John describes in the book of Revelation between Christ and the Anti-Christ. The valley is a massive expanse of land and I imagined the forces of good and evil crossing from each side of the broad plain preparing to do battle. I’m glad we (believers) know the end of the story – Jesus wins!
Near the end of the day we walked to a point overlooking the town of Nazareth where Jesus lived most of his boyhood life. The city is extremely compact and it was easy to imagine the voices of the villagers in Jesus’ day. I pictured him running around the narrow streets with his ‘crew’ after working with Joseph, his earthly father. We stood and watched as the sun set behind the small town – its lights beginning to show through the windows of the buildings. Surreal.
It’s hard to believe that the past few days are just the beginning of what we are to see. I can honestly say that if the trip were over this moment we have seen enough to justify the expense. But, the fact remains that the trip has only just begun! We can look forward to seeing all of Jerusalem – the garden Tomb where Jesus was buried, the rocks that were part of the Great Temple of God that was destroyed in 70 AD, the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before he was arrested, the East Gate where tradition holds that Jesus will reenter Jerusalem when He comes again – so much yet to see!
Carpe Deum! (Seize God!)
Todd Phillips
www.toddphillips.net
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