We are still at the Ein Gev kibbutz. A kibbutz is a community that works cooperatively to provide for the needs of those living there. The kibbutz communities were established for Jews living in other countries who wanted to settle in Israel but did not have the financial resources to do so. To join the kibbutz, the person had to sell all his property (bank accounts, house, furniture, etc..) and contribute those funds to the kibbutz for the support of the community. The Ein Gev operates a resort here on the Sea of Galilee. The restaurant here is very good (minus the cow tongue) and the meals are kosher. That means, at dinner, there is no dairy served and at breakfast there is no meat served. There cannot even be any of the banned food group brought into the dining room. Dairy and meat cannot be prepared together. Somehow they manage to prepare wonderful food while staying within those guidelines.
Today, we began our day with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. The boat was wooden and modeled after the type of boat that Jesus and his disciples would have used. After we got underway, the crew raised the United States flag along with the flag of Israel and played the Star-Spangled Banner. That was a nice reminder of home. Half-way across the lake, they stopped the boat and Pastor Dave read from Luke about Jesus calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Andy lead us in several songs, and we enjoyed the peace of this beautiful place where our Lord did so many wonderful things. On the other side of the lake, we visited a museum that has an ancient Galilee boat on display. It was discovered in the mud by two fisherman during a drought year. It has been preserved and is from the time of Jesus. From there, we went to Capernaum and visited the site where Peter's house was located. Jesus would gave been in this place teaching, preaching, and healing the sick. His ministry was really raising the ire of the Jewish leaders. In order to preach, authority had to be granted by the church rulers and Jesus was preaching to the people without their
earthly authority. Didn't go over so well. From there, we went up to the top of Mt. Arbel, a place where Jesus taught his disciples. It was a place where Jesus could teach is disciples without the press of the crowds. What a view! We came back down the mountain and visited Kursi; known as Bethsaida in the time of Jesus. This is thought to be the site of the feeding of the 4,000 (Mark 8). Ruins of a Byzantine monestary are there in Bethsaida. Surviving at the site are mosaics that depict baskets of bread. Kursi (Bethsaida) is on the opposite the side of the lake from where Jesus had earlier fed the 5,000. This side of the lake was like, how do you say, the other side of the tracks. A lot of not so clean living went on there. Luke 8 tells us that is here that Jesus healed a man possessed by many demons. Jesus let the demons enter a herd of pigs.The pigs then ran down a hill into the sea and drowned. Made for a bad day for the demons (and the pigs).
We ended our day a little early in order to have time to pack up for our return to Jerusalem tomorrow.
On the Sea of Galilee.
Just who has been taking all those photos of me, you ask?
Dave and Joann from Vancouver. Thanks, guys.
On Mt. Arbel overlooking the Sea of Galilee
Dr. Jack Beck, our instructor, helping scripture come alive for us.
Hey mom. What a beautiful picture of the sea of Galilee. I had to work late, so I couldn't FaceTime you today. I talked to Meg, she said she. did. I miss you. I love you. I will try and FaceTime you Saturday. Your blogs are great. I love you. Trav
ReplyDelete