Jesus' Miracles, the Sea, Saul's Demise, and a Swim

After breakfast we walked just a few blocks from our hotel down to the jetty of Tiberius. Here we boarded our large boat for a ride across the sea of Galilee. The boat was operated by a Jewish Christian, and besides the typical corny jokes all short tour operators make, our time together was soon transformed into a mini-concert with worship and praise songs in both Hebrew and English. 

Several of our folks were able to sing-along with Daniel Carmel, the captain. Many found it a meaningful and moving experience to sing and worship on the waters where Jesus and his disciples once fished and sailed.

Our boat too soon docked at Nof Ginosar, a kibbutz on the north shore of the lake. Here, little more than a decade ago, kibbutznik brothers discovered an old boat sticking above the mud on the shores of  the lake when the water was low. Archaeologists came in and directed a small excavation, extracting what would come to be known as The Jesus Boat. The boat is the remains of a first century fishing boat that possibly worked the lake during the time of Jesus’ ministry and miracles in the area. It was fascinating to see exactly what a boat of that period would have looked like and what size it was (just about big enough for about 13 to ride in!).

From Nof Ginosar our bus carried us just a short way along the shore line to Tabgha, a small Catholic church built over the remains of original fourth and fifth century churches that commemorated Jesus’ Feeding of the Five Thousand. While the exact location is uncertain, the little chapel was built in the are where it did actually occur. Beautiful old mosaic floors of the wildlife of the Nile River in Egypt decorated the old churches and are still a part of the modern church. The graceful water birds, peacocks, and partridges joined the papyrus, trees and other wildlife to transport the viewer to a calm and peaceful setting. Under the altar is the focus of the scene, two fishes and a basket of four loaves—the fifth loaf being the Eucharist Bread on the altar that would be a part of the service.

We next drove up the Jezreel Valley to a spot between ancient Jezreel and Mount Gilboa. In a small grove of trees surrounding a spring-fed pool (The Pool of Israel) we read the story of the fall of King Saul and the death of him and his sons in battle against the Philistines. It was at the pool that the armies of Israel gathered before the battle, and her Saul faced the fall of his dynasty and the ascent of that of King David. 

Lunch found us at a quick stop for Felalfels and salads and Shwarmas again. We enjoyed our “Israeli Burgers” and cold drinks. Some washed their down with an ice cream bar (or two!). 

We visited the Springs of Harod (En Harod) where Gideon, the Israelite Judge, separated his soldiers by seeing who slurpped straight from the water in the stream and who drank by dipping their cupped hands into the waters while keeping a sharp eye out for the enemy. We enjoyed hearing the tale read as we envisioned the troops gathered around the Midianite camp and shouting,  "For the Sword of the Lord and for Gideon!"

A short drive closer to Mount Gilboa took us to Sachne Springs, a holiday reserve owned by Kibbutz Nir David and a place to enjoy a wonderful and refreshing dip in two large pools that are collected from the nearby spring. Some merely swam, while others enjoyed standing under the waterfall and washing away their tiredness.

On the way back to Tiberius some were dropped at a diamond and gemstone factory to see what treasures of the Orient they might discover. Dinner is now over. Some are walking the promenade one last time before we leave the Galilee in the morning and move south toward the Dead Sea and our next hotel. Tomorrow night from Jerusalem!

** SHOUT OUTS **
1. George and Marie Burke want to say "HI" to Marie's parents in California, Harold and Florence Lappinga. We know you enjoyed this trip in 1986. We cant wait to share what we have learned with you. Hello to the rest of our family. We love you!