Day 3
May 27, Monday
We are driving up to Megiddo this morning, the most famous Tel, one
city built on top the ruins of another, here we climbed up and up, the stairs and the winding roadways leading us through the remains, so
impressive and the view spanning across, out as far as the eye can see; the
plain of Armageddon. Many battles have been fought here, battles with the Kings
of Egypt, with Joshua, with Ahaziah the king of Judah and the good King, Josiah, was
killed here; this place the symbol of war…Christians believe that it is here
the last battle of the world will be fought…Armageddon.
“On that day, the weeping in Jerusalem will be as great as the weeping
of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.”
Zechariah 12:10-14
Solomon fortified it, remnants of his stables and chariots were found
here along with foundations of houses, gates and grain silos, large; capable to
hold and feed 450 horses, massive amazing remains of a world long gone. Here too
was the discovery of a water system that supplied this city with
fresh spring water…shafts large enough for a man to walk through, dug deep and down into the rock, reaching long to the outside of the
city to the hidden place where the stream rushes in, providing needed water...amazing.
Leaving Megiddo, we drive to Mount Carmel, the mountain where God responds
to Elijah’s prayer with fire; the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt
offering, proclaiming He is the one and only God. And it is the place too, where God responds for a second time in the
way of a still small whisper. He is not in the strong wind, nor is He in the
earthquake and He is not in the fire…where is God? Be still; He is in a gentle whisper; A still
small voice…ahhh,yes... my favorite place.
From here we
drive out to Galilee, over 600 feet below sea level, a fertile lush valley
where the road is lined with banana fields and olive orchards, row upon row, field
after field, leading us on to enter Nazareth, a city more than 1200 feet above sea level. This city, more like a village has always been called city, a place where homes are upon
homes, shops upon shops, populated, yet strangely silent, sitting holy; the childhood
home of Jesus. We enter in to an
unassuming building and find hiding inside itself, a village reflecting the life of Jesus’
time; an oasis of sweet reminders that Jesus lived this simple life. Here we watched the shepherd tend his sheep, the
carpenter work at his craft and we watched the woman spin wool into long soft
threads, we saw the olive press and how it worked, we peeked into a tomb and we sat quietly in the small synagogue. We walked the donkey path, climbing the hill to enjoy a simple lunch,
one that Jesus would have shared with his family and friends. Young
people dressed in the attire of the day served us our meal; lentil soup, unleavened bread, hummus and
olive oil seasoned lightly with spices, rosemary and sesame seeds; small bowls
of olives, water, always water and watermelon sliced. We all delighted in the feel of it, melted in the aroma of it and rested in the sights of it. After lunch we made our way up the narrow stairs and a slight turn to enter the upper room; the walls were open for the breeze to enter in,
leaving the curtains rustling; lined with long low tables and seating the length of them covered with pillows in a myriad of colors; inviting us to recline and rest, wishing we
could.
Now with
just one more stop, the last sight of the day, the Basilica of the
Annunciation, marking the place where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that
she would give birth to the savior. We stop for a moment to cover our shoulders
with shawls and long skirts or pants to cover our knees, showing reverence and respect.
This place protected by the Catholic Church, it's dome stands over 170 feet tall reaching high into the sky, it stretches nearly as long; cement and stone, engraved inside and out on the walls and the doors; ornate, opulent all white tile
and stained glass; marking the site of an exchange between a simple girl and a
heavenly host…holy.
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with
you.”
Luke 1:28
I love that.
