June 14

Well, I’m not even sure what day it is after the marathon flight home (1 hour bus, 11 hours from Tel Aviv, another bus ride to LaGuardia, 3 hours to NW AR and an hour home, altogether 28 straight hours of travel). But, I certainly had the trip of a lifetime. I found my self overwhelmed and at a loss for words daily. (And That is saying something for me!) 

The first day we arrived in Israel, from the airport, we drove straight to Cesárea by the sea that sits in a beautiful location right on the Mediterranean. Herod the Great built this city in honor of Caesar in 10 BC to recreate Rome and it was a progressive city with aqueducts carrying water to it from Mt Carmel. Herod built a shrine for Agustus and Pilot built a house for Tiberius here. 

The major trade route from Alexandria to Rome skirted the Mediterranean because it was too dangerous to go straight across. Jerod wanted a share of those riches. Prior to Ceserea and the Romans, Joppa had been the port for Israel, but Joppa was small. He built a huge harbor with a concrete that hardened under water (more than 2,000 years ago!)

Herod was actually born a Jew. His grandfather converted during the time of the Macabees and his mother was an Arabian (the people responsible for the trades). Jesús was born just before Herod died 4 BC (when He called for the slaughter of all the Jewish boys in Bethlehem). 

It was here at Caesarea Paul was held in prison for two years and it was here a man named Cornelius lived. 

“Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’” Acts‬ ‭10:30-32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God revealed to Peter that people could come directly to Him. (Early Christians, Peter included, believed you must become a Jew to become a Christian). And this, was the beginning of the international church. 

“Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right...While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.” Acts‬ ‭10:34-35, 44-45‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The church for everyone began! And as Paul says later in Ephesians, the prophets didn’t quite understand that there would be a church of Jesus Christ BETWEEN the first and second comings. How blessed it was to have the honor to stand at the very place it all happened! 

Lord Jesus, thank you for the church and for the belief of Cornelius and the understanding of Peter that all who believe could come to you and be saved. As Gentiles, we owe much to this man Cornelius and to the Roman city by the sea and we praise you for your glorious plan to spread the gospel. What a wonder you are and what marvelous love you have for us. You are a great God and we worship you. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for those who don’t yet understand you are the Messiah, the soon and coming King. Amen and amen. 

Love you dear one,

Pam

PS. Cesárea by the sea pictures on Facebook.