Sian's 12 Days in Israel: Day 3 – Capernaum & Beatitudes

Last night was a little rough, the time change hit me so it was hard to sleep and in the back of my mind I was staying awake to Skype the girls during my window of opportunity. No luck though. Yea, as I’m writing this Greggy just got on line.

Today was an epic day, the weather was perfect and we actually sailed and walked where Jesus walked 2000 years ago.

Our first site was a museum where we saw an original ancient boat of Jesus’ time. We watched a movie of the excavation, which was fascinating because of the complex and delicate process it takes when an artifact such as this is discovered and preserved. It was so cool because the boat we looking at might have been the very boat that Jesus sailed when He called His first disciples, Simon (Peter) and Andrew, to follow Him. (Matt 4:18-22)

Next we boarded a boat to sail the Galilee, wow I was blown away looking out onto this lake. The Galilee is where Jesus performed many of His miracles and is the origin and source of Christianity we believe today.

The day was so still and perfect that the presence of Jesus was so easily felt. We sang worship songs and Bob blessed us with another awesome study of the scriptures. Bob emphasized how many times His disciples asked “When”, (Mark: 46, 47, 49, 53 & 54) “When are we going to truly trust 100%.”

(Matt14: 27-29) “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus

When the boat hands played some typical Jewish music we were so filled with the Holy Spirit that after the teaching we danced and celebrated around the boat. It was a great experience and a memory born on my heart forever.

As soon as Tami and I got in the bus for our next destination we fell asleep so when we awoke we were at the site of the Beatitudes. This is the site that Jesus taught on Blessings and who would be blessed. Bob explained that the word ‘blessed” which Jesus used to illustrate the Beatitudes , in the Hebrew language is “Makarios,” meaning God’s gift already in place, accepting what is already present in us. I loved this because we use the word “blessed” a lot and in Matthew 5 Jesus teaches that we are blessed because of who we are not what we receive.

The Beatitudes

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,  

4 Blessed are those who mourn, (pain is a great teacher)

5 Blessed are the meek,   (Greek word: pray, not relying on ourselves)

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,   (Best example is Job 29:13)

7 Blessed are the merciful,  (Lord’s prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive..”)

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,   (psalm 24: 1-6)  

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,  

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

11 “Blessed are you when you are persecuted,

12 Rejoice and be glad

After the Beatitudes we visited Capernaum where Jesus performed many of His miracles and the people asked Jesus what the greatest work they could do to show faith (John 6: 28)

Jesus answered by saying…The work of God is this, Believe in the one he has sent ;(John 6: 29)

It was such an incredible vision and feeling to be standing on the same floor as Jesus walked 2000 years ago in Capernaum and it was a great way to end the day.

Off to bed. It was great to see you on Skype tonight. Good luck in your audtions for Cinderella tonight girls.

I love you Greggy and hi to everyone who is following along. I will write again tomorrow night.

Blessings

Sian