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Marji "Mike" Kruger

Capernaum

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We are sitting under some trees in Capernaum. The city is on the north side of the Sea of Galilee. To my left in front of me is where Peter’s house is located.

Peter's House
Partial Ruins of Peter's House at Capernaum

And just to my left are the the ruins above the original stones of the synagogue where Jesus taught.

Synagogue at Capernaum
Synagogue Ruins at Capernaum


Many of the people are sitting on ancient columns as we listen to Kay Arthur teach from Luke. Capernaum became the center of Jesus ministry in the Galilean area. It is called “his own city” in Matthew 9:1.

Jesus performed many miracles here…cast out demons…healed Peter’s mother-in-law… healed the paralytic let down throug the roof…and He healed many others. He interacted with the tax-collectors who gathered at the permanent tax office in Capernaum…and He called Matthew the tax collector to follow Him. He taught in the synagogue. And just to the west of us, He preached the Sermon on the Mount at the Mt. of Beatitudes.

Israel Pictures

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In the middle of the Sea

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Sea of Galilee
Sea of Galilee

We are on a boat on the Sea of Galilee heading north from Tiberias to Capernaum. It’s a beautiful day. The sun is out; it’s in the mid-70’s. We are surrounded by mountains on either side of us with the Golan Heights to the right.

It seems like we are in the middle of the lake. Perhaps we are as far out as when the disciples had the storm blow in (John 6:16-19). I’m thinking that the disciples probably thought they had it all under control…after all some of them were fishermen and very familiar with these waters. They were out there everyday fishing for a living. And suddenly a storm blew in. It was pitch black. We can see the shoreline, but even in the daylight there is still a lot that we can’t see. Without modern day lights, though the disciples in the middle of the night were operating in the dark.

That night God knew the waves were going to increase, that a storm was coming and that Jesus was going to wait until 3 – 6AM to go out to the disciples. He was watching them from a mountain on the shore. It’s amazing that 2000 years later we are still learning from it. I have learned we don’t have to see everything…He has our best in mind…He has a purpose in mind and His purposes will prevail. There is a tremendous comfort in knowing that God is in control.

Israel Pictures

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Who do you say I am?

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Yesterday was a full day. If we stop long enough I’ll upload pictures and make more postings.

The highlight from yesterday for me was Caesarea Philippi.

Ceasarea Philippi
Caesarea Philippi

Ceasarea Philippi
Caesarea Philippi

Carved within a steep cliff are niches that housed statues of idols.

Caesarea Philippi
Caesarea Philippi

It was here where Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it. (NAS) (Matthew 16:15-18).

That passage takes on a whole new dimension when you see the actual spot where they were. And I have to ask myself…and you…who do I say that Jesus is? If He is my Savior and my Lord, then He should take pre-eminence in my life. He should be my first priority and whatever He says, I should obey. How about you? Who do you say He is? And how does that flesh out in your life?

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Cool and Breezy But Warming Up

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Pictures of Israel
Sea of Galilee

It’s early, breezy and cool here in Tiberias…or at least cool for this Floridian. I’m sitting at the Sea of Galilee with the Golan Heights across the lake. It’s hazy this morning so I’m not sure that I’ll get much of a sunrise. There are some fish popping to the surface of the water and birds sweeping down for breakfast. I know that life is different here than when Christ lived (there’s a water park behind me and the steady stream of car traffic). And yet I’m struck with the fact that although it’s different, much of it is the same. The hills I’m looking at were handcrafted by the Master Creator. And that Master Creator is still intimately involved with His creation overseeing the life of the lake as well as the lives of all who are here.

In the quiet of this moment I am overwhelmed with wonder of Him who is the Creator. In the quiet of this morning I am worshipping my Lord. As I my heart connects with my Creator a tiny bird perches on the rail before me and my mind immediately goes to Matthew 6:25-26 where Jesus said: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” He knew just what I needed to hear…I have been worrying and fretting because of technical equipment glitches since I’ve been here. He graciously reminded me of Who is in control.

Thank You Lord. Thank You for bringing Your Word to my mind. Thank You for taking a simple little bird and connecting me to Your precious Word. How many times during my busy days at home does He try to take my thoughts back to His Word, but I’m too busy…too busy with the day to day routine to allow His Spirit to connect with my heart. I’m ready to slow down…seek My Savior’s heart and listen for His still voice.

How about you…Have you taken the time to slow down…to seek God’s heart…to seek His heart through His Word? How is He “speaking” to you today? Most likely the first thing He will say is “I love you!”

In His Embrace,
Mike

P.S. It’s warmed up a bit perhaps it’s my heart that’s been warmed by His!

View pictures at: Israel Pictures

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Israel Arrival

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I have arrived in Israel. The drive from Tel Aviv to Tiberias seemed like forever. It amazed me how eager I was to see the Sea of Galilee. I kept expecting it to appear, but to no avail. As we drove I wondered why I was so excited to get a glimpse of the Sea. Then I realized that it represents so much of Christ’s ministry to me. My mind started to drift with some of the Bible accounts from that area…

  • It was where Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow Him. (Matthew 4:18-20)
  • Peter, James and John caught more fish than their nets would hold as they obeyed Jesus instructions. (Luke 5:1-11)
  • It was the area where Jesus fed the 5,000 and walked on the water (John 6)

Jesus personally interacted with others when He was here. I wonder how He will interact with me as I’m here!
Jesus was clear in His instructions to His followers and they obeyed. How quickly do you and I obey?

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