Part of the port area of Caesarea (left) and the ancient aqueduct (right).

This morning, we left Herzliya (just north of Tel Aviv) at 8:00 am and began heading up north to Caesarea.  This ancient port city was constructed by Herod around 10 BC and named after Caesar.

Acts chapter 10 tells us that this is where Cornelius the centurion  lived.  He was the first Gentile believer and thus was the beginning of the spreading of the Gospel message opened to all people.

Today’s weather was unseasonably cool with spots of rain.  The waves were fairly large and we were blessed to not be hit with a downpour.  As we left Caesarea, we briefly stopped at the ancient aqueduct.  This aqueduct has not been restored but has remained in magnificent condition for its age.

Our next stop was Tel Meggido, also known as Armageddon.  Our guide, Naftali, explained to us that a Tel is an “artificial” mountain, made up of ruins upon ruins of ancient cities.  When standing on top of Tel Meggido, the picture above is what you see.  This is the Jezreel Valley, also known as the Valley of Jehosephat.  This does not refer to the king, but in Hebrew it means “G-d judges.”

It is here that Yeshua will return and give Israel victory over her enemies (the entire) world in the Last Days.  When looking out, you can see this wide, open land and visualize the armies of the world engaged in battle, with blood flowing as high as the bridles of the horses.

Pictures from Ein Harod today.

God chose Gideon, a young man from the tribe of Manasseh,  to free the people of Israel and to condemn their idolatry.  He was a fearful man, who threshed wheat in the wine vat instead of the threshing floor because he was afraid.  Yet, G-d chose him to lead the Israelites.

This account can give us great encouragement!  We all have our fears, doubts and weaknesses, yet G-d can use us and strengthen our faith.  Baruch taught about this passage and one of the things he mentioned was how G-d used fewer resources (men for battle) just to show the victory was HIS.  Let’s not forget that when it is G-d’s will, HE will provide the victory for us, and usually in a way which will show that He was the one who brought it about.

Our last stop of the day was to the home of a dear friend of ours, who shared with the group a little bit about being Jewish, making Aliyah (immigrating to Israel) and the love in her heart for the Land and longing for the Jewish people on a large scale to come to faith.

We came to her home, which she shares with her elderly father who made Aliyah at age 90, in order to participate in the affixing of the mezuzah to her doorpost.  Everyone in the group enjoyed participating in this commandment (see Deuteronomy chapters 6 and 11).

Baruch shared with the group that first, in the Passover account, we read about the children of Israel placing the blood of the Passover Lamb on the doorposts of their homes in order to receive the redemption.  Afterwards we read the Deuteronomy passages.  This teaches us that AFTER we are Redeemed we have the strength to carry out the commandments of G-d!

We are excited for another full day tomorrow!