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The ancient rabbis used to say "Although God has created seven seas, yet He has chosen this one as His special delight." After visiting the Sea of Galilee, we understand. One of the most beautiful sites in Israel is coming over the hill and seeing this beautiful expanse of water. In the spring, from the top of the mountains it looks blue in contrast to the green backdrop of trees and hills. It brings life to the landscape and is sometimes called the "eye of Galilee."
The word "Galilee" means "circle district." To some, this area was known as the circle of the Gentiles because so many of the cities along the trade route were filled with Gentiles, especially the areas to the north and west sides of the Lake.
Throughout the Bible, the Sea of Galilee is also known as the Sea of Tiberius (John 6), the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5), and in the Old Testament, the Sea of Chinneroth (Numbers 34) - names derived from places on the north shore of the Sea. It's 13 miles long, 7 miles wide, 32 miles in circumference, and at its deepest, about 150 feet deep. The position of the Lake allows it to be caught up in sudden, powerful storms: the cool air from the upper plains comes down from the Golan Heights and from Mt. Hermon and rush down the gorges so quickly, that it begins to toss the water into massive waves.
A lot of events in the ministry of Jesus happened in and around this Lake. But since we take a boat ride across the lake on our tour, I'm reminded of the time when Jesus walked out on the water to the disciples as their boat was tossed to and fro by the waters and contrary winds. Right in the middle of the storm Peter speaks up asking Jesus to command him to walk on the water. He must have been yelling to speak over the noise of the storm. I love how he "cried out" to Jesus and the answers was "come." The end is a calm sea, the presence of Jesus, and disciples worshipping!
Often that's the pattern of our lives. We're tossed by the winds of change, uprooted by the crashing waves of adversity, and drawn into a fearful panic. Storms in life come to all of us. Yet while right in the middle Jesus shows up with these very same words, "Be of good cheer. It is I; do not be afraid." Like Peter, we cry out to Jesus and He answers and the end is a calm sea, the presence of Jesus, and a disciple worshipping!
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
In Love,
Pastor Ed
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Aurora, CO 80013