Galilee Field Study and more

Capernaum

In Capernaum, a city located directly on the water you could fish, make and mend nets, prepare fish for salting, create mill stones, guard the tax collectors as a soldier(centurions), be a priest for the synagogue, be a doctor (Luke), and collect taxes. Back then, fishermen had a reputation of being sneaky. If Jesus could redeem a fisherman, then he could redeem anyone. People had to pay taxes for crossing the border and for fishing. The fishermen were always known for trying to cheat the tax collectors so they could get out of paying. Tax collectors were known for cheating as well. I wonder how all of those disciples got along? Peter’s mother in law’s house was here and it is said that Jesus probably stayed here as well when she was sick. It was turned into an octagon church later.

Mt. Carmel (Ps. 29, 1 Kgs, 18)
Mt. Carmel is known for acquiring lots of rain and severe thunder storms. In fact, Baal was worshiped here on this mountain. Fire, rain, lightning were all signs that the people attributed to Baal as the “Thunder God.” So why then, did God show up in those forms when Elijah was proving to 450 prophets of Baal that God was to be worshiped and not Baal? He has them cut up their bull and place it on the wood. Elijah then places his bull on the wood and says he will call on the God who answers by fire. God did and soaked up all the fire. Elijah kills all of the prophets and as soon as he is done, the sky grows black with clouds and heavy rains (1 Kgs 19). Why would God come to the people in the forms that were recognized as Baal? Did Elijah have it wrong? Elijah flees and he hides in a cave. God comes to him in the form again as thunder, earthquake, fire, and at the end, a small voice. He incarnated himself in ways that the people understood. Once Elijah gets it, he is empowered.

um... sort of like me...

On top of Mt. Carmel

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