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Published: September 19th 2015
We’ve seen a plethora of stones along this journey; these ancient stones have graciously shared many tales as we have trampled among them troubling their tranquility. They have shared stories of fierce battles in places like Megiddo and Gamla; they have shouted above the hustle and bustle of the Greeco-Roman marketplaces throughout Asia Minor, Greece and Israel; they have whispered stories of the gods who have graced the sacred temples, synagogues, churches and mosques; they have told tales of the dwellings of the diverse peoples such as the Canaanites, Israelites, Philistines, and Persians; they have displayed where various goods were produced in oil presses, flour mills, wineries.
And, today in Bethsaida the stones echoed the playful voices of Philipp, Andrew and Peter as they played among cobblestone streets of their childhood home. Their voices reverberated off the stones as they reflected in amazement over their initial call to “Come, follow me” (Mark 1:17). We could hear the disciples' and villagers' voices bouncing off the stones as they reacted with joy, fear and jubilation after witnessing their neighbors healed by Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 9:10).
PS: When I’ve spent so many days in a row in the intense heat, can
you blame me if the stones start talking?
Another lesson that continues to come to the forefront for me is that the ancient Israelite Yahwistic cult, Judaism and Christianity were all birthed among cultures that were dominated by dedication to many gods. In most cases, these gods were prominent in theater niches, all along the marketplace, in the massive temples and elsewhere throughout the city-scape. These gods were also prominent in the private dwellings and rituals of the common people. As the ancient Yahwistic cult slowly developed into the monotheistic Judaism and Christianity that we know today, the early adherents to these new religions continued to be challenged and influenced by the pantheistic cultures from which they emerged. In other words, the complexity of the world around our ancestors in faith competed for their attention and devotion to the monotheistic faith that was developing in their midst. They, too, were challenged by the world around, which seemed to always be competing for their time and attention. Yet, they persevered and we can be thankful for their perseverance and their willingness to pass on the faith down through the generations. May God continue to guide us
Mud brick of Canaanite Palace
Black layer of ash reveals this palace was burnt around 1200 BC.as we attempt to do this for the generations that come after us.
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