MOUNT ARBEL

We embark on our Holy Land pilgrimage today! Are you relieved you don’t have to take the 9 ½ hour plane ride?  As we journey along, I hope the places and scriptures come alive so you personally experience the fifth gospel. I encourage you to pause for a few minutes to think about and answer the reflection questions you will find along the way. Enjoy the sights, my dear reader~

 

Mount Arbel, the first stop on our pilgrimage, is located in the Lower Galilee region and towers above the Sea of Galilee. I was fascinated to see the caves that are dug into the mountain, which were hideout places for the Jews who fought against the Greeks and Romans.

 

Caves in Mount Arbel

 

Awesome view from Mount Arbel-Sea of Galilee on the right

 

Snow-covered Mount Hermon

 

At the top of Mount Arbel, you get a great panoramic view of the surrounding land. You can see Mount Hermon, which is the snow-covered mountain range in the distance. Its summit is located on the Lebanon-Syria border. Some Scripture scholars believe the Transfiguration may have occurred at Mount Hermon.

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.  –Matthew 17:1-2  (NLT)

Reflection: When have you witnessed Jesus transfigured in your life? When has His presence been so real to you that you experienced His brightness illuminating your faith journey?

 

A city on a hill from Mount Arbel

 

 At Mount Arbel  while viewing a city on a hill, we read and reflected on the following Scripture:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  –Matthew 5:14-16  (NLT)

Reflection:  How are you a light in this world for God?  Whose path do you light up so they can praise God?

 

 

A landmark at the top of Mount Arbel is a single tree seen here. While riding around the area, it is a good identifier of Mount Arbel. How did God do that?

Reflection:  How do you bloom in the desert of life? Do you stand out for God?

 

Mount Arbel is not mentioned specifically in the Bible by name, but it is possible it is the mountain referenced in this passage, which we read:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  –Matthew 28:16-20  (NIV)

Reflection:  Hear Jesus say to you personally, “Go and make disciples of all nations. And surely I am with you always.” In what ways is Jesus calling you to share and make disciples for Him?

 

The Sea of Galilee from Mount Arbel

 

As I was the last person walking away from the view on the Mount, a few tears came to my eyes thinking of Jesus walking this land. I felt such gratitude to be experiencing this pilgrimage.

I prayed the Lord would make me like that city on the hill and let my light shine for Him always. Use me, Lord. I heard the Lord remind me to “go make disciples of all nations,” by continuing to share my heart through the written word. His reassurance that “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” brings me comfort. He is always walking with us!

 

Another view from Mount Arbel

 

                      As you reflect on our time at Mount Arbel this week,                      be encouraged to…

…let Jesus transform your life.

…let His light shine through you.

…bloom where you are planted.

…go make disciples for Him.

…know Jesus is with you every step of the way.

 

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.  –Psalm 90:1-2  (ESV)