The Love Boat

November 7- 8, 2010

We visited Galilee.  We saw what some scholars have referred to as the “Evangelical Triangle” – the three cities where Jesus did most of his work and his miracles (Capernaum, Korazin, Bethsaida).  We saw a First Century Road, millstones, ruins, etc., including the synagogue where Jesus taught.  We also saw what is believed to be Peter’s home where Jesus healed his mother-in-law.  Some people wonder why.  They must not have a wonderful mother-in-law like I have (shameless, I know, but Christmas is coming soon).  People have been coming to see what is believed to have been Peter’s house since the First Century.  We also visited what tradition has as the Mount of the Beatitudes.  What a beautiful view over the Sea of Galilee.

Speaking of seas, we saw a First Century boat which was discovered in great condition in the mud in the Sea of Galilee not too long ago during a drought, also called the “Jesus Boat”.  See www.jesusboatmuseum.com.  You may have seen a special about it on TV.  Fascinating.

Then, we boarded an open boat to sail (motor) to Kursi, which was inhabited by Gentiles at the time of Jesus. First time he was there, he healed the demon possessed man.  The people weren’t impressed and asked him to leave.  The next time he came back, he fed 4,000 people (not the loaves and fishes story, but the other one – Mark 8:1-9).

But, what I wanted to share is a little about the boat ride across the Sea of Galilee.  First, if you haven’t been here, the “Sea” of Galilee is a misnomer.  It is really a large lake.  You can see all the shores from any spot on it.  I had no idea when we got on this little wooden boat that we were embarking on a cruise with a floor show.  I hadn’t noticed the speakers, but did when the “Star Spangled Banner” cranked up and the gentle woman who was apparently the first mate began hoisting the colors while we sang.  On a wooden boat in the Sea of Galilee.  Canned “Star Spangled Banner”, with all of us standing and singing.  But, that was only the beginning. Surreal.  

After a little peace and quiet, the music started again.  This time it was Elvis.  No, I’m not kidding.  Elvis singing “How Great Thou Art”.  On a little wooden boat in the Sea of Galilee.  Surreal.  Then, a little later, “Glory to God”, a modern Christian rock song.  Surreal.  But, not to be outdone, the first mate then did her own singing to the music blaring from the loudspeaker.  She taught us a song in Hebrew.  I don’t remember the tune, but she made her way around the deck with hand gestures, every now and again putting the microphone in front of someone so that they could sing along.    Karaoke on a wooden boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee.  Surreal.  But, the fun had only begun.

Next, it was time for group dancing on the lido deck.  That’s right.  We all stood and she taught us the lyrics and steps to “Hava Nagila”.  We made two large rotating circles and all danced and sang.  In a wooden boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee.  Surreal.  But, somehow it all seemed appropriate.  After all, we were following the route of Jesus and his miracles, which were nothing less than surreal in and of themselves.