Israel Travel Diary
March 1997

Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi is located on the Northern Border of Israel in the Golan Heights. Israel has occupied this area since 1967. It is near Mount Hermon and is a part of the Banias watershed.

In ancient times, it was a place of pagan shrines and temples. Jesus came here with his disciples ostensibly for rest but actually for the "rock" discourse.

We came to Caesarea. It was a place of quiet and coolness. A ‘get-away" place for Israeli families. An important place for Israel because it is their primary watershed area. An important place for us because of the journey that Jesus took nearly 2,000 years ago. Jesus stressed the solidity of His and the Father’s relationship, they are one and in Him we are strong.

  THE ROCK
Strength is neither seen nor heard.
Coming from a source, not words.
The issue facing each of us.
What’s the source for me?
Reaching out to touch our hearts.
Cleansing soul and mind.
Jesus’ word provides for me.
Directions to the source.
We can have the strength we need.
We can fight the dangers.
Jesus is the Way to peace.
He is the Rock we seek.

Clay July 1997


- Mount of the Beatitudes