Day 32

It was 1998. Gerald had been leading annual trips to Israel and the Holy Land for several years by then.  People from across the nation who watched his TV ministry would go, as well as several Riverbend members.  Each year, he would also take a staff member or two.  That year was my turn.

After landing at Tel Aviv, we began our time in Galilee and Northern Israel, then spent some time at Masada and the Dead Sea, and stayed the last few days in the Jerusalem area.  It was an amazing journey that became even more meaningful on this side of the trip, as having been there provided context for the stories I had grown up learning, and continued to share and grow in.

One of my most favorite moments occurred as I was just seeing the Sea of Galilee for the first time.  A friend of mine and I had wandered through a cemetery (imagine the dates on those stones!) and down the street toward the water.  Just as we reached the port, a party barge was coming in to dock.

It was loaded with people.  Lots of dancing.  Lights flashing.  And music playing.  No less than…  The Macarena!

I couldn’t decide how to feel.

Should I be upset that this was my welcome to the Sea of Galilee?  The place where Jesus called his first disciples?

Should I be offended that the Macarena was blasting on these very waters - these sacred stormy waters - that Jesus himself once calmed?

And then it hit me.  This was probably not much different than what it was like in Jesus’ day.  It was just the 1998 version.  Whatever the Macarena party boat looked like back in 30 A.D., I’m sure it was cruising over these very waters.  And I’m sure Jesus was very well aware.

So I just chuckled to myself.  And welcomed myself to Jesus’ world.