About the time we were ready for landing the pilot began what seemed link some diversionary tactics, first turning to the left, and then to the right. We knew that this was an area that had seen conflict for several millennial.
When the pilot had the plane safely on the tarmac we all jumped out and hunkered down to avoid the sniper fire from all sides. The greeting that had been planned for us had to be cancelled.
So much for April fool’s day! (I haven’t heard anything about the presidential campaigns since leaving the USA.)
We made the trip safely, but several pieces of luggage were missing. Once these reports had been filed we left the airport and went to Joppa.
Joppa is located on the Mediterranean Sea. Joppa is now part of Tel Aviv-Yaffo. The site is associated with several important evens from biblical times. Solomon traded wheat, barley, oil, and wine to Hiram of Tyre for the timber of Lebanon to be used in Solomon’s building projects, including the temple.
“Now then, let my lord send to his servants wheat and barley, oil and wine, of which he has spoken. We will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you on rafts by sea to Joppa, so that you may carry it up to Jerusalem.” (2 Chroinicles 2:15-16).
Jonah took a ship from Joppa toward Tarshish in a feeble attempt disobey the Lord (Johan 1:3). Peter raised Dorcas (Tabitha) at Joppa (Acts 9:36-43). While in the city, Peter received messengers from Cornelius of Caesarea (Acts 10-11). Part of the account in Acts reads this way:
“And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.” (Acts 11:13-14).
Our photo today is made from the site of Joppa, looking toward the modern city of Tel Aviv. We plan to see Caesarea tomorrow.
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