It was a misty morning as we set sail across the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Tiberias, the largest freshwater lake in Israel) from Tiberias to Capernaum. The fog cast a mystical veil over the coastal landscape, creating an enchanting scene. I was mesmerized by its beauty.
On that overcast day, the lake and sky seemed to merge into one, erasing the horizon. It was as if we were sailing into the unknown. Each time I gazed at the Sea of Galilee, my mind replayed the scenes of Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33) and calming the storm. (Matthew 8:23-27) Those moments filled my heart with awe. But soon I was swept up in the lively atmosphere on board. Christian and Israeli songs played in the background, filling the air with melody. Some travelers joined in the traditional Jewish dance, the “Horah” joyfully moving to the vibrant rhythm of “Hava Nagila”. It was a moment of pure celebration.
There was also a patriotic moment when our national flag was raised as we sang the national anthem. As I watched the flag being raised slowly, Isaiah 2:2 ESV (It shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it) came to mind. It was a glimpse of a future promise – a day will come when all nations will gather before the Lord, when “every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11).
Then the boat came to a halt for meditation and prayer led by the Spiritual Leader. Instantly all sounds faded – the lively music, the laughter, the chatter all silenced. The sudden stillness was so profound, it felt almost “deafening”. There we were, adrift in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, surrounded by thick mist and the unknown. In that quiet and somewhat surreal moment, I prayed… placing my children with me on the boat. It may seem ironic, even risky to imagine them in a simple wooden boat, exposed to the threat of storms or strong waves. But the boat where Jesus is in will never sink for He can calm the raging sea. There is no safer place than being in the presence of “Jesus, our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Sailing on the replica of the “Jesus boat” across the Sea of Galilee was more than a historical experience – it was a divine encounter. A moment where faith met reality. A holy space where heartfelt revelations unfolded… and where the Lord paid an unexpected visit. Hallelujah! Glory be to God!
(Date travelled: March 2012)
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