The Vineyards of God

Photo by Sheila D Hachtel at Mt. Carmel

Written by Sherry Scheline and additions by Sarah Roach

Mt. Carmel (translation is “vineyards of God”) was one of our stops. Great views of many historic sites, both of the Old and New Testaments, from the terrace of the lovely Carmelite Church there.

On the south-eastern peak of Mount Carmel, the site is now known as Muhraka (“The Scorching ”). The site of Elijah’s great victory. It is marked by a dramatic stone statue of Elijah, sword raised to heaven as he slaughters a Baal priest, and a small Carmelite monastery, surrounded by a nature reserve. A superb view takes in the plain of Esdraelon and southern Galilee. The monastery is beautiful and offers a wonderful moment of peace.

Mt. Carmel is mentioned as a “holy mountain” in Egyptian records of the 16th century bc. As a “high place,” it was long a center of idol worship. It is the scene of Elijah’s confrontation with the false prophets of Baal (I Kings 18).

“Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” I Kings 18:37

One of the greatest showdowns in the Bible. This moment where we completely reckon with the power of prayer. Elijah wanted to win in such a way that no one would question his win. 1 Kings 18 details Elijah’s meticulous plan. He wanted to make sure no one would deny the power of the miracle and so he drenched everything in water. The Bible puts a ton of emphasis on numbers and here we also see the importance. He uses 12 pots to dump the water. 12 representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The altar is wet, the wood is wet and the area around it is wet, and then Elijah prays. Like he prays a World Series bottom of the 9th, bases loaded prayer. “Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” I Kings 18:37 He totally puts everything in to this moment. What happens… God rains down fire.

I’m super competitive. I like to win. I love how this scene plays out in the Bible. Here is Elijah “Choose a GOD!” “My God is REAL!!” “My God will prove to you he is real!” He is all game right here. This level of faith is pretty unparalleled. He knew he would win.

The faith we live by, better be strong enough to die by. That’s my take away from Elijah. We need to be better as Christians at throwing our faith out there. We need to have faith strong enough that we can dump water on it. Not a little water, 12 pots. (ENOUGH for the world to see) That is what is meant by 12 pots. It is symbolic of the WORLD.

My faith is not that big. My faith is not that great. My faith maybe could handle a pot. (Like one pot.) Being here at this spot, I realize I need to start a heavy conditioning regiment of my faith. Get back into the ring. Elijah was able to take on this battle because he was READY! Football players totally know the term “Two-a-days.” Two-a-days are when you set out for intense practice sessions, twice a day. Reflectively, I was reminded that I may need some two-a-days to get ready for this kind of battle.

Traveling is better with librarians. (Even more so when the librarian taught Latin for 40 + years)

I took 4 years of Latin, and loved Mrs. Beasley. However, my translation efforts are certainly flawed. I often requested Sarah’s knowledge translating Latin at several stops. Many on our tour group probably did not know we had our own Latin expert.

Front:

Elias the prophet arose as fire and his word as a fire brand was burning.

Cecidit Side:

But the fire of the Lord fell down and devoured it and the wood and the stones.

Zelo Side:

I am Zelo the Zealot in behalf of the Lord God of armies.

Ecce Side:

Behold a small cloud as the footprint of a man was ascending from the sea.

Speaking of Vineyards… Most of our group were not wine drinkers. Sarah and myself however did try this delicious wine. Before you google this wine and get lost in the world of Cyber Space. Here is the website: homepage - English - יקב רימונים גרנדה (granada.co.il)

My next trip to Israel will include some boutique vineyards and hidden gems. That is the one thing I felt our trip missed. I will let you know, I have ordered several bottles of Kosher wine for Passover. Sarah and I are also presently looking into ordering some of this great Granada.

On your trip to Israel grab this deliciousness. (Unfortunately, as of yet I cannot find it in the U.S.A. ) I did email the winery and questioned availability locally.

On your next trip to Israel add the Vineyards of God and add a vineyard.