Day 1: A New Road for the Gospel

Day 1 From Joppa to Caesarea

Our first journey on the ancient roads of Israel begins where many well-known people of the Bible have also begun.

From this sea-side port, run-away Jonah set sail on his infamous Mediterranean fishing trip as he ran from God in rebellion.

On the flip side, 800 years later, this road out of Joppa carried an obedient Peter to a new branch of ministry. Joppa is where Peter stayed with his friend Simon, the tanner. Peter had gone up on the roof for a picturesque place to pray. There God revealed the vision of a great sheet filled with animals let down by four corners to the earth. A voice said, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, ‘No, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.’ But the voice told him, Peter—it’s a new day. 

            Old house rule: Don’t eat unclean animals.

New house rule: No food is off-limits.

Consistent house rule: God can change the rules any time He wants.

Good for Peter for obeying when the three strangers showed up and told him to “accompany them without hesitation.” As he traveled the 35 miles up the coast from Joppa to Caesarea on the “way of the sea” (the same road we’ll travel today), his obedience turned to blessing as God opened his eyes to the new directive:  The Gospel now expands to Gentiles and the world. The Gospel’s flame would first spark with the centurion, Cornelius, waiting for him in Caesarea. It then would be carried along these roads in every direction, spreading like wildfire throughout Palestine, Asia, and Europe.

It was a new day in God’s plan, extending even today into the lives of this tour company and every member of the flock we love back home.

Today’s Memory Maker: As you begin your journey in Israel today, pray that God would open your eyes to new perspectives or paradigms that are different than your present ones.

Read all about it: Acts 9—10.

On your map:  Jaffa, Caesarea, The Mediterranean.