We were supposed to go north to the Lebanon border early on in the trip. The day before, there were shots fired from Lebanon into Israel (though not in or near the vicinity of our plans). After a bit of a discussion and a group vote, we decided to still continue on as planned.
Driving north from the Galilee, we first stopped at Dan, an ancient site that houses one of the oldest, most complete Canaanite gates (around 5000 years old), as well as an inscription that speaks of the House of David, and evidence of a horned altar that required stairs to reach the top.
After climbing, exploring, and being in the midst of where people walked and lived 3000-5000 years ago, we hopped on the bus and headed over to Banias Springs, also known as Caesarea Philippi. During the Roman period, the site became the cultic worship site for the god Pan (half-man, half-goat, like Mr. Tumnus in "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis). It was eventually given to Herod the Great, and was then given as inheritance to his son Philip, and renamed Caesarea Philippi. Though its status waned throughout the centuries, there are still a few people who live in the area.
Caesarea Philippi was the northernmost place Jesus visited, close to the modern borders of both Lebanon and Syria. While we only had a short time to visit this site, and it was kind of rainy that day (notably, the only rainy day of our entire trip), it's easy to see why many would have come to that area. A waterfall, which we didn't see, caves, a feeling of oasis and seclusion - it would be a great place to rest for a few days.
Much of Mark's gospel speaks of Jesus as a mystery - he continually tells people after a healing or a miracle to not tell anyone. Even while in Caesarea Philippi, when Jesus asks the disciples who the people says he is, and Peter answers "You are the Messiah", he again warns the disciples not to tell anyone. This conversation may not have stayed as secret if they had been in the heart of Jerusalem, or any other city - but since C.P was on the far-reaches of the Israelite kingdom, the secret of Messiah-hood could actually stand a chance. In fact, throughout this gospel, often when a person is healed and told not to share the event, the person immediately runs out and talks about it. But in this passage, there is no indication that the secret is shared after the fact.
Where are your secret places, where you feel comfortable sharing the intimate truths? And who are your confidants, willing to listen, speak out the truth in confidence, and then keep your truths hidden?
Scripture for Today: Psalm 22:23-31, Genesis 16:7-15, Mark 8:27-30
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