Greetings from Israel!
On September 18, 2023, the Seeds of Faith Israel Tour III visited Joppa or also called Jaffa or now as Yafo. In the Bible, there are three significant encounters of God with people in this area.
First in Joppa, Jonah was redeemed by God.
In Joppa, we encounter the story of Jonah, a prophet who initially resisted God’s call to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh.
The journey of Jonah in a ship from Joppa led to a storm, his miraculous survival in the belly of a great fish, and his ultimate obedience to God’s command.
Jonah’s story teaches us about the importance of heeding God’s call, even when it takes us out of our comfort zones, and the redemptive power of second chances.
Second, in Joppa, God gave Peter a vision of inclusivity.
Joppa is also the place where the apostle Peter had a life-changing vision on the rooftop of Simon the Tanner’s house.
In this vision, a sheet containing unclean animals was lowered from heaven, and Peter heard God’s message to not call anything impure that God has made clean.
Peter’s visit to Joppa resulted in him baptizing Cornelius, a Gentile, highlighting the inclusivity of the gospel message and God’s desire for all to be part of His kingdom.
Third, in Joppa, God guided the journey of Paul.
Joppa played a role in the journeys of the apostle Paul. It was from Joppa that Paul set sail to begin his missionary journeys, spreading the gospel to various regions.
The experiences of Paul in Joppa remind us of the importance of seeking divine guidance in our own journeys, trusting in God’s providence, and being willing to go wherever He leads us.
Joppa serves as a reminder that God can use ordinary places to bring about extraordinary encounters and fulfill His divine purposes in the lives of His servants.
Joppa a place rich with biblical significance, where the stories of Jonah, Peter, and Paul intersect, teaching us about obedience, inclusivity, and divine guidance in our own faith journeys.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,