Letter to Caesarea

You are a beautiful city on the Mediterranean. You were made to look like Rome by Herod the Great. I hear you call him an innovator and visionary for he could see projects and make them happen. I saw the ruins from his palace. I peer down into what could have been where Paul was imprisoned. I learn that Pontus Pilate lived in your city. But what spoke to me the most here, were the conversations on this land. 

I hear Paul stating his case before King Agrippa and Festus, recorded in Acts 26.  He unashamedly shared his personal story of Jesus finding him. He would have prayed a thousand prayers as he was imprisoned. Perhaps he prayed for you, Caesarea. I’m sure he prayed for the leaders, decision makers, believers, and the lost. Prayers over your land and your people. Prayers for the present and the future. 

Herod might have been a visionary, but it was temporary for only ruins stand today. It’s what happened in Peter’s conversations with Cornelius that changed history. It’s part of my history and yours. I imagine Peter showing up to the home of Cornelius, a good and reputable Gentile, believing he had heard correctly from God to go to him in your city. Cornelius would have been expecting him because he sent for him! It was this conversation that Cornelius chose to put his faith in Jesus, as did his family and friends. This started the spread of Christianity outside of the Jewish people. 

I have come to visit you, Caesarea, because my spiritual roots are here. To thank God for the conversations that happened here. And to pray like I believe Paul and Peter would have prayed in this place:

God, soften the hearts, open the eyes of the people where we live. Do so among the mayor’s office, school board, mothers and fathers, students, newcomers, decision makers, and the lost. 

A conversation starter,

Shauna

Ruins from Herod the Great’s palace out on the Mediterranean in Caesarea by the Sea