Earlier this week, I had a really special experience that I would like to share with you.
I was traveling through the Galilee, and I came to a spot high up in the hills—one of those quiet, peaceful places that stops you in your tracks. From there, I could see the entire Sea of Galilee laid out before me.
It was absolutely stunning.
To my left was Tiberias, a city with both modern life and ancient history. Just beyond it, Magdala—the hometown of Mary Magdalene. And if you let your eyes travel north along the shoreline, you come to Bethsaida, where some of Yeshua’s disciples came from. Standing there, it felt like the pages of the Bible were opening up right in front of me.
And in that moment, I couldn’t help but reflect on this powerful thought:
This region—this small lake and the villages around it—was the center of Yeshua’s earthly ministry.
When you think about it, it’s really amazing.
Yeshua didn’t set up headquarters in Jerusalem, or in Rome, or in any major city of the time. He chose Galilee—a quiet, humble region filled with working people, farmers, and fishermen. This was where He walked, where He taught, where He healed, and where He called His first disciples.
He grew up not far from there, in Nazareth, which is tucked just behind the hills I was standing on. But when the time came to begin His public ministry, He intentionally made Capernaum—on the northern shore of the lake—His home base. From there, He traveled from town to town, village to village, bringing the Good News of the Kingdom.
And it wasn’t just about preaching. He touched the untouchable. He healed the sick. He cast out demons. He fed the hungry. He calmed storms—both in the sea and in the hearts of people. And He did all of it in this small, often-overlooked corner of the world.
As I stood there looking over the Sea of Galilee, I thought:
Why here? Why not somewhere bigger, more important, more impressive?
And the answer, I believe, is clear: Because God loves to use small, humble places to do big, eternal things.
The Galilee teaches us something powerful: God isn’t looking for perfect conditions. He’s not waiting for fancy buildings or huge crowds. He’s looking for open hearts. He’s looking for places where people are hungry, willing, and available.
That’s why this message spoke so strongly to me—and I believe it’s a word for all of us at Beit Hallel.
We may not feel important. We may not have massive influence or resources. But if we’re willing to say, “Here I am, Lord, use me,” that’s more than enough. Revival doesn’t start on stages—it starts in hearts. It starts in homes. It starts with simple obedience.
Just like it did in Galilee.
So this Shabbat, I want to encourage you to take a fresh look at your own life.
Your home, your workplace, your city—these are your “Galilee.” These are the places where God wants to move through you.
- Don’t underestimate the value of what seems small.
- Don’t overlook the power of everyday faithfulness.
- And don’t wait for things to be perfect before you step out—just trust that God can do something powerful right where you are.
Yeshua didn’t just bring revival to Galilee. He started revival in Galilee. And He’s still doing the same today, all over Israel, and through people just like you.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
Zechariah 4:10
May this Shabbat be a time for you to rest, reflect, and be reminded that God is still moving in small places—because those are often the places He loves most.
With love and blessings,
Pastor Israel
