To Galilee!

In Galilee's embrace, a tale unfolds,
Where Jesus, in His purpose, bold,
He heard of John, in prison cold,
And left the wilderness, a story to be told.

In Jordan's waters, baptized He was,
A dove descended, divine applause.
"This is my son," the heavens cause,
A voice declaring, without pause.

Into the wilderness, the Spirit led,
Where trials awaited, where the devil tread.
Tested and tried, but not misled,
For ministry's call, His path was spread.

Not to the temple, in Jerusalem's keep,
Did Jesus go, His vigilance deep.
A different course, a journey to reap,
To Galilee's lands, where secrets seep.

Galilee, a land with a tainted past,
Naphtali and Zebulon, struggles vast.
"Land of the nations," a label cast,
Influence heavy, a die was cast.

Once given to Tyre, called "Cabul" in disdain,
Yet, transit thrived, gentiles to gain.
Divided kingdoms, Galilee's domain,
A templeless haven, where rebels reign.

Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks,
Conquerors changing, the land it seeks.
A melting pot of tongues and mystiques,
Galilee's resistance, its voice still speaks.

Revolt and turn, a meaning in its name,
Oppression's yoke, a fiery flame.
Against the status quo, a sacred claim,
In Galilee's heart, rebellion came.

No peaceful gatherings, Romans in fear,
A force to reckon, the rebels near.
A messiah sought, a leader to cheer,
Galilee's cry, rebellion sincere.

Contemptible to Judea's gaze,
Insults hurled, like fiery blaze.
"Out of Galilee," the scoffers phrase,
Yet, history's prophets, in Galilee's maze.

To Galilee, Jesus chose first to go,
Where discontent in hearts did grow.
A place in shadows, where passions flow,
To turn the world, and wisdom sow.

Apostles found in Galilee's fold,
Where hungered souls sought stories untold.
In darkness shining, a truth to behold,
To the distant, devalued, the gospel to be scrolled.

Called beyond the church's four walls,
To highways, byways, where destiny calls.
Repentance to sinners, healing to falls,
Freedom to captives, as ministry sprawls.

To the poor, bring relief's sweet balm,
To the dead, bring life's triumphant psalm.
In Galilee's spirit, heed the call,
To distant, castaway hearts enthralled.