We didn't go to Lebanon to see temples, castles, caves, and seas. Nevertheless, as an unexpected blessing in our last days there, our hosts took us to see some of the biggest wonders of the world!
Lebanon is said to be the most corrupt country on earth, and we saw evidences of this even in our short time there. At the same time, Lebanon is a place of surprising beauty. And this post will prove it.
A Crusader castle in Byblos (on the coast)
Looking through an arrow slit
The view from a castle turret
Stone anchors from the glory days of the Phoenicians! Yes, they are just lying in a field, for anyone to touch, see, or take....
We visited some of the biggest temple ruins in the world at Baalbek; the surrounding city shares the name of the site. During Roman times, it was known as Heliopolis, "city of the sun." Baalbek was a place of pagan worship to the god Baal, an oft-mentioned god in the Old Testament. When the Romans took over, they built enormous temples over the old altars, to their own gods. The temple of Bacchus, god of wine and sensuality, is featured in the picture above, and also in the first picture of this post.
Taking in the height of the ruins
It was surreal to touch something still standing from thousands of years ago!
Note the swastika pattern
Inside the temple of Bacchus
A scale of the size of the enormous ruins - this is just the top of one column!
The Mediterranean!
Beach hair.
"Actual size" (Seriously).
Taking in the beauty of the sea
At times, I was so busy taking pictures that I had to force myself to stop and take in the reality of what I was seeing! The landscapes were incredible - a photographer's candy shop.
But most of all, as I pondered the ancient sites, I was reminded of God's unceasing faithfulness to man. Though thousands of years pass, and nations rise and fall, God keeps His promises. He remains merciful to the frail creatures of earth, and cares for us individually.
That's something worth telling!