“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27
There is something very special about standing on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Every time I visit this place, I am reminded that these are the very waters where Yeshua carried out much of His earthly ministry. He walked these shores, taught the crowds, healed the sick, called His disciples, and revealed the Kingdom of God in ways that continue to encourage believers around the world today. When I look across the Sea of Galilee, I don’t simply remember biblical history—I remember that our Savior is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
These waters witnessed Peter stepping out in faith. They witnessed empty fishing nets becoming full through God’s miraculous provision. They witnessed Yeshua calming the storm when His disciples were overcome with fear. They witnessed the miraculous provision of a coin from the mouth of a fish, and later, the risen Messiah preparing breakfast for those He loved.
Every miracle points us to the same beautiful truth: wherever Yeshua is present, hope is never lost. He meets us in our weakness, strengthens our faith, and reminds us that no situation is beyond His power or His care. One passage always speaks deeply to my heart when I am here:
“So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret.”
Luke 5:1
What moves me most is not only the miracles—it is why the people came. Before they experienced healing, they gathered to hear the Word of God. That desire is just as important today.
Our world is filled with uncertainty, constant noise, and voices competing for our attention. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the headlines, distracted by our circumstances, or discouraged by the challenges we face. Yet Yeshua continues to invite us to draw near and listen to His voice. His Word brings clarity when life feels confusing. His promises strengthen us when we are weary. His truth anchors our hearts when everything around us seems uncertain. That is why we continue investing in discipleship throughout Israel.
Through the ministry of Beit Hallel, pastors, ministry leaders, and young believers regularly gather around God’s Word, including here at the Sea of Galilee. Together we study the Scriptures, encourage one another, and help prepare the next generation to follow Yeshua with courage and conviction. It is a beautiful reminder that the work our Lord began on these shores is still transforming lives across Israel today.
Every time I stand here, one word fills my heart: shalom.
Not simply quietness or the absence of difficulty, but the deep peace that comes from resting in God’s presence. Biblical shalom is the confidence that our lives are safely in His hands. It is knowing that even when we cannot understand His ways, we can trust His heart. It is the peace that remains because our hope is rooted in Yeshua rather than our circumstances.
Perhaps today you are carrying a burden of your own. Maybe you are praying for a family member, facing an uncertain future, or waiting for God to answer a long-awaited prayer. If so, I want to encourage you with this simple truth: the same Yeshua who walked these shores still walks with His people today. He still speaks peace into troubled hearts. He still calms storms. He still invites us to trust Him completely.
As you prepare for Shabbat, my prayer is that this same peace will fill your heart. May His Word strengthen your faith. May His presence refresh your soul. May His promises give you confidence for whatever lies ahead. And may the peace of Yeshua guard your heart and your mind as you rest in Him this Shabbat.
Thank you for standing with us as we continue sharing the hope of Yeshua and investing in lives throughout Israel. From the shores of the Sea of Galilee, I wish you and your family a blessed and peaceful Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom,
Pastor Israel Pochtar