by Ruth
Have you ever wondered about the story recorded in the Gospel books regarding Jesus preaching from a small boat to thousands of men and women on the shore of the Sea of Galilee? Was it a miracle since they didn’t have electricity and microphones at that time?
When we traveled around Israel, we came across some tidbits of interesting information
I’ve written that experience into my new book, Detour to Agape (soon to be published on Amazon). Below is an excerpt from the book.
Shawn’s colossal figure loomed over them. “What’s so special about the shoreline we’re going to this afternoon?”
“Ah, that I know, Uncle Shawn.” Josh perked up, his eyes bright and his shoulders straight. “I’ve just learned about it before our trip. Jesus and His disciples came here, and many followed. To keep them from crowding Him, He asked his disciples to have a boat ready for him, and he preached from it to thousands of men and women on the shore.”
“How could you believe such a ridiculous story?” Shawn’s chin jerked up. “Did they have electricity? Did Jesus use a microphone? How could He give a speech to thousands of people from a tiny boat? Absurd. Laughable.”
Tears welled up in Josh’s eyes, his lips quivering. He gave Yao a pleading glance.
Yao drew in slow breaths to suppress his irritation over Shawn’s harshness. Josh was only nine years old. Yet, Yao also had doubts when he came upon that Bible passage in the Gospel of Mark. He cleared his throat to calm the tightness gripping it. “Josh, Uncle Shawn raised an interesting question. Let’s wait until we visit the site. We can ask our guide.”
Shawn pivoted his heels to face the elevator door. “Here he is.”
Adam walked out, followed by the rest of their group. “Great. Everybody is here. Let’s go.”
A short drive later, the van dropped them off, and they strolled down a gravel pathway. Odd-shaped boulders lined the bank while water lapped the shore. Decaying leaves piled up on the ground, and birds chirped on the branches.
Adam halted before a cove shaped like a natural amphitheater and gave each of them a handout. “This is an article published in 1976 in Biblical Archaeologist.”
Yao flipped open the booklet. “Ah, an amateur archaeologist and a sound engineer conducted an experiment to test the location’s acoustic effects.” Thank You, Lord. This is what we want to know.
Josh tugged at his sleeve. “Uncle Yao, can you explain it to me?”
Yao pointed toward the steep slope behind them. “Two researchers observed how bursting balloons ascended the slope and took readings at assorted intervals until one hundred yards out.” A glance at others told him everyone, including Shawn, became engrossed with the information. “At the end of the study, they concluded that, because of the cove’s bowl-like setting, five to seven thousand people could see and hear Jesus in a boat a short distance away with no problem.”
“So, the Bible is correct?” Josh’s high-pitched voice echoed in the vast space. “Even without a microphone, people could hear Jesus’ words clearly.”
Nana Lee chuckled. “Josh, I’m afraid people a hundred yards away heard what you just said.”
“Awesome.” He cupped both hands around his mouth. “Hello, I’m Josh Ying visiting from Hong Kong.”
Shawn trod over and slapped a hand on Josh’s shoulder. “My smart little buddy, I’m sorry. You and the Bible are right.”
“It’s okay.” Josh flashed a bright smile. “I’ll pray for you so you can know Jesus.”
A surge of joy mingled with gentleness washed over Yao. He stooped to hug his kindhearted companion. “I’m so proud of you.” He stood up, shifted one step forward, and came face-to-face with Ann-Ann. As their gazes locked, a gentle grin crooked up a corner of her mouth. With her so close, he could see the dark circles surrounding her irises. For a moment, his surroundings faded to gray. His soul connected with hers in a way beyond comprehension. He didn’t understand why but sensed his life wouldn’t remain the same.
Note: Detour to Agape and Blazing China will be published later this year. If you’re interested in receiving an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy, an eCopy), please drop Ruth a note at ruth@ruthforchrist.com.
