ARTICLES

By Stephen Faircloth

Perched in the hills just north of Capernaum, the ruins of Chorazin overlook the Sea of Galilee. Though this ancient village is mentioned only briefly in the Gospels, it holds a sobering place in the story of Jesus.

Jesus once pronounced a severe rebuke over Chorazin, along with Bethsaida and Capernaum, because despite witnessing His mighty works, the people refused to repent (Matthew 11:21-24; Luke 10:13-16). It is a reminder that spiritual privilege does not guarantee spiritual transformation. The land between these villages formed the heart of Jesus’ Galilean ministry, where miracles and teachings unfolded almost daily. Yet familiarity bred indifference.

Unlike Capernaum and Bethsaida, Chorazin sat back from the shoreline. While it was removed from the fishing trade of the lake, it was renowned for producing exceptional wheat—a detail preserved in ancient rabbinic writings. Archaeological discoveries confirm that Chorazin was a vibrant Jewish community, beginning in the first century A.D.

Most of the ruins visitors see today date to later centuries. The basalt synagogue at the village center, possibly constructed by the third century, reflects the classic Galilean synagogue style seen in places like Capernaum. Worshippers would ascend a broad southern staircase, facing Jerusalem, to enter the hall. Inside, benches formed a U-shape around the room. Carved basalt stones, though difficult to shape, were decorated with symbolic motifs.

Among the most striking finds is a basalt chair called the “Seat of Moses.” According to tradition, this was where teachers of the Law would sit to instruct the people (see Matthew 23:1-2). The chair bears an Aramaic inscription honoring the benefactor who donated it and praying that he would have a share among the righteous. Beneath the later synagogue floor, archaeologists have uncovered signs of an earlier public building—perhaps the synagogue where Jesus Himself taught.

In homes nearby, excavators have found ritual baths, stone vessels, and other artifacts that reveal a community concerned with purity and devotion. And yet, Chorazin still fell under Jesus’ judgment. The people saw, heard, and experienced much, but their hearts remained unchanged.

Chorazin warns us that it is possible to be surrounded by spiritual opportunity and still drift into complacency. It challenges us to consider: Are we responding to what God has shown us, or merely observing it from a safe distance?

Where has God been at work in your life? Have you grown familiar with His blessings without letting them transform you? What would it look like to respond with repentance and renewed faith today?

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

By Dani Naveh, President & CEO, Israel Bonds

A few weeks ago, as I was in New York, Facetiming with my three children in Israel—our family routine whenever sirens go off alerting people to rush to nearby bomb shelters—our worst fear came true. An Iranian missile struck our family home. Through the phone, my wife and I heard an explosion too loud to be in the distance. Our children, though shaken, survived, but as they left the shelter, they witnessed our house and yard engulfed in flames.

It is during these challenging times that I am reminded that true friendship is not merely spoken, it is demonstrated. Soon after I made my way to Israel to be with my children, I received meaningful messages from my friends at CBN—phone calls and emails of support. My family’s home was in ashes, but our spirits were intact.

The bond between Christians and Jews, forged through spiritual kinship, is more vital today than ever before. Israel is facing a battle on multiple fronts, but in our darkest hours following the horrific day of October 7, we have also seen the brightest lights—many of them coming from our Christian brothers and sisters across the United States.

As the President and CEO of Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand this outpouring of support not only in words and prayers, but in meaningful action. Since the attacks of October 7, individuals and institutions have invested over $5 billion globally in Israel through Israel bonds. And a growing share of these investments has come from Christian supporters who understand that supporting Israel economically is one of the most concrete ways to stand with the Jewish people, and secure Israel’s future.

On May 10, 1951, in New York’s Madison Square Garden, Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion launched this extraordinary initiative with a simple but powerful idea: allow friends of Israel, wherever they may live, to invest in her future. Seventy-four years later, Israel Bonds continues to offer that same opportunity—not just to invest in a bond, but to invest in a nation, a people, and a promise. Since that historic day, Israel Bonds has generated over $54 billion in sales from around the world.

For many Christians, this commitment to Israel stems from deeply held beliefs. As Psalm 122:6 commands, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’” But prayer must be accompanied by action. In the Book of Ruth, we find a moving declaration of loyalty from Ruth, a non-Jewish Moabite woman, recently widowed, to her mother-in-law Naomi: “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” That enduring message of solidarity has echoed across generations and faith traditions. Today, it resonates once again.

I write not only as the leader of a financial institution but also as someone who has lived through decades of Israeli history. I served in government as an Israeli cabinet minister during years when peace felt within reach and during times when war knocked on every door.

In recent months, I’ve traveled across the United States, meeting with Christian pastors, lay leaders, business executives, and families. Many have asked me: What can we do for Israel right now? My answer is always the same—continue to pray, continue to speak truth, and when you are able, invest in Israel’s future. Buying an Israel bond is not only a smart financial decision—it is a deeply spiritual one. It is a tangible declaration that you stand with Israel not only in words, but in deeds.

Israel Bonds is not a charitable contribution. It is a smart financial investment, backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Israel. But more than that, it is a moral investment—one that allows individuals to stand on the side of life, democracy, and shared values. As talks of ceasefires and peace unfold, the fight for Israel’s future continues, supported by communities around the world.

Let us walk this path together, in covenant and in courage. Join us. Invest in Israel. Not for politics. Not for headlines. But for hope, for peace, and for a future rooted in shared faith.

As Psalm 133:1 says: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” May our unity be not only in spirit, but in action.

Dani Naveh is President and CEO of the Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds. Since 2021, Mr. Naveh has steered the organization to record-breaking sales. Under Mr. Naveh’s leadership, Israel Bonds has brought in unprecedented support, raising over $5 billion in investments since October 7, 2023. Mr. Naveh previously served in various governmental roles including as Israel’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Minister of Health and Cabinet Secretary. After his tenure in government, Mr. Naveh transitioned to the business sector, leading major financial groups like Clal Insurance and founding ventures in medtech, insurtech, and fintech.

By Stephen Faircloth

Nestled along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, just a few miles north of Tiberias, the ancient settlement of Magdala offers a remarkable window into Jewish life during the time of Jesus. Known by multiple names, Magdala or Migdal Nunaya in Hebrew and Aramaic, and Taricheae in Greek and Latin, this city played a central role in the economy and culture of the region.

Greek sources called it Taricheae, meaning “factories for salting fish,” a reminder that everyday labor and community life were part of God’s provision. The bustling harbor connected smaller villages, including Capernaum, to wider trade networks, illustrating how God often uses ordinary places to accomplish extraordinary purposes. When the Gospels describe Jesus arriving by boat in the region of Gennesar, He likely stepped ashore in Magdala’s thriving port.

Though tradition has long identified Magdala as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, there is no conclusive historical proof of this connection. Still, her life shows how God can redeem any story, and how an encounter with Christ transforms us from the inside out.

Modern excavations have brought Magdala to life in vivid detail. Archaeologists uncovered streets laid out in a precise grid, elegant homes with expertly cut stone, intricate mosaic floors, and fine pottery and glassware—all signs of a prosperous community. Many of these homes contained private ritual baths (mikva’ot), even though the Sea of Galilee was just steps away. This dedication reveals how seriously the people of Magdala took purity and devotion, weaving faith into the fabric of daily life.

Among the most significant discoveries is Magdala’s ancient synagogue—one of the earliest ever found. Though modest in size, it was rich with spiritual meaning. The main hall was ringed with benches, frescoed walls, and mosaic floors. At its center stood a beautifully carved stone, likely supporting the sacred Torah as it was read aloud. The carvings include the seven-branched menorah from the Jerusalem Temple, reminding worshipers that even in Galilee, their faith was anchored in God’s promises and presence.

While the Gospels do not specifically mention Jesus teaching in Magdala, He traveled throughout Galilee, proclaiming the Kingdom and opening the Scriptures in synagogues just like this one. It is entirely possible, perhaps even likely, that He stood in this very space, reading and explaining the Word of God, calling people to repentance, hope, and new life.

Magdala is a powerful reminder that faith is not reserved for holy places alone. It flourishes in workshops, fishing boats, kitchens, and markets, wherever people choose to honor God with their lives. Like the men and women of Magdala, we are called to integrate worship into our work, to pursue purity of heart even in ordinary routines, and to welcome Jesus into every corner of our day.

Are there areas of your life where you have separated faith from daily tasks? What would it look like to invite Jesus into your own “harbor,” your own “workshop,” and live every moment for His glory?

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9). Read on Shabbat, August 30, 2025 / 6 Elul 5785. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“Appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality; and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous” (Deuteronomy 16:18-19).

Moses lays before Israel the foundational call for justice. Leadership, in God’s eyes, begins with integrity. Judges and officials are entrusted not to wield power for themselves, but to uphold righteousness without favoritism or corruption.

The portion continues with laws for kings, priests, prophets, cities of refuge, false witnesses, and warfare. Each is given to ensure accountability, to protect the vulnerable, and to remind Israel that no one stands above the law of God.

Justice is not a distant ideal; it is meant to be lived daily, in every town, family, and community. When rulers cling too tightly to power, or when compassion is sidelined for expedience, the entire nation and society suffers.

Shoftim reminds us that justice is not only the duty of leaders. It is a call upon every heart. How we treat coworkers, how we speak of neighbors, and how we handle resources all reveal whether we reflect the justice of God.

To act justly requires humility, vigilance, and courage. It means noticing the quiet needs around us, protecting those who cannot protect themselves, and speaking truth even when silence would be easier.

In our own lives, injustice can sometimes feel too large to confront, whether in society or within our own hearts. Yet Shoftim calls us to see that justice begins in the small choices.

Ask yourself: where can I uphold justice today? Perhaps in refusing to cut corners, in offering a fair word instead of gossip, or in welcoming someone who is often overlooked. These moments may seem small, but they are seeds of blessing, for each act of integrity reflects the heart of God.

If you are weary of injustice, do not lose hope. God calls His people to embody a different way. Even one choice to act with fairness and compassion can bear witness to His kingdom.

And if you are in a season of blessing, remember that gratitude must be joined with responsibility. To receive much is also to be entrusted with much, and justice is one of the surest ways we honor that trust.

This week, seek one intentional way to bring fairness into your space—at home, at work, or in your community.

Let your words and actions align with the vision God set before Israel: a people known not for power or wealth, but for righteousness, mercy, and truth.

PRAYER
Lord, please open my eyes to see injustice. Give me wisdom to act with fairness, courage to speak with integrity, and humility to walk in Your ways. Amen.

By Stephen Faircloth

Scripture often speaks not only through words, but through the land itself. The hills, valleys, and roads of ancient Israel weren’t just a backdrop; they were part of the message. To walk the land is, in many ways, to walk into the heart of the Bible’s message. One powerful example is the Elah Valley, a place etched forever in the memory of God’s people as the site where a shepherd boy’s faith overcame a giant’s threat.

This valley was not chosen at random. The biblical author of 1 Samuel 17 places the clash between David and Goliath right here for a reason. The geography tells a story that magnifies the miracle.

To picture it, imagine Israel as a loaf of bread: tall in the center and flat on either side. That center is the Hill Country, home to Bethlehem, where David was born. To the west lies the Coastal Plain, where the Philistines held power. Between them lies a transitional region called the Shephelah, a series of rolling hills and fertile valleys, natural highways between enemy territories. One such highway is the Elah Valley.

This valley was more than a battlefield. It was a threshold between light and darkness, between the people of God and the forces seeking to conquer them. On one end stood Gath, Goliath’s hometown, symbolizing defiance and brute strength. On the other stood Bethlehem, the city of David, symbolizing covenant, promise, and God’s chosen future.

When the Philistines encroached upon the Elah Valley, their aim wasn’t just a skirmish; they were advancing toward Bethlehem, toward the heart of Judah. Their movement was strategic, their goal clear: to gain a foothold in Israel’s highlands and disrupt the plans of God’s people.

Enter David.

Sent by his father Jesse to check on his brothers, David didn’t arrive at the battlefield by chance. He walked a path his ancestors had known, through a valley his enemies coveted. What began as an errand quickly became a divine appointment. Where others saw a giant, David saw an opportunity for God to be glorified. His courage was not rooted in military prowess but in a deep, immovable trust in the Lord of hosts.

Even today, you can stand in the Elah Valley and trace the brook where David chose five smooth stones. You can see where the Philistine forces gathered and where Saul’s army waited. The very land still whispers of that unforgettable moment when faith stepped forward, and fear fell.

The Elah Valley reminds us that battles, both ancient and personal, are often fought in in-between places. The terrain may feel uncertain, the threat intimidating. But it is precisely there, in that valley between opposing forces, that God often reveals His power.

As you read the story of David and Goliath, don’t just see a boy and a giant. See a valley of decision, where geography and destiny collided, and where God’s faithfulness shone through the courage of one who trusted Him completely.

When you understand the land, you begin to understand the heart of the story. And when you walk through the valleys of your own life, remember: the God of the Elah Valley still fights for His people.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.