We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
1 Corinthians 4:8-12
Belvoir is the best preserved Crusader fortress in Israel. Overlooking the Jordan River valley south of the Sea of Galilee, it provides a commanding view eastward, guarding an important crossing point of the Jordan River near Beth Shean. The Knights Hospitaller purchased the land and began construction in 1168. It became a formidable fortress against their Muslim adversaries. It’s made up of an outer fortress measuring 110m x 110m and an inner fortress measuring 50m x 50m. A moat 20m wide and 14m deep surrounded the outer fortress.
The Crusades are generally viewed as a shameful part of Christian history. They seem to have forgotten that their Jewish Messiah had laid down his life rather than take up arms to fight evil.
However, in the midst of this ancient place, we can see physically what has been happening since the beginning of time. Their enemies attacked them, but they had erected strong fortifications to withstand a siege. In the same way, we are in the midst of a spiritual war. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). We need to defend ourselves from spiritual attacks.
Despite their great planning and fortifications, after a siege of 1.5 years the soldiers at Belvoir finally surrendered to the Muslim forces in 1189. Like any piece of history, may we learn from their mistakes and successes.
