By Marney Blom
Fifteen hundred years ago a community of believers built a winepress at a location in Israel known today as Hamei Yoav. Why are archaeologists so certain the winepress belonged to early Christians? Close to the winepress dig site, a second discovery was made: a ceramic lantern adorned with five crosses, cut out of the walls of the lantern. When it was lit, crosses were projected onto walls and ceilings.
“The winepress exceeded 100 sq m in area. It consisted of a large treading floor, surrounded by six compartments on the north and east,” said Dr. Rina Avner, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority. “These compartments were used for fermenting grapes upon their arrival from the vineyards to produce high-quality wine.”
In Israel today, Hamei Yoav is mostly known as a popular spa destination, as it taps into the hot mineral springs below. The Hebrew word “Hamei” refers to “hot” “water/spring”, the name “Yoav” literally translates “God is Father.”
Although the archaeological discovery tells a story of the ancient past, could it also be a prophetic foretelling of things to come? When the “wine” of the Spirit flows again out of the Father’s “spring” of life and healing, the light of Jesus will shine forth for all the nations to see.
Marney Blom is news director for the Acts News Network
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