Photo: The port responsible for so much of Caesarea Maritima’s prominence in the ancient world. © Denison Ministries

See what could be at Caesarea Maritima

Caesarea's significance in the region and in Christian history endured long after the Second Jewish Revolt led to the slaughter of so many of its inhabitants. In the early centuries of Christianity, it became an important academic center and home to the great scholar Origen, who founded an academy with a library of thirty thousand manuscripts (the largest in the Christian world). Eusebius served as Bishop of Caesarea from 313 to 340AD and composed his Church History here, one of the most significant works in Christian scholarship.

Today, Caesarea is famous primarily as an active archaeological site. It is home to the world's first underwater museum, with thirty-six points of interest on four marked underwater trails through the ancient harbor. Divers explore these trails using waterproof maps.

But any cultural and religious significance the city might offer is restricted to its past rather than its present. As such, it offers a word of caution for us today.

Are you living for God today?

When things are going well, it can be easy to grow complacent and forget what was required to reach this point. The hard work and commitment that can lead to excellence fade when it seems like the struggle is over.

We see that historically with the rise and fall of nations, but it's just as true in our lives and in our walk with the Lord as well.

Ultimately, none of us are entitled to success or significance in this life. We can (and should) work hard to achieve what we can according to the will and purpose of God, but, if we lose sight of Him in the process, then none of it will matter in the end.

Our lives can end up looking a lot like Caesarea Maritima: a somber reminder of what once was rather than a thriving example of what life with the Lord can be.

Take a moment to pray and thank God for the good in your life right now.

Some days it may seem harder to find, but, as long as we have Christ, we always have something for which we can be grateful.

Ask God to help make you aware of any areas in your life where that gratitude has been replaced by complacency or self-sufficiency.

It can be a subtle slide, but it’s one the Lord is ready to correct if you'll let Him.