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Genesis 32:22-31
In 1614, Pocahontas married English colonist John Rolfe in Jamestown. Having converted to Christianity, Pocahontas changed her name to Rebecca.
When Jacob wrestled with the angel and prevailed, he got a new name -- Israel. The name designated a change in his life's calling. Pocahontas experienced a change in her calling in life, and in so doing took on the new name Rebecca. We too must be willing to accept our new calling in life, and be willing to change our name and direction accordingly.
Ron L.
Genesis 32:22-31
There's nothing like an injury to serve as a permanent reminder of something. Soldiers who have missing limbs can't very easily put their experiences behind them. Factory workers who have lost fingers or been seriously lacerated by machines will not soon forget that job. Children don't forget the football game that broke their leg, or the bike that they flew from to receive the scar on their chin. Not only do the handicaps of physical injuries provide reminders of the event, but constant questions -- "What happened to your leg? How did you get that scar?" -- are cause for constantly retelling the story, ensuring that you won't forget it anytime soon.
Leah T.
Romans 9:1-5
Despite the apostle Paul's conversion to Christianity he did not abandon the heart and essence of his Jewish heritage. He remembers that on the right side of every Jewish doorpost is a small piece of parchment inserted into the doorpost called a mezuzah. Written on the parchment are the lines of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). What the mezuzah informed everyone who entered this home was the conviction "As for me and my home, we shall serve the Lord."
The great Jewish philosopher Maimonides explained what this meant to a faithful Jew:
"By the commandment on the mezuzah, man is reminded, when entering or departing, of God's unity and is stirred to love him. He is awakened from his slumber and from his vain worldly thoughts to the knowledge that nothing endures in eternity like knowledge of the 'Rock of the World.' This contemplation brings him back to himself and leads him on to the right path."
Paul would never forget his sacred tradition.
Richard H.
Romans 9:1-5
Anti-Semitism is nothing new. From the First Crusade of 1096, to the Jews' expulsions from England in 1290, Spain in 1492, and Portugal in 1497, to the Nazi Holocaust, as well as several other instances, there has been a long-standing suspicion and even hatred of the Jewish people. In fact, there are some leaders around today who would love to see Israel wiped off the map. There have even been assertions that the mainstream media has shown a bias against Israel (assertions I will neither attack nor defend).
Contrast that attitude to Paul's in this passage. Although he is now a Christian, his love for the Jewish people is still very evident: "For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises" (vv. 3-4).
Craig K.
Matthew 14:13-21
"Stand Down" is a program sponsored by the American Legion for homeless veterans. A series of tents are set up in a public park, each offering a ministry of meals, counseling, and medical treatment. The operation is closed to the public, but is supported through community offerings. The veterans reside in tents on site during the four-day event. According to one post commander, "This is their chance to start on the road back with the help of their community and fellow veterans." The motto of the program is: Stand Up for the Stand Down -- They Stood Up for You.
When Jesus looked over the crowd and knew they were hungry he had "compassion" and made arrangements to feed them. Whenever we see someone in need we are to have the compassion to "stand up" for them, offering whatever assistance we can.
Ron L.
Matthew 14:13-21
It's a long day at work. You're swamped. Meeting after meeting, problem after problem. The copy machine jams. A major supply order is late. You're so busy that you don't have time for lunch. The workday finally over, you slog your way home through rush-hour traffic. A fender bender backs up the interstate. You're stuck at a standstill in the midst of angry, honking drivers for twenty minutes. Finally you pull into your driveway, get out of the car, open the front door... and smell the aroma of a delicious dinner. All the stress and frustration of the day melts away as your nose revels in scents of spices, herbs, warm bread.
Leah T.
In 1614, Pocahontas married English colonist John Rolfe in Jamestown. Having converted to Christianity, Pocahontas changed her name to Rebecca.
When Jacob wrestled with the angel and prevailed, he got a new name -- Israel. The name designated a change in his life's calling. Pocahontas experienced a change in her calling in life, and in so doing took on the new name Rebecca. We too must be willing to accept our new calling in life, and be willing to change our name and direction accordingly.
Ron L.
Genesis 32:22-31
There's nothing like an injury to serve as a permanent reminder of something. Soldiers who have missing limbs can't very easily put their experiences behind them. Factory workers who have lost fingers or been seriously lacerated by machines will not soon forget that job. Children don't forget the football game that broke their leg, or the bike that they flew from to receive the scar on their chin. Not only do the handicaps of physical injuries provide reminders of the event, but constant questions -- "What happened to your leg? How did you get that scar?" -- are cause for constantly retelling the story, ensuring that you won't forget it anytime soon.
Leah T.
Romans 9:1-5
Despite the apostle Paul's conversion to Christianity he did not abandon the heart and essence of his Jewish heritage. He remembers that on the right side of every Jewish doorpost is a small piece of parchment inserted into the doorpost called a mezuzah. Written on the parchment are the lines of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). What the mezuzah informed everyone who entered this home was the conviction "As for me and my home, we shall serve the Lord."
The great Jewish philosopher Maimonides explained what this meant to a faithful Jew:
"By the commandment on the mezuzah, man is reminded, when entering or departing, of God's unity and is stirred to love him. He is awakened from his slumber and from his vain worldly thoughts to the knowledge that nothing endures in eternity like knowledge of the 'Rock of the World.' This contemplation brings him back to himself and leads him on to the right path."
Paul would never forget his sacred tradition.
Richard H.
Romans 9:1-5
Anti-Semitism is nothing new. From the First Crusade of 1096, to the Jews' expulsions from England in 1290, Spain in 1492, and Portugal in 1497, to the Nazi Holocaust, as well as several other instances, there has been a long-standing suspicion and even hatred of the Jewish people. In fact, there are some leaders around today who would love to see Israel wiped off the map. There have even been assertions that the mainstream media has shown a bias against Israel (assertions I will neither attack nor defend).
Contrast that attitude to Paul's in this passage. Although he is now a Christian, his love for the Jewish people is still very evident: "For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises" (vv. 3-4).
Craig K.
Matthew 14:13-21
"Stand Down" is a program sponsored by the American Legion for homeless veterans. A series of tents are set up in a public park, each offering a ministry of meals, counseling, and medical treatment. The operation is closed to the public, but is supported through community offerings. The veterans reside in tents on site during the four-day event. According to one post commander, "This is their chance to start on the road back with the help of their community and fellow veterans." The motto of the program is: Stand Up for the Stand Down -- They Stood Up for You.
When Jesus looked over the crowd and knew they were hungry he had "compassion" and made arrangements to feed them. Whenever we see someone in need we are to have the compassion to "stand up" for them, offering whatever assistance we can.
Ron L.
Matthew 14:13-21
It's a long day at work. You're swamped. Meeting after meeting, problem after problem. The copy machine jams. A major supply order is late. You're so busy that you don't have time for lunch. The workday finally over, you slog your way home through rush-hour traffic. A fender bender backs up the interstate. You're stuck at a standstill in the midst of angry, honking drivers for twenty minutes. Finally you pull into your driveway, get out of the car, open the front door... and smell the aroma of a delicious dinner. All the stress and frustration of the day melts away as your nose revels in scents of spices, herbs, warm bread.
Leah T.
