I have been looking at the life of Christ and how He lived in Israel. Not from a Christian point of view but from the view of his people, the Israelites. How? The language and conditions under which he lived. I some ways it changes one's perspective not to mention understanding. The original language is difficult to translate into Greek let alone English. Many of the Hebrew words have no counter part in either language. They are not translatable without lengthy expositions. It amazes me that the bible scholars managed to do what they did as accurately as they did. Still there are things that I wanted to understand that seemed unfinished or unspoken. Crazy? Maybe! Since I neither speak nor understand Hebrew, ancient Hebrew, it poses a problem. Research is what was needed to understand the root words and phrases Jesus would have been familiar with and used. The result is a fuller understanding and appreciation of His daily life and the things He taught. That is a revelation on what He wants us to become, at least to me. Becoming as He is, that is right, IS, means allowing Him to become us. When He died on the cross for us and we accept his gift of salvation, we are forgiven for past, present and future sins so long as we believe in Him and allow Him into our lives. "You are healed. Go and sin no more," were often his words. Imagine that. A love so great that instant forgiveness is possible. Those words are relevant even today.
It is true that it is difficult to grasp those words without His physical body for us to see and touch. It is possible to touch Him spiritually. He does come to us and touch us daily in our walk with him. We are not always aware of His presence but He is there. When it seems He is far from us, it is not he that moved but us. We are never abandoned. The miracle of healing is often very subtle to the point of not being noticed. This is often the one that is experienced. It may be in retrospect that it will be seen. That does not make it any less a miracle. Every breath we take is a miracle. Every birth, first step, new experience, first love, waking moment or anything else you might name is a miracle. It all contributes to drawing closer to Him to become the "I am" we were meant to be.
I have a card that Em from creative EM sent last Easter. Jill had it all this time so I am sure it was never posted. Thanks and God bless you Em.
Yes, the study of the old languages is not easy, but gives us lots of insights.
ReplyDeleteHope you are now fully recovered! Hugs, Valerie
Oh, Jim, it's so good to read this today, and I'm so sorry that I am behind in so many blog commenting. But I've continued to pray for you and for Jill. You are on my list, and it's a joy to lift you up to Him in prayer. I appreciate what you've shared, and I agree that God is with us always and through it all...praise God for that! We are truly blessed by the sacrifice made by Christ, and may we continue to grow ever closer to Him and live lives worthy of His joy and glory. And one day we shall be with Him forever...and with each other! What a truly beautiful card by Em. I always love white on white but never quite can achieve something this beautiful, and it's a perfect sentiment for you! Hugs and love to you both!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl. I love white on white cards myself and know how much both Jim and Jill love roses, as I do myself, so it seemed a perfect representation of all of us. The color is actually a clear Wink of Stella that was new at the time so has come up more silver.
DeleteHugs,
Em
You really are a deep thinker Jim, and thanks for sharing your thoughts and explorations in the Word. I love that Christ is with us no no matter what, no matter where!
ReplyDeleteThe card is wonderful - I love the slight colouring winsode the embossing
Blessings
Maxine
Thanks Maxine. The color inside the die cut is clear Wink of Stella that was new at the time so has come up more silver than clear.
DeleteHugs,
Em
You truly are a blessing to me; you both are. Your words and both your actions, once again leave me lost for words. Yes, it does happen. Grin.
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs and blessings to you both.
Em
It is a wonderful thing that so much of the Bible does make sense to us since as you said, it is difficult to translate! Pretty card from Em!
ReplyDeleteI think the study of old languages and the roots of words is a fascinating subject. Not one I've undertaken, mind you, but certainly it holds appeal.
ReplyDeleteThe card is quite nice with its white on white with subtle shading. A fine card to go with your profound words.
All so true! Always love your posts, Jim. Merry Christmas and many hugz!
ReplyDelete