Grace for a Man like Barabbas

Matthew 27:26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

This story has been on my mind lately. A group of people that prefer to have a murder released to them in exchange to have teacher, the Messiah crucified. 

I realize for a long time I have seen this story as an example of how twisted and lost the people were, that they would be capable of asking for the release of a murder and exchange for Jesus. All the while I held to the knowledge that God is sovereign and this was all part of His plan to redeem His people, I glanced over the idea that maybe this story is also a picture of God's grace as well. 

From the story it appears that that Jesus and Barabbas were in the same place at the same time. Being presented to the people. Pilate, trying to convince them to let this innocent man free, chooses the worst of the criminals that he has available and offers a choice to the people.  

Jesus and Barabbas standing next to each other.  If there was a limit to God's grace - if there was one thing that Christ didn't die for - it would probably be this. Inciting protests and murder, setting the stage for continued violence and tensions between the ruling power and the people. (And although the specifics are different - I wonder if the current tensions in Israel and Jerusalem  may communicate some of the same emotions and tensions that existed then)
Jesus didn't say a word. Being the son of God he had every right to say something. To use this platform, to announce his purpose, to lay out the stipulation and details of the covenant he had come to renew. But he didn't say anything. 

If Barabbas was beyond Jesus' grace I imagine he would have said something. He could have said something like - "Ok, I came to offer grace to all people, but you, you have destroyed the lives and families of hundreds of people, you have disturbed the peace, at least you must realize the gravity of you actions before I extend my grace." or "My grace is for all - except the worst ones."  or even "Pilate - did you really have to go this far to bring out the worst?! I can extend grace to thieves and tax collectors, prostitutes and sinners - but this guy! he has murdered and probably doesn't even regret it!"

But Jesus didn't say anything. Maybe he didn't say anything, because the worst of sinner, the most despicable criminal is still within the limits of God's grace. Everyone, who  still has breath in their lungs is within those limits. Both the thieves on the crosses and the man name Barabbas in Pilate's court were enough for Jesus to go to the cross. 

I find that it is easy for me to say these things, to know in my head that God's grace is for all, no matter to what 'degree' of sinner they are (if there really is such a thing). But when it comes to real life it is much harder to wrestle with. In the past month there has been a string of attacks in Jerusalem carried out by Palestinian extremists.  Recent conversations have been around how sever ought their punishment be or what type of justice is needed. Most often the attacker has been killed so the punishment is against their family, who often celebrate the martyrdom of their family member.  

Justice is needed, if we want a  civil world, we can't just dismiss it  in the name of grace and pretend like it is all OK. But the question remains with me, how ought we act or respond in ways that recognize that the grace we received is also showed to the worst of us.  If we are it image bearers of God, how do we show the God's grace is also to them? We are the messengers of God's grace, simply carriers, we do not have the authority to change or alter the contents of the message we carry. We do not have the authority to place limits on it,  or fences to Barabbas' out. If we start to place limits on grace, we better be careful, because with our tendency to portray our lives better than they really are, likeliness is that the limits we place on it would exclude ourselves. 

I don't have answers yet, but I don't want to fall into the trap of using terms and language that clump all Palestinians or Arabs into the same group as the extremists, and on the hand I don't want to become so skeptical as to avoid the truth. Maybe it is the fine balance of speaking the truth in love and Paul talks about in Ephesians.  I haven't figured it out, and I feel that it may be a lengthy journey,  but by God's grace, may we learn how to show love to the Barabbas's.

This rain is a blessing,

I woke up early this morning, and after stepping outside I turned back to grab my rain coat. Rain coat on I headed to meet the bus for the short term group to make sure everything was in going well for them. Thankfully this all happened during a break in the rain, so they weren't wet getting on the bus. I felt bad for them, they were north of the city, and from what I recall, some of those sites don't have much cover if it decides to rain. Couldn't it wait to a better time?

Back on campus and the rain continues, on and off, sometimes heavier, sometimes just misting. Everyone inside, trying to stay dry. The seasons are definitely changing.

I have always viewed rain as a necessary blessing. It was a critical part of life, it is a need - for water, and God gives it in its due season. This could not be truer here. Last winter was particularly dry, and if there is another dry year, things won't be good for agriculture. The land depends on the winter rain, the rain in its season.

At lunch it came up that because of how far east we are - we don't tend to get the heavy downpours, rather we get sprinkles and rain, then a little later some more sprinkles. This too is a blessing. The land is rocky. If water comes too fast it can't soak into the ground - even in land where it isn't rocky. A rainy day is better to water the plants than all of it as once.

And then there are the unexpected blessings.

Today is Friday. Tensions have been high in Jerusalem this last week and a half. Lives have been lost, and violence has broken out mostly in the East parts of the city. There are extra police - and they were getting ready for Friday - the day of traditional prayers. One of the news sites I looked at mentioned that the Palestine's were being encouraged to have a 'Day of Rage' against the events that have happened over these past weeks. In particular the temple mount being completely closed yesterday.

Mid-morning, while working in the office and seeing the rain, during a heavier rainfall, it occurred to me. If anything is going to discourage a 'Day of Rage' or riots and protest. A persistent, cold, wet rain will do better than anything else. (In addition it makes the rocks very slippery - I'm guessing it is harder to run too)

Maybe God knows our true need better than we do. A day of violence and protest won't do any good, probably only end up getting more people hurt and killed.  Maybe God know and is able to enact the simplest, yet most effective way of dampening the rage, all while nurturing the land. This rain wasn't a surprise, we knew it was going to be a wet weekend, but maybe God's greatest blessings can be found in the ordinary things.

How simple is it to overlook the blessings in life? To simply stand by and see it as an ordinary thing, good in itself, but when God uses it, it can be so much more.

the past week or two

During a tour of the Holy Sepulcher the Armenians were having their service, beautiful singing. 

Every morning I see these crows outside - thankfully they don't make that much noise.

 I guess they are getting ready too.

 Saw some young ones hanging around too 

Had a short field study this week too. Looking out towards Gezer. 

 Map Work :)

 Looking over the Aijalon Valley

'and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace'

I was reading this passage over, and in the light of recent news reports and conversation about peace, it stands out.

Peace. It seems that our world is anything but peaceful. It doesn't take long to find stories of how peace is shattered. Tensions are high, the attack in Ottawa, the light-rail attack in Jerusalem, the continuing devastating attacks in Syria, the uncertainty of ISIS, the spread of Ebola, and numerous other events, long-term and sudden crises that can shake up close to home or far away.

Stand your ground. It is a phrase that is used earlier in this passage. Soldier are ready before the battle even begins. They are familiar with their equipment, of which their shoes are an important part. They may have walked many miles in those shoes before they see anything. Just as in your favourite running shoes, you know when they start to loosen up in places, how to adjust or tighten the laces to make it feel 'fitted' again.

It seems that we often wait until a time of turmoil to think about and seek 'peace', but if we have a gospel of peace, should we not familiar it before? Should we not know where we stand and what this gospel require of us? Have our shoes become loose in ways that we don't know how to fix?

The other day I had a conversation with a group of fellow students about peace and what it looks like. As foreigners we don't have the ability to fight the local fight for peace. It isn't our fight, we are merely bystanders, who can encourage, but we can't solve it alone. And while this isn't our fight, we can't take a role of apathy either, our role is different.

In the conversation it came out that Christ didn't concern himself with the nationalistic vision of Israel - to get rid of the Romans, but rather many of his teachings are concerned with the relationship closer to you, making peace with a brother, loving a neighbor, respecting authority, or welcoming children.

When considering this - the turmoil that happens - it is within a large picture, it concerns people on a nationalistic level.  Yet it seems to impact us on a individual, all the while, think about yesterday, my relationship with people I came in contact with didn't change at all because of it. I was no more or no less at 'peace' with anyone I talked to, yet my mind was more consumed with thought and concerns of 'peace'.

What if this gospel of peace is more concerned with the relationships of the people around us than the lack of conflicts on a national level. What if we were more concerned about the persons who we came in contact with, that the big scary 'thing' 'out there'.

Feet fitted with the readiness.  Knowing where I stand before I try to fight. I know 'gospel' means good news, and I know that Christ is the Prince of Peace. The good news of peace. Peace on all levels. Paul reminds us that our sins have been paid for and we can be at peace with God. If we use that peace to define peace, just as we use the model of God's love to define real love.  (we love because he first loved us)

If we are at peace with God, we truly have little to worry about. We know the bigger picture. God will win the victory. Our Father knows what we need, and will provide it. Therefore if we are certain of this peace, it should show up throughout our lives. and just like ebola starts with one case and spreads, maybe peace should be the same way, starting with each person who fearlessly declares the mystery of the gospel to spread peace within their circles of contact.

I am not saying these things to belittle the events that are happening. We are commanded to 'pray on all occasion, with all kinds of prayers and request,'  but we also have access to the greatest peace and maybe in the times of turmoil, the greater the contrast, and the greater message.

Rhythms and Complacency

I love rhythms.
I think most people like some sort of rhythm, even if it is a rhythm of spontaneity.

I have a normal time of waking up,  I have a normal breakfast time, place to eat and people I eat with. I tend to go for the same foods, the same beverages, and when I find something enjoy, I need a good reason  to try something else. I have a system of keeping my life organized so that I know what to expect and can plan for tomorrow, next week or next year.

Life in Israel has shown me a little about the feasts that God told his people to celebrate. Two seasons of celebration. On in the spring starting with Passover, and one in the fall starting with Rosh HaShanah, Now we are back to 'normal' days. They actually have a word or a phrase referring to the 'times after the holidays'.  The time when life starts to fall back into the normal rhythms of a work week (however than be defined here), schools start classes again, and life begins to fall into an expected rhythm.

I have heard the example of life being a combination of 'mountain-top' and 'valley-low' experiences, yet the way I experience it, it isn't always climbing or running down, there is a lot of flat land to cover too. And maybe the life on the flat-ground; the places where there is nothing really spectacular, and nothing really tragic, where our true character and endurance can be strengthened. The times when it is easy enough to do it on my own, not 'spectacular' enough that all would automatically recognize it as a miracle of God, and not lonely or hard enough to signal my heart that I need to turn to God or I'll never make it through.

Life likes the flat grounds. Even in real life, road, trails and natural routes like to follow the flat ground - it is easier to walk a mile of flat ground around the mountain than to go half a mile straight over it. In life - we get through the valley and aim for the places we know what to expect. We breath a sigh when vacation ends and life returns to normal. We settle in when school starts back up, as difficult as the change is, or tiring a Monday morning, we appreciate the 'getting back to normal'.

So rhythms - on the flat ground, the rhythms that give shape to our days weeks and years. They show a lot about what is important and how who we are. What are our priorities and what do we value? Some of the rhythms of my day and week I wish that I had better control of, getting homework done so I can sleep on time, making sure I can spend time in the word of God, being intentional about spending time with people.

There is a temptation to let my life fill up with rhythms that are so predictable that I don't keep time open for the unexpected and the time to really grow in faith and understanding.  Yes, on flat ground we could cover twenty miles in a day, but you'll learn a lot more about yourself, the people around you, and the path you are on, if you only go ten.

The Bible study I go to starts out usually by asking what has gone on in the past  two weeks, what have we learned, or what has God been showing us. Thinking about those questions has made me realize that the flat ground is an interesting time where there is potential for great benefit, but also potential for none at all.

One aspect of the rhythms in my life is a rhythm of 'distractions' - things that fill my time with really little to no benefit on long-term goals or present situations. The tv shows that I enjoy, a game I play on the computer, the logic puzzles, or pleasure reading are not 'bad', but if I were to let them take up all my time, they would be considered as such.  On a mountain-top or a valley-low, these could very easily be dropped out, but it is on the flat ground where they fill up my time. On the 'flat ground' I can let complacency take lead because it isn't hard work, I can let myself slip into a rhythm that doesn't allow time for important things.

On the other hand, 'flat ground' could be a time of benefit. It can be a time where, if I am intentional, I can learn a rhythm that supports what is important to me, and values what I want to value. Maybe it is the little things, like getting up a half hour earlier and spending a little time in God's word, or maybe it is not checking facebook another time before I start my homework. Or sticking to going to be on time instead of watching that one episode.

God gives us seasons and places to which he has called us. Each has it's own rhythms and pace. But God is bigger than the situation we are in, and as children of God it is to our benefit that we can see a the bigger perspective. Maybe the best rhythm for me is to go ten miles a day well, than 20 miles fast, anyways God never said that the winner was the one who went the furthest, just to run this race well.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrew 12:1-2

Fall holidays, the first half

At this time of year we get to celebrate the Fall Holy days.  We are about half way through them. Sukkot is still coming up, but here's some pictures from the first part... and some extras.

Everything ready for Rosh HaShannah (Jewish New Year) dinner!

Yom Kippur - While it is a day of fasting, we still had Shabbat dinner, but because the local stores weren't making Challah for Shabbat, we made our own.

Campfire one evening to hang out at,

Yom Kippur. 

Everything closes down for the day, all the road as empty. The usual noises of traffic are absent. The only cars out are police or ambulance. 

And so you can walk in the middle of a major road... just because you can.

and there are lots of bikes out today!

Rosh HaShannah - fresh starts and God's love

Yesterday was Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish New Year.

We celebrated with a group of friends and dinner together! It was a lot fun. I enjoy celebrating these holidays, not just for the sake of extra holidays, but they seem to be very applicable to New Testament as well.

It is a celebration of new starts and making things right. From my understanding it starts a season of  making things right with each other before Yom Kippur - the day of Judgement. It is a time of celebration, but also has a piece of introspection attached to it.

This music video might give you an idea of what Rosh Hashannah is celebrating

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlcxEDy-lr0&feature=youtu.be

My thoughts go back to forgiving.
It is hard. It is more than I'm sorry, it is more than pretending it is alright. It is a deep down heart change that refuses to look at that person as an enemy but pleads with God to let me see that person as God sees them. And however long that process takes, however painful that it is, pursuing that perspective until when I think of that person I think of them I no longer think of them with the hurt they caused, but as one loved by God.

When I neglect to extend forgiveness I have neglected to recognize that they are also a child of God. I have forgotten that I too was in that place totally undeserving of grace. In a way it requires humbleness to forgive, because to truly forgive is because we have been forgiven first.

1 John 4:19 We love because Christ first loved us. 

All too often I don't pursue or reject forgiving, I just ignore it. I avoid confrontation. I would rather just pretend it didn't exist and walk away and maybe someday it will all be better. But as a Christian, covered by the grace of God's love I'm called to extend it to others.  Maybe the grace they see from me is the only shadow of God's grace they will see, and to cover them in that shadow I must be close to them.

These thought have been rolling around in my mind over the past couple years as I struggle and learn more about forgiveness and God's love. It is easy to say these thing as concepts, just like the rich man with whom Jesus talked could accept the command 'love your neighbour'. But the part that he struggled with was when it was further define who his 'neighbour' was.

What if God loves... the perpetrator of evil?
What if God loves... the radical terrorist?
What if God loves... the government who is allowing so much injustice?
What if God loves... the one who hurt your family or friend?
What if God loves... the one who hurt you?
What if God loves... the one who is still hurting?
What if God loves... the person I hate?
What if God loves... me?
       God does.

Forgiveness is not justifying their actions. It is not saying that it is ok! God never said, "It's all ok" he said, "go and sin no more". If we stop counting their actions and starting asking how God ought to have us love them then maybe we can start in a better place. Maybe the best way to love someone who is hurting you or who has hurt you includes setting up and supporting appropriate boundaries like not being alone with them.  Maybe it includes taking a stand and voicing the truth. But above all, it is to seek restoration rather than retribution.

In any case, if we want to truly love and extend God's grace to our neighbours, it is not going to be a cookie cutter "I'm sorry" and  "I forgive you". It seeks the best for them, it seeks to love them as Christ loves them. It is to desperately pursue a perspective that they are actively loved by God and to respond to them in an appropriate manner.

Sometime I see or hear of people who feel ostracized from a Christian communities because of their past or their history. Their participation and freedom is limited, instead of finding ways to welcome and support them. All the while they are told that God can save everyone - and even the vilest murder can be accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven, but they fail to be accepted them into the kingdom of heaven here on earth. So, either we don't really believe that they will be accepted (Romans 10:13), or we don't believe that the kingdom of heaven is here (Luke 17:21).

I want to see more communities that embraces the truth that God change hearts and celebrated that God makes beautiful things out of our broken pieces.

It is hard. But within that difficulty I have learned more about God's love for me in ways I can't describe, and the value of forgiveness, both towards me and from me.

This might be some heavy thoughts at a time of celebration. But rejoice in this, if you have accepted Christ, you are covered by his grace. You are forgiven, and if those are just words, ask that He shows you value of that forgiveness. As we understand and can rejoice in the grace that covers us, let us freely give.

As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:7-8

Getting into things again!

The first weeks are past and I think I am getting into the rhythm of things again. 

Here are a couple things from this past week :) 

Hebrew is a constant work this semester... it will probably stay like that, but hopefully I'll get more comfortable with it as it goes.

The sunsets are fairly quick, but they are beautiful!

Spent the weekend camping with the young adults group from church. It was an awesome time together and relaxing. This dock provided a great place to hang out. 

I was surprised by how windy it got the one afternoon,

The last morning we did our Bible study at the hexagon pools, a beautiful spring fed pool. The water was cold, but refreshing (it is still quite warm here)

Waterfalls to climb up :)

Shady spot for the Bible study!

I love how camping always seems to quickly get people to know each other and connect with each other in new ways. I'm thankful for the 'family' that I have found there!

Back in Jerusalem

It is good to be back. I miss friends and family back home, but it is good to be back.

I enjoyed to slightly spontaneous get together with Taryn before leaving! 

We were at the Brantford AirShow, couldn't stay too long, but it was fun to see some of the stunts and planes.

My new room in Jerusalem has quite the view! the first couple windows are to my room. The door next to mine is the door to the roof. I will definitely get my practice with stairs! 

Has a great view of the Hinnom Valley, and of the concert that take place in the valley. This was a concert on Thursday night. Sound travels very well in the valley, so it was easy to hear everything going on there too.

Classes have started up along with readings, homework and Hebrew.  It will keep me busy, but I am enjoying it too!  

Do not let your hearts be troubled...

In the past month I have been hearing a lot about what is going on in the Middle East, in particular with Israel and Gaza. And even though I am not equipped to comment on the political status and the current going-ons over there, I feel as if I can and am in a place to say something.

I realized today that it is two weeks tomorrow until I leave to go back. I understand that people are concerned, the news doesn't portray a good picture of life in Israel right now, but I am not afraid. (I'm actually excited to go back :) )

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled 

and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Jesus told this to his disciples just before he was crucified. If any time was a stressful and uneasy time, watching your teacher and leader be arrested and sentenced to death has to at least be near the top of the list. Yet, despite what a normal reaction would be, Jesus tells them not to be troubled.

God's peace is different than the peace the world looks for and desires. I get the feeling that if someone was to describe the desired 'peace' in the middle east it would include not firing rockets at each other, no racial/religious/ethnic divides, and maybe even living in way that beneficial to all nations in that area.

 If that was all that there was to 'peace' we would be left unsatisfied and desiring something more. God's peace is more than that. I have always heard that שלומ (shalom) is a wholeness, complete, healing, and everything the way that is suppose to.  We can know the way that everything is suppose to be by looking back to the Garden of Eden. God looked at all that He had made and said that it was very good. If it pleased God's heart, then that is the way that things are suppose to be.

I have peace because I have a hope of what is to come. I do not need to be afraid because I know that God is going to make all things new. Revelations uses the imagery of a river with trees, almost like a garden but with a city too, and I don't think that is just coincidental that the Bible begins and ends in a garden where everything is the way that it is suppose be, where שלומ will reign.  And deep within there is a sense excitement and longing to experience that garden!

Paul mentions in his letter to the Philippians that "to live is Christ and to die is gain", and although I do not see any reason to fear for my life, there is incredible peace having the hope of the life to come. That hope does not come without a certain sense of urgency and purpose as well, if we know and have such a hope we ought to share that with the people around us, wherever that may be. 

Another aspect of God that brings me incredible peace is His sovereignty. He is powerful and knows what is truly best. If he did not want me in a certain place, there would be no way for me to get there, if he wanted me in a certain place, as long as I am following Him, I will get there. 

It is easy to 'trust' God where we are comfortable, but I wonder if that is really trust, or are we just saying that it is because we fear to actually step and follow him further. God will never lead us to somewhere he is not.

Thankfulness #2

6. Beautiful weather

7. The ability and pleasure to write

8. The bike path behind my house

9. Safety from war - being in Canada while conflict in Israel reminds me how easy it is to take it for granted

10. Family

Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is mentioned all over in God's word.
I can say that I am being thankful, but I find if I don't actually put it into words, that I forget very quickly.
So I thought I that I would start a list, adding to it little by little whenever I think about it.

1. Quiet times to work - reminds me that I am working for God, not just the next thing.

2. Thunderstorms - make the world feel refreshed, and an awesome show of God's power

3. My Bicycle

4. Air Conditioning :)

5. Internet - being able to communicate so quickly is awesome!

Dust

Last weekend it was a little dusty out. (This was taken in the afternoon)

Usually you can see for quite a ways, although with the dust blowing you could clearly see across the valley.
Apparently this is what is called a khamsin, or east winds. They are hot, dry, dusty winds that blow in from the desert. The happen on and off in the spring and everything gets dusty (somehow it seems to get in everywhere, even with the windows closed).

I have seen the wind blow dirt around before, but I have never seen it like this. It definitely has an thick and oppressive feeling to it.  Any rain afterwards is surely refreshing!

It makes me think of what was meant by God promising that he will make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the dust. Is this the dust that is Abraham is told his offspring will be like?

Genesis 13:15-16 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.

On another note, the sunsets when it isn't so dusty are quite beautiful!

Where are you from?

Studying abroad this is a question that I hear often and answer without thinking much about it.  I am from Canada.... and that is usually followed with, where about in Canada? I name the next largest category I can think of that won't get them entirely lost (such as Ontario) and if they are familiar with the region the process continues until it gets to the point that the other is adequately lost, which tends to be fairly early on.

We have a desire to place people and things in context to what we know. We understand things better when we see the connections that exist between people and places. There is a particular sense of excitement when you meet someone who knows your home turf and possibly has run into to some of the same people.

In the west we like to define ourselves by place. 'Where are you from?' is the question. In the East it is different it is not where are you from, but "Who are you from?" 'Who are you related to?' 'What is the family name?' because it  seems that in a culture that doesn't focus as much on the individual, but more on the community that it says more who you are related to then where you are from.

I feel that this concept isn't completely foreign. Growing up in a community that was strongly influenced by the Dutch there is a little 'game' called Dutch Bingo. Basically trying to figure out who is related to who and how so, and often figuring out a way that most people are related. (even if it is 5 times removed and through marriage twice)

The extent of this family based identity rather that of location based can be easily discovered using the well known tool of Google maps. West Jerusalem and the New City area is mostly made up of more westernized people. If you zoom in on the streets, you will see a tangled assortment of many different streets each with its own name. If you cross the dotted line into the West Bank and zoom in on the streets there, you will see a tangled assortment of streets mostly without any name at all.  Why - because in that culture families live together, your are defined by a family and leaving a family would be social suicide. There are parts of world were houses are built so that another floor may be added on top so that when the son marries, they may just add on another room (John 14:2)

However we tend to define who we are, whether it is a geographical location or genealogical place, it provides connections and belonging. The more I think about it, the more I realize that we are more than just an individual.

In the Bible it makes sense that they were a people who favored genealogical addresses. There are lots of them. And much like a scenario where if you were to ask someone where they are from, and they would answer 'Mars',  we tend to skip right over the 'addresses' of the people in the Bible. They tell us who the are based on the people that descend from, and we see that as just another genealogy.

So when Jesus starts talking about mothers and brothers, when Paul elaborates on being adopted as sons, and John uses the concept children of God, it isn't just fancy imagery and nice or effective metaphors. It is declaring that the lost have been found, that the exiles have a home, that the orphans have a family and that it is a place where we belong.

Cultures... west and east and places inbetween

Our second semester started two weeks ago and we have jumped in and are already busy with papers and reading and studying Hebrew.

I am excited for the classes I get to take. This semester history and archaeology (both looking at the second temple period), Parable of Jesus, Hebrew 2, and Cultural backgrounds.
I'm finding cultural backgrounds to be a very interesting class so far. Seeing the different cultures at play in this area is fascinating. Today we were talking about surface culture and deep culture. Surface culture being the things that culture have and do visible to everyone. We see the cloth that people groups wear and the food that is available and eaten. And then there is deep culture. This is the underlying values and currents that run beneath a culture. This is the culture that doesn't change as easily.

Coming back from my break where I spent some time in another part of the Arab world, it stands out now how western Israel really has become.  There are still values that seem to come from deep, but it seems the modern culture is shifting the way that it does things. There are shopping malls and materialistic trends. The impact of immigration and tourism means that there are a lot of people from different backgrounds and to some degree there is a great tolerance and adaptations to that.

It is easy to recognize that there is a difference between east and west and label them as such, but I think that there is more to cultures that just east and west. There is a lot of in between. Places where the east meets the west, (or maybe meet something completely different) and the change slightly.

I find whenever I start looking at other cultures it is almost impossible not to think of the cultures and I grew up in and around. I don't think it is possible not to, we all have a way of viewing the world and that is what makes up a large part of our culture. Even from region to region there seems to be a shift in values and culture within the people who live there.

Jesus lived in a place where 'the east' met 'the west'. God placed his people along a route that carried people from all over the world and in it his covenant with Abraham his told them that through him all peoples would be blessed.  There is something beautiful about the place where cultures meet and the fact that God seems to use them.

Understanding and navigating cultures is something I am not near close to having accomplished. Taking modern Hebrew this semester is showing me how much a language reflects a culture.  Someone asked how to say particular phrase politely, only to receive the answer that there wasn't a particular way to say it, but just to say it.

I'm excited to see all that this class will explore and how it all works together, but in the meantime, I probably should get back to studying  :)