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Joy in the Torah: Experiencing Delight in God’s Instruction
Ps. 1:1-2; 119:1, 11, 14, 35, 40, 70, 77
This paper focuses on
Psalm 1 and Ps 119, with particular reference to the phrase “I delight
in your law.” The Psalms have had a profound effect upon people of faith
from ancient Israel throughout the history of the Jewish people as well
as from earliest Christianity to the present time. They have greatly
influenced the worship and prayer both of individuals and their
respective communities of faith. As Wilson so aptly states, “The book of
Psalms—particularly those penned by David--allow us to peer into some of
the deepest emotional crevices of the human heart. And in our recitation
of them, the Psalms provide a vehicle for us to express our own emotions
before God.”[1]
Many, if not most, western Christians, however, encounter some degree of
difficulty in fully identifying with scriptures that describe
experiencing joy in the Torah when Torah is translated as “law.” This
paper explores how the translation of Torah as “teaching” or
“instruction” may prove a liberating experience as one endeavors to
identify with the Psalmists’ declaration of joy and delight in the
Torah.
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Unconditional Love
My wife, Lenore,
and I have dealt with a great many people who, because of various
circumstances in their life, are unable to feel loved—by God or anyone
else. In fact, they often describe how they feel as “numb” or “empty.”
They often view themselves as unattractive, unlovable, and worthless.
This is in spite of the fact that many of these people are considered
successful in their chosen field. In the most extreme cases, these
people have even contemplated ending their life. Why? What’s so special
about feeling loved? Isn’t the need to feel loved just a sign of
immaturity? Shouldn’t we outgrow the need to feel loved by others and be
content within ourselves, doing our own thing, regardless of whether
anyone else cares or not?
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The Judaeo-Christian Concept of
Hesed as an Essential Element of Reconciliation, Peace, and Unity
Presented at the Conference on
Christianity, Culture and Diversity in America held in Tulsa, Oklahoma
November 2006.
Abstract: In America, we
pride ourselves as a nation of diversity—and that we certainly are!
Diversity can add variety, strength of character, moral values, and
purpose, as well as cultural richness to the fabric of our society—but
the daily news abounds with the negative consequences of diversity that
are expressed as bigotry, disappointment, disillusionment, hatred,
heartache, mistrust, misunderstanding, and violence. This paper explores
the Judaeo-Christian concept of hesed as an essential element in
the Book of Ruth, in the life and teachings of Jesus, and in modern,
effective reconciliation ministries grappling with the violence and
hatred of the Middle East.
Introduction
Can an understanding of
the biblical meaning of loving-kindness or mercy as demonstrated through
stories in both the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and the New
Testament help us effect restoration, peace, and unity in the midst of
diversity? In this paper we shall look at the story of Ruth as an
example of loving-kindness shown by someone outside of the believing
community and the blessings of restoration, peace and unity that
resulted from her loving-kindness. We shall also look at Jesus’
understanding of “Who is my neighbor?” through the example he gave in
the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Finally, I shall give present day
examples of endeavors to facilitate reconciliation between Arabs and
Jews in Israel that I have had the opportunity to observe.
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