There was a Jewish man that was living a financially successful life. He wrote a popular sports column and also wrote books about sports figures. One day he was doing a book signing and saw a Jewish Rabbi at the end of the line. When he got to the end, the writer asked the Rabbi to whom to autograph the book. The Rabbi replied, “I am not here for a book; I am here to talk to you.” By that time, the writer (let’s call him Tom) recognized the Rabbi and knew he was his old Rabbi from his childhood days. Tom thought about how old the Rabbi looked but realized it had been 30 years.
The Rabbi told Tom he wanted Tom to write his eulogy. Tom asked the Rabbi if he was dying, and the Rabbi replied, “one day, but not right now.” So Tom asked why approach him now when he was not dying (the Rabbi was 82.) The Rabbi replied that Tom should come to his house monthly until he got enough material for the eulogy, and he would then understand. The Rabbi told Tom he could quit visiting him if he wanted to after he got the needed material.
Over the next eight years, Tom never stopped visiting the Rabbi monthly. Something kept calling Tom back to hear more of what the Rabbi had to say. He dreaded the visits at first but then came to look forward to them and cherish them. By the time Tom and the Rabbi developed a loving relationship, the Rabbi passed away at the age of 90. Also, Tom had enough material many years before, but love kept taking him back to the Rabbi’s house and church.
True Story
This true story touched my heart. There is so much more to the story, but there is not enough space here to tell more. I saw myself, many years ago, dreading sitting down for Bible study, but I did it anyway because I was supposed to. What do you bet I got nothing out of those first Bible studies? But I persevered.
But over the years and hearing more of Jesus’ life and his stories of love, service, and redemption….I fell more and more in love with our Savior, just like Tom fell more and more in love with the Rabbi. Now I yearn to hear the Word and be held by the Savior, sit at His feet, and love Him like no other being on this earth or in heaven. If I do not do this daily (even though sometimes I fail), I feel an emptiness in my heart. The more I learned about our Lord Jesus, the more I loved HIM! The same with Tom and the Rabbi.
The Take Away
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Love your family like you will never see them again. Study the Word of God and grow a loving bond with the Lord. Love the people who hurt you and never apologize to you. Love every human Christ put on this earth. And then reflect on the type of person you want to be. Grow daily in Christ, and a bond will develop that will enrich your life and take you places spiritually you never knew existed.
In Christ’s honor,
Jeri Lynn Daniel
Lean into Jesus Ministries
Psalm 119:105. – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
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