FRIENDSHIP WITH MADELINE

I've shared my friendship with Madeline in several newsletters; however, I’ve not told you about how we met six years ago.  While waiting for the Jewish people to join me for the Bible study at one of the local retirement centers, a woman I’d never before seen entered the room.  The intent look on her face told me she was on a mission.  After discovering that her mission was to join the study, I introduced myself and she did the same.  Madeline’s last name is rather ambiguous in regard to any Jewish descent.  As I was praying and asking God to reveal Madeline’s heritage, she said, “Do you know where I could buy a mezuzah?”* I laughed – on the inside.  And, we were off to the races.  Our visit of approximately two hours covered our mutual Bronx upbringing, religious education, the Messiah, keeping kosher, the Messiah, New York City cuisine, the Messiah, Yiddish vocabulary, and her search for miracles.  Our time together was lovely.  Upon hearing of God’s plan of redemption from Genesis through Revelation for both Jew and Gentile, Madeline said, “I never heard that Jesus came for the Jewish people.  I never heard that He was the Jewish Messiah.  This is good news.”  Twice I nearly cried!  How very sad that so many Jewish people don’t know the truth about the Messiah from their own Scriptures.  When she left the study that day, we embraced and I promised to take her mezuzah shopping.  (By the way, no other person joined us for the study that Tuesday afternoon!  That, in and of itself, was most unusual!  Most “OF GOD”!!!)  Madeline did not respond to my telephone calls that next week.   The following Tuesday I encountered Madeline in the lobby at the retirement center.   She was on more of a mission as she made a beeline toward me.  “I need to talk to you,” Madeline blurted out.  “I couldn't sleep that night.  I was thinking about what you told me – that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah.  I spoke to our Rabbi and she told me that Jesus is NOT the Jewish Messiah.”   I replied, “The Jewish Bible teaches that He is the Jewish Messiah.”  Madeline said, “Well, He’s not my Messiah.”  I said, “You're right.  Jesus did die for the sins of both Jews and Gentiles.  However, until you receive His gift of forgiveness, He is not your personal Messiah.”  I then jumped into my offer to take her mezuzah shopping.  Her reply: “OK, kiddo!”

For several years Madeline remained aloof.  During that time, God impassioned me to send her cards at Jewish holidays and to give her gifts of apples and honey at Rosh Hashanah and treats at Purim.  Over time there was a softening on Madeline’s part.  When I poked my head into her hospital room following hip replacement surgery, her face was beaming!  And then, one Tuesday afternoon two years ago, as we were gathering for the Bible study in the Library of her retirement center, who should walk into the room?  Madeline!  I nearly cried!  Since that memorable day, Madeline and I have been meeting one-on-one each week.  God has given us multiple “Come to Jesus” conversations!  Madeline digs in her heels and conveys, “I’m too old.  A person has to have faith.”  Of course, I always respond with, “Ask God to give you the faith.”  Three months ago, during a time of depression and pain while in rehab, Madeline told me, “God isn’t finished with me yet.”  Two weeks ago as we again engaged in a discussion about Jesus as the only way to eternal life, she, again, reverted to her same response.  I remarked, “You always respond with the same words.”  She then hesitated and offered rather sheepishly, “Well, I want to continue this discussion with you!”  Please pray with me that Madeline will forever discuss Jesus – from here into eternity with Him!

                                                                                                       

I'm on a mission!  What a comfort to know that God has already won the victory!

* One of the easy identifiers of a Jewish home, the mezuzah is a receptacle, a case containing parchment inscribed with Biblical passages including Deut. 6:4-5.