CONVERSATIONS ALONG THE WAY...

Conversations along the way….

As I sat down at the conference table in the library of a retirement community in north Phoenix, the left side of my head began to pound.  Praise God, HE carried me through the afternoon Bible study.  Amidst Lenny’s constant k'vetching (Yiddish for complaining), God remained in control!  Of course, that’s Who God is!  He is sovereign! 

Lenny is Jewish and has had issues with me since first I taught at this facility.   The expressing of his issues, however, always presents more opportunities to share the Gospel.   I told the group that gathered that we were going to talk about "The People, The Book, and the Land" and focus on Abraham and Moses. 

Lenny loudly announced, as he’s known to do during every study, “She’s not Jewish!”  This time he added, “And you need to know that there are many interpretations of the Bible.” 

I asked him, "What is your authority?  On what…on Whom do you base your belief?" 

He replied, "On my experiences…on what I've observed." 

I said, "That's your problem.  We need to base our beliefs on the word of God.  It’s not about us; it’s about HIM!"  He then went on to tell me that men wrote the Bible totally apart from God.  I refuted his comments.  Then he started in on Jesus.  I told him, "You know I believe in Jesus.  He is the Messiah Who came to die for our sins.  Jesus is the Promised One of Israel.  We read of His profile in the Tanakh.  And, do you realize that you're the one who's bringing up Jesus?"   Lenny quieted down and listened - a tad.  When I mentioned the mezuzah and the Scriptures inside (specifically Deut. 6:4-5), the grilling began.  I answered all his questions.   He settled down yet queried me as I relayed Israel's history from Abraham to Moses. 

Seemingly somewhat satisfied, for the moment, Lenny interjected, "I've spoken to several Orthodox Rabbis who have told me that there are some people who are Jewish but don't know it.  You might be one of them."  Most insightful comment.  Please pray with me that God will remove the blinders from Lenny’s eyes and the veil over his heart would be lifted!  What a spokesman he could be for Jesus!

Jerry, another Jewish man attending the study, is most enthusiastic about the lessons and is amazed at the connection between the OT and the NT.  Jerry has attended every program/study we've presented at this retirement center.  Because it was appropriate for me to do so during our exchange, I asked Jerry what he has learned from the Rabbis when he attended synagogue.  He shared with us that they never taught anything that impacted his life!  What a perfect segue into God desiring to radically impact our lives with the truth from His word – to change our lives – to transform us!  Praying that God will bring to Jerry’s mind and heart what we had discussed and how these truths from God’s word could forever alter his life.  Asking God for his salvation!

By the time I got ready to leave, I felt the pounding in my head.  It hadn’t dissipated…but I never felt it during the Bible study!  Thank You, Jesus!

Moving on down the road….


Cathy Wilson
cathylouwilson@live.com