As I am reading through Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, I have been delighted to discover so much about the Jewish culture and tradition. I see again and again how intricately it is connected with my Christianity. I know you are thinking, well yes….of course it is. But it is really so amazing. It’s like turning the focus of your camera and slowly seeing things get clearer and clearer; you knew basically what you were looking at, but now, with the focus fine-tuned, the view and the details are so much deeper and richer...
There is a chapter on the Jewish tradition of the blessing. Before going into the Promised Land, Moses warned the people not to forget what God had done for them. He was also concerned that in future prosperity they would not acknowledge God’s hand in that and they would be tempted to think they’d done it on their own. In order to keep God in the forefront of their thoughts, the Jewish people began a tradition of saying short prayers of blessing throughout the day.
It is as if you are momentarily ‘kneeling down’ mentally and humbly praising God for his goodness. (p.92)
What a perfect way to walk in thanksgiving to the Lord! What a perfect way to walk moment by moment with the Lord! What a perfect way to acknowledge God’s continual nearness! We see this lifestyle of prayer, blessing, and thanksgiving reflected in the life of Christ and in Paul’s exhortations in Eph. 5:20, Col. 3:17, 1 Thes. 5:17-18.
And isn’t it just like the Lord that when He reveals insights, He then asks you to focus the lens in the direction of your life…. My heart’s desire is to walk moment by moment through each day, knowing God is near, asking Him for His guidance and grace, and praising and thanking Him in all things. Even though I can’t see Him, I want to sense His continual nearness—because that’s where He is, right beside me.
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