The Rock, The Road, and The Rabbi
Mary Frances Logue brought a book to me a few weeks ago before our vacation. She
only asked that I read it and consider it a gift. When we returned, I went into their
Sunday School class, head down, to let her know I had not read anything the entire
time I was on vacation. However, I started reading the book the next week and really
enjoyed the stories and information from Kathie Lee Gifford’s book The Rock, The
Road, and The Rabbi. Throughout the book, Kathie shares her experiences of going
to Israel and walking through the steps of Jesus and his disciples. Along with her is a
Rabbi named Jason Sobel who brings Biblical stories to life by sharing history or his
own perspectives that we may neglect in Biblical interpretation. I’ve found the book
to be a joy to read and thought I would share key thoughts with you over the next
couple of weeks that I hope encourage you in your faith.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 follows Kathie’s journey to Nazareth where Ray brings out an interesting
observation about Jesus and Joseph’s profession. Often there are mistranslations in the
Bible; we are humans interpreting God’s holy word to His people. The challenge is that
when we translate from Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew there are not always words to
describe or as accurate to the original language. Israel was not a land of trees and tall
pines like we imagine here in Georgia but of stone and brush. It would be more akin to
the terrain of Nevada than that of the Peach State! Ray points out that the Greek
word teuton does not translate to a carpenter but stone mason or craftsman in regard
to Jesus’ and his father’s profession! Rabbi Jason offers this observation:
“Jesus is the promised master craftsman and architect of creation who brings order out
of chaos and shalom to our lives in this world and in the world to come! You don’t have
to wait to begin to experience His peace until His kingdom comes-you can have it right
now as He promised: “Shalom, I leave you, My shalom I give to you; but not as the world
gives! Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27 TLV)
While I’m sure Jesus probably hammered a couple of nails in his lifetime, I’m also sure
it’s more likely he and Joseph were master craftsmen. In His nature, he has created you
with intention and purpose. You are a part of God’s master plan and devotion to
humanity. Do not let your heart be troubled! He is still at work perfecting his
masterpiece!
Keep The Faith,
Pastor Tommy
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