Gleaning

What is it that has changed? This question has revolved over and over in my mind since the evening I left Israel. There isn’t a defining moment that I can remember, not a word or a look, no tremble of realisation, nor revelation of understanding. I’m just...different.

A great deal of time has passed since my last posting, primarily due to a busy schedule, but also because I felt the need to wait. My three and half months in Israel were so special to me that I didn’t want to simply relate a story which you would read, smile over, and then brush away as you move on to the next email in your inbox. The desire to somehow communicate to you the things God has shown me runs very deep. In my previous attempts to sit down and write, I have left my computer frustrated with the inadequacy of my words. I am not finding it much easier now, but I feel it has been too long already and I pray that God will give me the words I need to share with you.

In brief, this is what happened during that last month in Israel: I travelled to Jerusalem with friends in early January and spent that weekend in fellowship with believers and exploring the Old City. The prayer conference began the Monday following on a kibbutz outside the city. Over 230 delegates attended the conference, plus the many locals who joined us for the evening sessions. It was an interesting mix of nationalities, languages, and personalities. Aside from stuffing envelopes, answering questions, and handing out lunch coupons, I was still able to attend all the prayer sessions in the morning and the teaching sessions in the evening. My eyes were opened wide. The attendees backgrounds were so diverse, and communication among the delegates was sometimes difficult; but, united by a love for God, His Son, and His People, they prayed with a fervor I’ve never witnessed before. Intercession is a pouring out of oneself to stand in the gap for another, and that is what these people did. I felt like I was in way over my head, but God ministered to me that week through others, who saw my heart and encouraged me. They did not look down on me because I was young, but commended what they saw being rooted within me and said, “Patience - seek Him, and it shall grow.”

After the conference ended, I spent a few more days in Jerusalem visiting family friends and getting some much needed rest. Then, it snowed! What a singular blessing, for now I can say that I have been in Jerusalem in the snow. =) I was also able to have lunch with a couple that have since become very dear to me - they gave me much to think about in regards to future plans and were a great blessing in allowing me to process all these swirling thoughts out loud. I soon left Jerusalem for Arad, a town in the Negev Desert. My time there was too short, but I had the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat with newly-made friends and attend their congregation the following morning. This particular congregation has undergone much persecution from the Orthodox Jews in the town, but God has given these believers grace immeasurable and hearing their stories challenged me and strengthened my faith.

My last two weeks in Israel were a whirlwind of activity. I was racing around collecting gifts for everyone, saying goodbyes to all my new friends, and fulfilling my commitments at work. Before I knew it, I was on the plane home. The journey had a twilight-zone quality about it. My parting in Tel Aviv was painful, but sweet in the hopes of meeting again. In Manchester, my reception was very different. Tender, eager, and brimming with determination to not waste a single moment I was embraced multiple times by each family member. They came bearing “Welcome Home Bek!” placards and a single pink rose - Dad photographed every moment. It seemed like years, and yet a single breath, had passed since seeing each other. I was struck with how very precious they are to me, and now am determined to the make the most of every day with them as I will be leaving for university very soon.

There is so much to say that it wells up within me, but I do not have the words to bring it forth. Along with His Word, my devotional by Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest) was a constant companion on all my travels. I realised that I had come to the point in my life where I start making decisions for myself, theologically, without riding on the coattails of my parents. My belief system, the teachings I choose to accept or reject, all must be evaluated in my own heart and mind. Do I believe this or not? Do I accept what that preacher says? What does God’s Word say about this? It’s rather frightening really, because these things will lay a foundation from which I will speak into the lives of others, not the least of which will be my children, someday.

“To him who is given much, much will be required.” (Excerpt of Luke 12:48) Our responsibility as believers is so great, and it seems that too often we minimise it. The funny thing is that God could do it all without us, and sometimes I think we’re more trouble to Him than we’re really worth. But that isn’t the way He looks at it. He loves us, and He wants to work through us. He’s not asking to fit into our lives; He’s asking us to forsake our lives, that every breath we breathe is His Spirit in us. We are here to give Him glory, and He will require much sacrifice from some of us. Think on a larger scale. Not only is He asking of us our time, each day set aside to fellowship with Him; He wants to know if you are willing to say, “Father, everything I have, my family, my possessions, my very existence is Yours alone. Do with them what you will. I am Yours.”

In light of the tragedies that seem to be ever-present in our world today, think about this statement: “My attitude as a saint to sorrow and difficulty is not to ask that they may be prevented, but to ask that I may preserve the self God created me to be through every fire of sorrow.” (Oswald Chambers) Many of us will never personally experience such anguish in our lives. However, His Spirit within us can enable us to identify with those around us who are hurting, through prayer, but more specifically through intercession for them. Why? Because He weeps for them. As His earthly representatives, will you dare to ask God to break your heart for the things that break His?

This walk was never meant to be easy. And the rewards on earth will be scant in comparison to what awaits us in Heaven. But all that aside, we should desire to glorify Him regardless. For look at what He has done for us! All honour, praise, glory, and majesty be to Him, Christ the Lord. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the God of Abraham! And it is for Him we live, and for Him we will die, should He ask it of us. "The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonour for the name of Jesus." (Acts 5:41)

Thank you for reading. I hope at least some part of my experience has given you joy, or provoked you to thought. I am so glad to be able to share the things He has begun to show me. That which He has in store for each of us in His Son will be wonderful, as it will glorify His Name in our world. Peace has been given to us, thus may blessings be measured to you in abundance. And thank you, Lord.

In Yeshua and with much love,

Rivka