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I am reading Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith. It is the story of two religious shepherds – one a reformed thief and addict, the other a Jewish Rabbi. Here’s today’s lesson from the Jewish Rabbi-
Quote:I am in my religious high school. The subject is the parting of the Red Sea. I yawn. What is left to learn about this? I’ve heard it a million times. I look across the room to a girl I like and contemplate how hard it would be to get her attention.
“There is a Talmudic commentary here,” the teacher says.
Oh, great I figure. This means translation, which is slow and painful. But as the story unfolds, I begin to pay attention.
After the Israelites safely crossed the Red Sea. the Egyptians chased after them and were drowned. God’s angels wanted to celebrate the enemy’s demise.
According to the commentary God saw this and grew angry. He said in essence: “Stop celebrating. For those were my children, too.”
Those were my children, too.“What do you think of that?” the teacher asks us.
Someone else answers. But I know what I think. I think it is the first time I’ve heard that God might love the “enemy” as well as us.
I’m moved and can’t find the words to express my feelings. This is why I think many are going to be surprised at the outcome for the likes of Hitler and Stalin. Have a Little Faith changed my life. Best universal book written.
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DarkJedi, your comment reminds of time when I was attending my young single adult branch a long time ago in an institute class. The institute teacher (who’s a good man) made a comment in teaching a lesson about the perfection of Heavenly Father that said something like this, “Imagine if Hitler or Sadam Hussein was our Heavenly Father we would be set back for a long time.” And my friend who’s also a good guy said, “We shouldn’t judge. They might have repented by now and be forgiven by the Lord.” Cwald – Totally. Every time I read it, even if it’s just a page or paragraph, I feel so much hope and I think I actually perform my daily life better. It’s my present scripture for now. DarkJedi and IloveChrist – It is amazing to stop and ponder how we and others will be viewed by us and by God. It seems hard to imagine tyrannical people as human, but I am beginning to see that everyone has so many layers to them. Micah 6:8 seems to cover this – and it’s a high bar to cross.
Quote:He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Great quote, great book. Thanks!
I can see I’m going to have to find this book. Thank you all for recommending.I like your comment about present scripture Mom3. I have discovered that all scripture is not contained in the standard works (and I’m not talking about general conference, either). Dark Jedi, Here is the Amazon.com link for it
As to scriptures, I have long been a believer in Joseph’s admonition to seek out of the “best of books”. When I am reading a book for spiritual or religious growth I call it scripture. Chieko Okazaki encouraged women to write their own scripture. She reminded us that the Book of Mormon is based on journal keeping, it’s people’s stories. Likewise our knowledge of Paul is from his letters. He probably wasn’t planning on being in a book called scripture, he was keeping in touch and encouraging the faith of others. Over time someone else put his letters in a book we now call scripture.
I do hope you get a chance to read it.
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