Author: Hannah Kramer

By His stripes

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“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5)

I have been reading a lot lately about different oils, especially essential oils. It’s been a joy to learn about their different uses, how they are harvested and then produced to make a lovely oil that can be used at home. What caught my attention during this study were two very special oils – Frankincense and Myrrh. These two oils are very well-known for several reasons: First, because they were two of the three gifts (along with gold) given to the Lord Yeshua as a gift by the Magi and Second, they have tremendous health benefits. They were both used as perfume, incense and medicine. In addition, myrrh has analgesic effects. Knowing this, the verse in Mark 15:23 suddenly seemed amazing to me. The Lord Yeshua refused to drink myrrh mixed with wine, a very bitter drink, as he hung on the cross, so as not to dull the pain and his conciousness, demonstrating his willingness to endure the pain of the cross fully, even while He despised the shame (Heb. 12:2). This fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 69:21 “They also gave me gall for my food and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink”. Both oils have been very famous throughout history and at one point, they even surpassed gold by price and value. These two oils, along with gold, were regarded as gifts fit for kings during ancient times. The classic interpretation as to why these particular gifts were chosen to be given is that gold symbolizes kingship, since it is associated with richness; frankincense symbolizes priesthood, since it was used for sweet incense (Exodus 30:34-38) in the Temple and the rising smoke symbolized our prayers ascending to heaven (Rev. 8:3-4), while myrrh was used for a multitude of things, including perfume and for anointing the dead. However, another reasonable interpretation is that frankincense symbolizes worship and myrrh symbolizes priesthood, as it was used to anoint the priests in the temple. The Lord is our eternal High Priest, who “always lives to make intercession for us” (Heb. 7:25).

Frankincense is a form of gum (secretion) from a very small tree, known as the Boswellia tree. In order to harvest the gum, the tree is either lashed or it’s periderm is cut repeatedly in order to produce a flow of resin from the tree. The resin falls down looking tear shaped, starts out white and then turns a yellow-amber color. The resin cannot be produced during winter, since the Frankincense can be easily damaged by rain. That is why the lashing and cutting of the tree begins at December, and the harvesting reaches its peak in April.

Another interesting fact about the tree is its very unique ability to grow … out of solid rock! Amazing! The tree is able to withstand harsh weathers and environments that are unrelenting, and its attachment to rocks prevents it from being torn away during violent storms.  No one is able to explain how these trees attach themselves to the rock. All they know is that the root of the tree grows to a disk-like shape covering the rock so the rock appears to become part of the tree.

Myrrh is also a gum, but it is produced by the Commiphora tree. Like Frankincense, the Myrrh tree is small and grows in rocky terrain. It is small and has low, thorny shrubs. But, in order to bring out the resin, which like the Frankincense, also is tear-shaped, it must be  struck or bruised repeatedly.

All this “information” seemed  kind of dry at first. But, what fascinated me was the fact that both trees have to be bruised, cut and stripped of their outer bark, so that the inner resin, the gum that is used to make the oils later on, could flow forth. The more they are bruised, the easier the flow of the resin. Knowing this, I thought of the passage at the top of this post. The Lord Yeshua was afflicted, bruised and cut for me and for you. His blood, like the resin of these oils, flowed from his body, to makeatonement for our sins. The resin that those trees produce as they are bruised is sticky. It brings forth not only amazing fragrances, but incredible healing properties. Similarly, The Lord Yehua’s blood covers and cleanses us from all sin. “And by His scourging, we are healed.” (Isaiah 53;5, emphasis added)  The peak-time for the harvesting of the Frankincense is in April, which would be somewhere around Pesach (Passover), the holiday during which The Lord Yeshua was bruised and wounded for our transgressions, then crucified to complete the work which the Father had given to Him. This leaves me at awe at what He has done, being willing to shed His blood for the forgiveness of my sins. Praise the Lord!

“And walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:2). The Lord Yeshua gave Himself as a sweet-smelling savor before God the Father, and “leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place”  (2 corinthians 2:14), and makes us a fragrance to God.

I was also amazed that both trees grow in dry areas, yet are capable of producing such wondrous, healing resins. This reminds me of another verse – “In a dry and weary land where there is no water, thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory” (Psalm 63:1-2). And the Frankincense being attached to a rock! Yet, no one know how that is done. The Lord Yeshua came down to earth as a man, leaving His heavenly form, and being fully God and fully man, was capable of accomplishing the work on the cross. He is our solid rock, and if we cling to Him, making Him “our root”, even the fiercest and most violent storms won’t be able to move us.

I hope this encourages you as it did me. Realizing what the Lord has done for us should keep us thanking Him and desiring to give our best and most precious to Him. Bless the Lord by Whose stripes we are healed!

© Hannah Kramer

Heroes and Pedestals

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“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1st Corinthians 2:2)

When children are young, they tend to look at their parents as super heroes, who are capable of doing just about everything. Sometimes this image is transferred to older siblings, who are a source of inspiration for the younger ones, and the latter want to do and be just like their older brother or sister. Occasionally, this perfect “image” we have of someone remains long after we grow up. Our childhood heroes, who can pick us up in the air, do everything and know everything, are replaced with a more realistic hero, who is human and, therefore, fallible, like us, yet much better and worth of imitation. For some, our heroes may be a family, or well-known person in society, or even a literary figure. 

We all have people we admire, some more, some less. And, we usually wish we could spend all, or at least much, of our time with them. We try to emulate them, start to like what they like and dislike what they dislike. We try to associate ourselves with people, or the type of people, that they associate with. We attempt to dress and talk like that person and try to think what that person might be thinking. Slowly, but surely, usually without noticing it, we mentally place them on a pedestal, look up to them and, in a sense, worship them. I don’t mean that we actually bow a knee to them, although some might actually do just that, particularly the younger generation with certain pop personalities. I am talking about exalting a person to a place where only one is worthy to be, one who, alone, is worthy to receive all our admiration and esteem, one whom we should aspire to follow and imitate.

As life goes on, we can so easily place others even above the Lord Yeshua, perceiving their words and actions as infallible. We aren’t so different from little children, who may think their parents are perfect and never wrong. Then we grow up and realize that our perceptions were not correct. This could lead to genuine disappointment when we discover that our childhood heroes are not what we believed them to be (see, in this blog, Keep your eyes on God). We can go to extremes trying to compensate and even put ourselves on a pedestal, seeking for others to be like us. There is always the danger of pride taking root and our becoming oblivious to our surroundings and anything that is not related to what is on the pedestal we have created. 

The reason for wanting to be an example needs to be examined. If we act with a wrong motive, it will ultimately be revealed and our example will be affected by it. 

Paul told the believers in Corinth to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1st Corinthians 11:1). Did the great apostle really tell others to follow him? The meaning of the word “followers” in Greek (mimētai) means “imitators”. We are to follow earthly teachers and examples only if they follow Christ. How did Paul set an example for others? He did not say, “look at me, look at what I do and imitate it”, but rather “imitate me as I imitate Christ”. The focus is on the Lord Yeshua. We are called to imitate the Lord, and Paul was setting himself as an example for us to look at, of how to do so. Paul tried to be a visible representation of the Lord. Paul could be seen and heard. He was in such a close relationship with the Lord that he could say “I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:8).

How could Paul tell others to follow him? Paul was so close to the Lord Yeshua, that he was, in fact, imitating him to such an extent that he could tell others to follow his example how to imitate the Lord Yeshua, but not to take His place. This is particularly true for church elders or pastors. They are to be an example for us, yet not exalt themselves so as to replace the Lord Yeshua. Many times I hear people say that they go to “this person’s” congregation, or to “that person’s” congregation, mentioning the elder’s or pastor’ name. Those people are appointed to shepherd the flock that God entrusted to them. “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you (Hebrew 13:17). Yet, even the church and flock they are entrusted with, are not theirs, but belong to the Lord Yeshua. So the next time someone says about a church that “It is John Doe’s church”, we can correct them gently and point out that “it is Christ’s church”, for He alone is the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4). Our terminology matters and our choice of words reveals alot about our attitude.

It is noble to aspire to be good, God-fearing and God-honoring examples for others. The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to do just that – “but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1st Timothy 4:12). Timothy is told to be an example in five respects – in speech – the tone and choice of words with which we relate to each other (see, in this blog, about our manner of speech in What’s in a Word?); in conduct – the way we behave towards one other and the way we carry ourselves when with others; in love (see, in this blog, Where has the love gone?); in faith – adherence and profession of the faith; and in purity – chastity in all aspects in life. Timothy and Paul had a “Father – Son” relationship in the Lord, and undoubtedly, Timothy admired Paul very much. But in all things, Paul kept directing Timothy’s attention to the Lord Yeshua, not to himself or his deeds.

If angels did not approve of John bowing down to them (Revelation 19:10; 22:9), saying they are “fellow servants”, we, too, are to esteem others and ourselves as “fellow servants”, nothing more.

It is allright to have someone as an example in your life, or to be an example for someone else. It is even encouraged (Titus 1 and 2). But, when we come across a person whom we could view as an example, we should watch and see if they exhort us as Paul exhorted Timothy, if they set an example worth following and if they do not desire that they themselves be the focus of our attention. If we seek to teach and be a positive example, for the purpose of encouraging others in the Lord, we should keep ourselves alert. Many teachers come and go, yet not all are worth following (read – imitating). May we choose wisely and be careful who we choose to imitate and more so, not to put that person (or ourselves, for others) above the Lord Yeshua.  

Who is on our pedestal today? 

 

Fashioned by The Potter – A Story

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“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed,but not in despair;  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2nd Corinthians 4:8-10)

This is dedicated to all the believing soldiers, to all those who have returned from being in the midst and forefront of the Gaza War.

Once upon a time, there was a wise and kind king, who ruled over a mighty kingdom. So vast and beautiful was his land that it attracted many from near and far who wanted to see it. The land and even the castle had a very unique attraction – vesselsdesigned and made by the king himself. He loved to design each and every vessel, giving much thought into making them similar, yet different from one another.

One such vessel was very special to the king. He spent considerable time shaping it and adorning it with the most beautiful colorsand precious gems, with intention of placing it outside of his palace, so that all would be able to see. 

As he worked, the vessel came to take on form. The kind king gently polished it and carefully put the gems in place. As he worked,he spoke to the vessel, relating to stories of old, telling it of vessels young and old, big and small, of all shapes and sizes, some whom he used for years and years and some for a short time, them having fulfilled their purpose in that time. All those vessels were now set aside, waiting happily for the right time to all be used again. But, this vessel was unique, indeed, and received breath and the gift of life. It asked the king: “Why are some vessels larger than others and why are some more beautiful than others?” The wise and gentle kind replied: “I choose to make them as I please, in a way and for the purpose that i know they will be able to serve me best”. “But, asked the young vessel, “My king, how did they serve you?” The king answered, “Each vessel, though different fromthe others, contained something precious, without which they could not serve me”. Instinctively, the new vessel ask: “Do I have that precious thing, my king?” “Oh, yes, you do”, the king replied. “And one day, you shall show everyone what it is.”

The vessel pondered the words of the king, each day growing its desire to serve him as best as it could. And then one day, the vessel understood what the king told him. “Oh, my king, you know how I love you and truly want to serve you. But, that precious thingcannot come out, because it is sealed within me. How will it ever come out?” cried the vessel. “My dear, dear vessel”. said the king. “Unless you break, it will not come out, but remain sealed. When that happens, you need not fear. I will be there with you. You will not be alone”. “Must I break to let it out? I cannot, I will not. My Lord, the king, has put so much love and effort into me. All the people look at my design and see what that king has done. If I break, what shall become of me? Who will see the king‘s wonderful handy-work?” No, my Lord, I shall serve you this way. I need not break, for by seeing the kings’ work, many will give you praise.” The king remained silent, but was sad at the vessel’s honest reply, but her lack of understanding.

Days past and then months. Indeed, as the vessel thought, many admired how special it was and it was placed at the king’s garden for all to see. Every day, the king would speak with it and tell it stories of vessels of old.

Winter came along and with it, strong winds. The vessel was exposed to the winds, that blew against it, making every effort to push it and try to make it fall. Cracks and scratches appeared and the vessel began to be saddened at what was happening to it. Though the king tended to all of his masterpieces, this vessel began to feel that the king had placed it in harms way. “Why do I have to have these scratches and these cracks that hurt? I could have been placed in the king’s palace, away from the wind and forces of nature”, complained the vessel. The wise king knew what the vessel was thinking, and while applying new color and gems, he quietly encouraged the vessel: “I have placed you there for a reason. You may not know why right now, but you know that I love you and I’m asking you to trust me. Just trust Me”. And the vessel did.

Then, one winter’s night, the strongest storm blazed through the king’s land, overturning many vessels and shattering them, leaving pieces hardly recognizable as once having been part of beautiful vessels. All they looked like now, were pieces of clay. So it wasalso with the young vessel. She looked at pieces of herself, scattered across the king’s garden, and began to weep aloud. The king and his servants all surrounded the vessel, trying to comfort her. But, the vessel was too concerned about her own condition to think about anything else. “I knew it was dangerous. I told the king. Now look at me. What is to become of me? How will I ever be of use anymore? And where was the king when I fell apart?” cried the vessel. The king listened and he cried with her. As he picked up the pieces, he tenderly said “I was here all along. I stood in the storm, protecting you from the falling trees and from the rain that could not only hurt you, but crush you and destroy you. I was here and I saw you break.” The king continued cleaning and fixing the vessel and asked, “My young vessel, do you remember all I have told you about the vessels of old?” Trying to remember, the vessel answered in a voice that was as cracked as its frame, “The vessels of old had to break in order to serve you. But how can I serve you like this? What good can come out of this?” The vessel began to sink into sorrow for herself. “Oh vessel!”, exclaimed the king. “Can you not smell that? Can you not see what is going on now? Look around you!”

The vessel, though broken, managed to pay attention and began to notice a most wonderful fragrance flowing from within her. “The precious thing! That‘s it!” she cried out. “Yes, my vessel”, answered the king. Unless you were broken, the fragrance that was in youcould not come out. Now, the whole garden and land are filled with this precious savor, flowing from you and from your fellow vessels. Look at the flowers and plants, how they turn to this sweet-smelling savour that is flowing their way. You served me and will continue to serve, vessel. All of you are made of clay, yet each of you is a clay for glory, all of you containing a precious treasure within you. It is not always easy. You broke in the storm and there are still more storms ahead. But, as I promised, I am here with you”, replied the king. “I will never leave you, nor forsake you. You are mine!” The vessel took her eyes off the king now, looked at herself and saw she was whole again. The king had fixed her, making her more beautiful than before. The signs of her broken clay were hardly visible, and she was adorned with new gems. Only those who were very close to her knew what she had been through and how her perspective and her life had changed as a result. “I see now, my king. I am willing to serve you as fully and as completely as I can, for you made me and care for me”, came the loving response from the vessel, who saw the king also repair other vessels across the land. “Will you allow my fragrance to flow from you for My glory, vessel?”, gently and lovingly asked the king. “Yes, my Lord the king. I am yours to use and to do with as you please”, replied the vessel. And the king held His vessel close to His heart.

© Hannah Kramer

Gotta work at it!

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“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1st Corinthians 10:31)

I decided to take a short break from talking about the present situation in Israel to discuss something I have been learning recently.

I work as a teacher in a Community Center and have a wide age-range of students. This month, I taught mostly in Summer School with the goal of helping to equip some of the students for the coming academic year. During this month, but especially during the last week, I had to deal with several disciplinary issues, which prevented some students from learning, or from enjoying the process of learning. Some of the things I learned in the process are relevant to almost every field of endeavor.

1 . Do we go to work or do we go to work?

One of my former teachers once commented: “Many people today go to their work place every day, but do they go there in order to work?” I asked myself that question this week. I can probably say without doubt that most of us who work do so in order to receive an income. When we decide what type of work we want to do, we make a choice: we choose it because of the income, or because we enjoy doing that type of work. Some choose both reasons and are doubly satisfied.

I love working with children and I love teaching. But, I don’t like having to discipline, even though that responsibility comes with the job. This past month, I felt more like a baby sitter than a teacher. I went to my work, but instead of going to work and looking forward to working with and investing my time in the children, I would wait for the clock to reach the hour that marked the end of the work day. Oh, I did put in a lot of time and effort, seeking to make class fun for them, but as I started the day, I quickly found myself waiting for it to end, so that I wouldn’t have to deal with their behavior problems.

I saw my co-workers behave the same way. They came to “do the hours” and go home, some even wished to skip the hours altogether and just get paid. I love my job, but like many others who love their jobs, I discovered that for a host of different reasons, it is easy to switch modes sometimes and go about the routine of work, and just do what I needs to be done, without having my heart in it.

Have we ever stopped long enough to ask why we go to work? Do we seek to just finish what we need to do or go because we want to, and enjoy it? Do we go to actually work, or just go to our place of work to do what is necessary there?

2. Do we pray for the people we work with?

As I mentioned above, I had to deal with a lot of behavioral problems the last few weeks. Admittedly and shamefully, I hadn’t been praying for the students I taught. I did pray before going to work that I would do well each day. But, the focus was on me, not on the children. From past experience, when I did pray for my students, not only did they do well academically, but also behaviorally.

Prayer is not some kind of magic formula that when expressed makes everything instantly better. No, it is a powerful means that helps me to line up my will with the will of God. Often prayer is neglected in matters we deem to be too insignificant for our Heavenly Father to be concerned with. Yet, I learned that when I pray for my students, I am, in essence, saying to God: “You know these kids. You know what they are like and You know how I want to positively affect them. Please help me to be a tool in Your hands and please control their behavior and their desire to learn.”

When I remember that God cares more about them than I do, that I cannot do anything on my own strength that will have eternal value, that I can trust Him in all things at all times, my work becomes easier and more enjoyable, both for me, as well as for my students. All I need to do is surrender my work and the circumstances of my work and work place to God.

The same is true for our colleagues. They may not realize it, but they really need our prayers. We need to pray for opportunities to share the Gospel with them, as well as for their salvation. It is amazing to see how God turns enemyship into frienship when we pray for others.

3. Do we make the effort to have some quiet time?

I worked mostly in the mornings this month and came home exhausted. I realized that a lot of the time and effort that I put into finding teaching material and fun activities for the kids could have been used more wisely and effectively. My “quiet time” with the Lord took a back seat compared to the time I put into work-related things.

When I reviewed the things I learned this month, I realized that it was crucial to set my priorities right, as they would determine the attitude with which I go to work, whether or not I pray for the people I work with and how I handle time.

I believe it all boils down to this question: For whom do we do all that we do? A lesson my mom taught me, which can be applied to every area of life, is this: If we do something for ourselves, in our own strength, we will burn out quickly and get tired very fast. If we do it for God and in His strength, according to His will, we may become tired as we work, but we won’t tire of the work.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23)

A Fortified Wall

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“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid” (Psalm 118:5-6)

This past week was filled with many sad and heart-wrenching stories of our fallen soldiers, some of whom are well known to members of my congregation, who served or who are now serving in the IDF. They served with them, talked with them and shared the Gospel with them, praying for their safety as they were about to embark on a mission in Gaza.

One of the stories was about an officer who was one of the last soldiers who was killed in the present fighting. He was killed along with other soldiers in a fire fight with a terrorist unit that emerged from a tunnel. The surviving terrorists withdrew into the tunnel and dragged the body of the officer with them. Another officer, who was in the vicinity of the incident soon realised that the officer was missing. At the risk of his own life, he jumped into the tunnel and began pursuing the terrorists, in an effort to stop them before they could escape with the body of the dead officer. His courage in running 800 meters in a tunnel, which could have been booby-trapped with explosives, enabled the army to know what happened to the missing officer, for whom a funeral was held later that week. If this courageous officer had not pursued the terrorists inside the tunnel, Israel would have been in a completely different situation, not knowing whether the officer was alive or dead, and having to deal with another abducted soldier situation. The details are not all available to the public regarding the circumstances of the officer’s death.

Another story was about a different officer who was also killed in Opertaion “Protective Edge”, and served in the same location as a believer I know. Before entering Gaza, he came to say “good-bye” and thanked the soldier for the long conversations they had about the faith. Not long after that, he was killed in action.

The young soldier had shared the Gospel with this officer, trying to answer the many questions he had over a period of time. He was thirsty for the truth, and found someone who could lead him to it. His death came as a shock to many. Whether this officer acknowledged the truth he heard and took it to heart, only God knows. But the seed was planted, and our fervent prayer is that God made it grow.

Many families who live in the area surrounding Gaza have left their homes for fear of terrorist infiltrations and missile attacks. Some haven’t been to their homes for about a month. Only now some have mustered the courage to return with their children, hoping all will be quiet and secure in their area.

Our soldiers and citizens endure hard and difficult circumstances, causing some to want to flee and be far from the danger.

As the situation in Israel continues to be unclear, not withstanding the current cease fire, with people living in the shadow of rockets and mortar shells, terrorist infiltrations and suicide attacks, until two days ago, I was reminded of the promise given to Jeremiah, when he was surrounded by enemies: “I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 15:20). The truth expressed in these words is as true today as it was when it was penned and is as applicable to us as it was to Jeremiah. Though the times are difficult, though we feel pressed, though we cry out to the Lord over friends and comrades who are wounded or have fallen, we are able to recieve and give comfort. Our comfort is in knowing that God is making us a fortified wall and those who stand against us will not be able to overcome us – not because of our strength, but because the Lord our God is with us.

© Hannah Kramer

Though the mountains quake

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“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3)

I sat and watched as the news broadcasted some of the funerals of soldiers who were killed during operation “Protective Edge”. There was one funeral in particular which shocked me and I’m still having difficulty comprehending it. The fallen soldier’s mother recorded her last conversation with him, before he went into Gaza. He told her that the soldiers were ordered to write a note to their family – just in case. Just in case they didn’t make it out alive. Just in case they didn’t have another chance to tell their family how much they love them, how much they are thankful for them. Just in case they didn’t get a chance to tell them how they felt about going in, maybe one last time.

The mother played the recording of the conversation just before her son’s body was lowered into the ground. Her son’s voice could be heard explaining where he wrote that note and where to look for it – just in case. She then read the note, where the soldier expressed his love and gratitude to his family, his parents and siblings. He went on to say how happy he was and that he fought well. He also said, that if they are reading that, it meant that his career was finished.

The very thought of a soldier having to write a letter like that makes me shudder. I didn’t know that our soldiers were given that order. Young people, some as young as 19, have to stare death in the face, have to write farewell letters to their loved ones – just in case. Many probably believed that those will be their last words.

At the time of this post, 33 soldiers have been killed during the week that our soldiers entered Gaza during Operation “Protective Edge”. Thirty-three men who were fathers, husbands, sons, brothers and friends. Hearts all over Israel ache over their loss, over their sacrifices and service to their country.

The situation here in Israel is hard. As the missiles continue, our soldiers continue to fight, so that I would have the freedom to write this post safely. All who read this are being asked to pray. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for our soldiers now in Gaza and in its outlying areas. Pray for wisdom for the government to know what to do and to have the courage to do what is necessary. Pray that those who fight against Israel will know there is a God in Israel Who is fighting for her. Pray for the people in Gaza who suffer from Hamas, for the believers there who are amidst a leadership who seeks their death. Pray for Hamas that there would be repentance there and their love of darkness would be replaced with a love of light and life. Pray for the families of the fallen soldiers, that God would comfort them as only He can.

To the believing soldiers, I say: don’t give up. You serve as a soldier in two armies – the Israeli army and God’s army, which is even stronger and more powerful. Your commander knows your needs and cares for you. Continue to be a light where you are. Share the Good News of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness and everlasting life with your comrades in arms. It may be the only opportunity that they might have to hear the message. Some of you haven’t been home for a long time, more than you are used to. Your work cannot stop until it is finished. We know that you are tired, but He can renew your strength. We know that you grieve over friends who were killed and wounded. He is able to restore your soul and your joy. Trust in the Lord and lean on Him. He is with you in all your service and will see you through.

© Hannah Kramer

Mightier than oaks

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“I destroyed the Amorite before them, though he was tall as the cedars and strong as the oaks. I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below. I brought you up out of Egypt, and I led you forty years in the desert to give you the land of the Amorites. I also raised up prophets from among your sons and Nazirites from among your young men. Is this not true, people of Israel?” declares the LORD”. (Amos 2:9-11)

The rapid chain of events that occurred since the kidnapping of the three Jewish teenagers escalated into a military operation called “Operation Protective Edge”. Much has happened since my last post. The day following the funeral of the three youths, a 16-year old arab boy was kidanapped and murdered by Jewish extremists. It was an unjustifiable, horrendous act, just like the murder of the three Israeli teens. The situation deteriorated from that point. Even though Hamas had been firing missiles into Israel on a regular basis, it stepped up its rocket attacks and expanded the target area to include not only residential communities in the south, but places in the middle of the country, from Tel Aviv along the coast all the way to Haifa. Jerusalem, said to contain the third holiest in Islam, was not exempt from Hamas’ rocket fire. The result of those attacks upon civilian population centers in Israel caused many to remain close to sheltered and protected areas, both while at home and while outside. Not all the missiles reach their target. About 25% of them are destroyed while still in the air by Israell’s anti-missile defines system called “Iron Dome”. This missile-intercept system has proven itself to be of great advantage to Israel and many have claimed that it not only saved their lives, but gives them a feeling of safety as well. Herein lies the problem.

I’m not at all against this system. Quite to the contrary, I think it is doing an excellent job and is a tremendous asset to Israel, particularly at this time. The problem I see with it is that ever since the present Opertaion started, people have been praising it, rather than, well…on God. That’s no big surprise. I didn’t really expect that many would give God credit for protecting Israel, but I did expect a few to. All over the news, people are applauding this system and saying what a “life saver” it is. Many take pride in it and mention how Israel is strong, how it can defend itself and how the army is strong and able to defend us. Only here and there someone would openly express praise and thanksgiving to God and give Him the credit for the miracles that have taken place so far in this latest war with the terrorist organisation, Hamas. Those who acknowledge God’s action in our midst are few and far between.

God brought Israel out of Egypt and provided for the people through their wandering in the desert for 40 years, meeting all of their needs. When they reached the land of Canaan, God destroyed the Amorites for them. The Amorites, who were “tall as the cedars and strong as the oaks”, were probably the strongest of the Canaanite people in the land. Yet, God destroyed them and gave their land to Israel. The words which Amos wrote are as true today as they were then. But, Israel has forgotten. We forgot we had the protection of One far greater than any “iron dome” – God! We forgot that He took down the strongest of the nations. We forgot that it was God Who gave us this land. We began to rely on our own strength. As it was then, so it is today.

Amos went on to say in the same chapter: “The swift will not escape, the strong will not muster their strength, and the warrior will not save his life. The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet-footed soldier will not get away, and the horseman will not save his life. Even the bravest warriors will flee naked on that day,” declares the LORD” (vs. 14-16). Why? Because of the sin of the Nation of self-reliance, instead of God-reliance. I am sorry to say that not much has changed since the time of Amos. Israel still relies on itself and on the strength of our military, as well as upon the accuracy of the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system. Only when in dire need, do we wake up and realize God is there to help. Only then do we call upon Him to act.

The Israeli Defense Forces (“IDF”) is trained well and is probably the most moral military in the world. But, instead of trusting in our “horsemen”, “archers” and “warriors”, we need to trust in our God. He is our help and our shield, a very present help in time of trouble. Undoubtedly, many of the missiles who should have hit their targets didn’t because God intercepted them and moved them out of the way. There is no other way to explain that only one civilian death occurred as a result of the more than a thousand rockets that have been fired from Gaza into Israel, headed for civilian population centres. As I read the verses of Amos, I saw in them a warning – a warning for Israel to turn back to God, now, and stop with its 21st century idol worship (of the Iron Dome), a warning that each person can receive individualy. We were not called out of Egypt to rely on our own strength, talents and skills. We were not given victory over enemies considerably greater in numbers than us, only to think “I am strong, so I can handle this on my own, I don’t need God”. If God cut down the mightiest of oaks as a lesson to Israel, we should, no, we must, remember that He can humble the proud. He did it to laymen and to kings alike, including Nebuchadnezer, until he lifted his eyes up to heaven and acknowledged God as the one true king and God.

This is a difficult time for Israel. Our successes could lead us to become proud. This is a time to act with humility, trusting that God would direct our steps and guide our paths.

Please, pray for Israel, that the eyes of our leaders would be opened to see that God is our protector, that He is far greater, tremendously more accurate and always more reliable than any “Iron Dome” defense system. Our trust and faith in God is absolutely essential if we are to become the nation that God wants us to be and intends for us to be – a light for the nations

Rachel is weeping for her children

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“A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more”. (Jeremiah 31:15).

Two and a half weeks ago, on a Thursday night, three teenage boys were kidnapped by Hamas. The boys were on their way home from school, late at night. But they never made it. The boys – Gilad Shaar, 16, Naftli Frenkle, 16, and Eyal Yifrach, 19.

The whole country has been praying and hoping for the safe return of the boys, and many international efforts have been put by their families, calling to “bring back our boys”. The parents have gone to the UN Human Rights council trying to raise awareness and help, the army has literally been turning every stone and checking every hole to find them. Every passing day, news was given of the progress in searching them and of the nation being united with the families. Hope was mingled with reality, knowing the chances of finding them alive, was very slim. Yet, we prayed. No claim for the kidnapping was made and the three have just disappeared. Until just now.

Around 5:30 p.m. Israel time, army units found the bodies of the 3 kidnapped teens.

It is hard for me to hold back my tears. Three innocent boys who just wanted to get home from school, to their mothers hug and the rest of their family, are no more. One of them is the only son in his family. Why? Why kill them? I have no answer other than that the kidnappers were full of hate. As news came of the kidnapping at first, arabs in Gaza and the villages nearby were sharing candy and celebrating and calling for more kidnappings of Jews. I don’t talk about politics in my blog, but this isn’t politics. It’s the reality of where I live. The issue here is deeper than the shallow talks on the news and even between governments, about who’s land this is. It is God’s land, given to the nation of Israel. The issue is spiritual and we as believers need to remember that.

As soon as I heard of the kidnapping, the first thing I thought of was “A voice is heard in Ramah”. A sign with the same saying was hung at the bus stop the boys were kidnapped from, after the kidnapping. I cannot begin to imagine how the three mothers feel tonight as they received the news of their sons. All I can do, is pray that God comfort them, their family and friends. And I ask you who read this, to do the same.

© Hannah Kramer

No greater love

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“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13)

What an incredible sight it would have been if we were able to see The Lord Yeshua immediately after His transfiguration on the mount.

Think about it. He became whiter than snow, radiating the glory of God, majestic and full of splendor, as a king should look. If others had seen him like that, they probably would have rushed to crown him on the spot as king. After all, people were expecting a king to come and save them, a man who would deliver them from the Roman oppression, just as they sought a king to rescue them during the time of the prophet Samuel. Surely, the Lord Yeshua as he appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration fit the bill for majesty. He chose to reveal Himself at that time only to three of his disciples and to two more men – Elijah and Moses. But, it wasn’t a time to talk about the rule and the reign of the King. The Lord’s discussion with Elijah and Moses focused on His coming death. So often, we want the joy without the sacrifice that enabled it.

But still, it would have been such a sight to see Him in His glory. Even Matthew had a difficult time explaining His radiance and said “His face shone like the sun and His garments became as white as light” (Matt. 17:2). What a privilege it was for Peter, James and John. Yet, The Lord Yeshua chose toforego for a season His heavenly glory to take on the form of His creation and become as a sin offering for us. If he had chosen to end his ministry on earth right then and there, we would have remained dead in our trespasses and sins, with no eternal hope, no certainly of salvation and no intimacy with God, forever.

Such an act, of putting aside His honor and becoming despised, of putting aside His glory as Creator to take on Himself the form and penalty of the sinful creation, all turn enemyship into friendship, a friendship that caused Him to lay down His life for us.

The Lord Yeshua made the blind see, the deaf hear, the mute speak. His sacrifice on the torture rack of the cross enabled people to become free from slavery to sin. By His stripes we were healed, by His death, we were made alive, when He rose from the dead, we were raised with Him and were seated together with Him in the heavenly places. While He was in His glory, we would have wanted Him to be King over us. Yet, when He was willing to suffer for our sakes as a man, when the crowd was given a chance to free Him, they shouted – “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” They recognized no king except Caesar. Their excuse: “We will not have this man to rule over us.” I tried to imagine the crowd shouting. After everything that He had done up to that point, they chose to reject Him and send Him to the cross. He could have exercised all of His prerogatives of Lordship, but instead, He forgave everyone who called for His death and He went to the cross to die for them … and us.

What could have prompted such a willingness to die for those who hated Him, mocked Him and called for His death? Only His amazing love for the Father and for us. His love was so great that  while people mocked and laughed and challenged Him to come down from the cross, He asked God to forgive them.

The Lord Yeshua’s whiter-than-snow garments were replaced by blood-stained garments, so that you and I will have a way made clean to approach God, personally and intimately. He has clothed us with garments of salvation. How amazing is that?

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is also the Lord of Love, Who has chosen to love me and you despite our actions, despite all we have done and said and even thought. He lifted us from the miry clay, caused us to stand on solid ground, took our filthy garments and replaced them with garments of righteousness.

While reading a biography of Spurgeon, one quote, in particular, stood out and caused me to shudder as I read it. Here is a part of it:

“There was a day, when I was walking, it came to mind, forever engraved upon my memory, where I saw this Friend, my best, my only Friend, murdered. I stooped down in shock, and looked at Him. I saw that His hands had been pierced with rough iron nails, and His feet had been rent in the same way. There was misery in His dead countenance so terrible that I scarcely dared to look upon it. His body was emaciated with hunger, His back was red with bloody scourges, and His brow had a circle of wounds clearly made by thorns… I said within myself, “Where can these traitors live? Who are these that could have smitten such a One as this?… Oh! What jealousy, what revenge I felt! If I might but find these murderers, what would I not do with them!… At last I put my hand upon my breast. ‘I have you now,’ said I, for lo! He was in my own heart; the murderer was hiding within my own bosom, dwelling in the recesses of my inmost soul. Ah! Then I wept indeed, that I, in the very presence of my murdered Master, should be harbouring the murderer; and I felt myself most guilty while I bowed over His corpse”. (Spurgeon C., “Heroes of the Faith” 1997).

The Lord Yeshua was willing to die for us. Are we willing to live for Him? He loves us more than anything. Do we love him more than anything?

He is my king, my “Prince Charming”, who swept me off my feet and lifted me up all the way to heaven, to sit alongside Him. Another human love may follow, but my first and most precious love will always be for my Savior.

 

Dare to be a Gaius

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“It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it” (3 John 3)

Last week I returned from a visit to a country that is almost half way across the world from here. My friend was getting married and I went there to celebrate with her.

It was a beautiful time, filled with fun and sweet fellowship. I enjoyed spending time with my friends, whom I hadn’t seen in a long time, talking and going out for coffee. The wedding was beautiful. It was a special time

As I prepared to leave, saying “good-bye” was harder than ever. I felt like I was leaving my family behind. When I think about my time there and the way I was welcomed, I thought of Gaius.

The name Gaius was a popular name at the time the letter was written, so it is not easy to say exactly who Gaius was. All that is known for certain is that he was an Elder in a congregation and that the Apostle John loved him. We also know of his character. John addresses the third epistle to Gaius and testifies to his character as well as to Demetrius’ character from what he heard from others.

John wrote that Gaius was faithful to the truth and that he walked in truth. He was faithful to brothers and sisters in the Lord, even to total strangers! John encouraged him to send these brethren on their way in a way that honors God and to show them hospitality.

Gaius was able to walk in the truth, because he was first faithful to it. But. first and foremost, he was faithful to God and to his commands. This, in turn, enabled him to be faithful to others. His actions truly spoke louder than words! He had no need to testify for himself, because others did it for him. Those who came to his congregation, friends, acquaintances and even total strangers  were welcomed in the same manner. He showed hospitality and demonstrated The Lord Yeshua’s love for all. We are reminded of the correct order of things from the believers in Macedonia. “And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us” (2 Corinthians 8:5). To the Lord first and then to the brethren. This is foundational and a good principal to apply in our lives. We can serve others, because we have bowed the knees in prayer before the Lord.

I’m sure that we’ve all been to meetings or events where everyone, except us, knew everyone else. We felt awkward and out of place. Have you ever visited a different congregation, where you didn’t know many people? How about a youth group where you are the “new person”, or you were just there for a short while and you probably wouldn’t see those people again? I have. And I’ve seen others in that position as well. Sadly, I’ve seen newcomers sit alone and hardly communicate with anyone, even in a large group. The tendency of most people, myself included, is to greet and socialize with those we know and feel comfortable with. It’s not easy leaving our comfort zone. But Gaius did. He welcomed total strangers, because he saw them as members of his family in God. He “made the effort” to make the brethren feel at home and related to them with brotherly love and kindness. In short, he extended himself to others.

Do we welcome the brethren? Would we welcome a total stranger into our homes and give him/her a place to stay for a while? “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). Hospitality is a gift we all can cultivate. It takes a willingness on our side.

In addition to hosting others, we can help others by going an extra mile – delivering food to a family that is sick or needy, driving someone who has no means of transportation to get somewhere, helping someone to move, helping to clean, and the list goes on and on. Going the extra mile is something I am still learning to do. It is a way of showing love for our “neighbour”. Not helping when we can is simply being “self”-ish, which does not reflect Christ’s love. There is, indeed, much that we can learn from Gaius.

But, John emphasises the godliness of his character by comparing it to the character of Diotrephes, who was the complete opposite, who received no one and put people out of the church.

Am I a Gaius? Are you? I truly desire to be. I want to be one whose faithfulness and love reflects the character of God. I want to reach out and greet those who sit alone, aside from the crowd, or in the middle of a crowd. I want to share the Lord Yeshua’s love, so that others would glorify God glory because of his work in me.

The people I stayed with during my trip reminded me of Gaius. They acted out what they said they believed. They showered me with love and warmth and made me feel as part of their home and family.

Lest we get the wrong impression, Gaius was not perfect. None of us are. But we all strive to be like The Lord Yeshua, the perfect One, who is the best example of all. He left his comfort zone, to make complete strangers, even His enemies, his own.

Will we dare to be a Gaius?

© Hannah Kramer