In Jesus' day, the clear responsibility of the rabbi was to teach them "how to live a life pleasing to God". "Life" describes it in great detail. "Love" expands upon the prayers Jesus taught us, that we better understand their depth and impact as prayers for the whole world. Further, regarding ourselves, "Love" facilitates Life transformation through our conversations with Adonai (our triune God) and each other as he leads us through each day. That our children know him, our families be strong, and the division & disintegration of our nations be reversed.
But what does it mean to be his disciple? It is probably different than you think because we do not have any word for it in our English language. The Hebrew word translated for us to English is
talmid. The plural is
talmidim. Talmidim are what we in the USA erroneously call "disciples, students and apprentices"
Unlike the words disciple or student or apprentice that suggest a learning and doing process, the word talmid is a Hebrew term that describes a becoming process. Talmidim desire to become just like their rabbi. It is more than the practical application of the knowledge gained. It is more than taking actions based upon our understanding of his teachings. It was not just to know what the rabbi knew, but to be what the rabbi was. A talmid of Rabbi Jesus will have a heart after the Father, be growing to reflect the very character of Jesus and be gaining the mind and attitudes of Christ. Jesus came to live it out as an example for us, his heart after the Father's, doing all his will. He taught and showed us how to pray and how to live a life pleasing to God. There is a cosmic battle going on between God and his Enemies for the lives of every person and nation on earth. Will you pass down the love of God to your children, that they then pass it down to their childrens' children? Will you share the love of God as he places someone in your path today? As we learn to live with hearts after the Father and in the attitudes of the Beatitudes (Jesus' attitudes), this posture and humility will prepare us for fruit of the Spirit language and actions in each and every interaction. That none should perish. By the time that they asked him to teach them how to pray, he had already told them what a talmid will desire and how to be conversationally asking of God. Along the way, Jesus specifically told them (and us) to pray these 4 prayers:
- Luke 18:1-8 Persevere in asking for justice against our adversaries.
- Matthew 5:43-46 Love your enemies - pray for those who persecute you
- Matthew 9:35-38 pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
- Matthew 6:9-14 Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done...
The wisdom that follows does not so much come from me, but from a lifetime of collaborating with God and the many wise counselors he has put in my path. Proverbs 11:14 tells us that where there is no guidance the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory. May it be so for you as you invite Adonai in to grow you through the teaching and training of Jesus, reflection upon the prayers he taught us, and the leading of the Holy Spirit as the Father does his works in us.
