The Yehudim

The Yehudim…

Did you ever wonder, Grandfather asked, what the word Jew means or where it comes from? In Hebrew, the word for the Jewish people is the Yehundim. It comes from the Hebrew word for praise, thanksgiving and worship. A Jew is one whose identity is based on praising God, giving thanks and worshiping the Almighty. A Jew is one whose very existence is a praise and witness to the existence of God.

It’s strange that a name linked to praise should become a word of vilification, that a word linked to worship should be used as a profanity and a word linked to thanksgiving could be used for cursing. It seems disconcerting to me I replied.

Yes, it’s a strange world, replied Grandfather, where those born to praise and give thanks should be so hated, cursed and warred against. What was it that was written over Jesus’s head when He died?

King of the Jews, I replied.

King of the Yehudim, Grandfather said. His life was the epitome of the word Jew. His life itself was a praise to God. Everything He did was to bless, to worship, to glorify God.

And the world crucified Him whose life was a praise to God.

A strange world, Grandfather said again, and yet even in the crucifixion, He didn’t stop being the King of the Jews, the epitome of the Yehudim. Even the act of dying was an act of praise, a gloifying of God. He never succumbed to the evil…but overcame the evil with good. He blessed those who cursed Him and even gave His life to save them.

And those who follow Him, I said, those who are His, must do likewise.

Yes. Never be overcome by evil or let it stop you from blessing or giving praise. In all things give thanks. At all times, give praise. Bless in the face of cursing. Make your life a vessel of praise. For if He who is King of the Yehudim is your King, then you also be of the Yehudim

Meaning Jewish?

Meaning one whose very existence …is now a praise to God!

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives m strength. Philippians 4:11-13

Today, praise God, give thanks and bless. No matter what the circumstance, no matter what goes on around you or against you, praise God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed