Friday, July 4, 2025
Independence Day in the USA
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Korea
Abraham said to the senior servant of his household,
“Put your hand under my thigh,
and I will make you swear by the LORD,
the God of heaven and the God of earth,
that you will not procure a wife for my son
from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I live,
but that you will go to my own land and to my kindred
to get a wife for my son Isaac.”
Five or so years ago my friend took his new Chinese-student friend to Biaggi’s in Urbana to introduce her to Italian-American cuisine. She was going back to China in six months, but none of her friends had ventured outside their small university world. Her eyes sparkled as she accepted his invitation.
One day toward evening Isaac went out . . . in the field,
and as he looked around, he noticed that camels were approaching.
Rebekah, too, was looking about, and when she saw Isaac,
she alighted from her camel and asked the servant,
“Who is the man out there, walking through the fields toward us?”
“That is my master,” replied the servant.
Then she covered herself with her veil.
Since then they’ve been married, and a wonderful part of their marriage is an ongoing mutual conversation about knowing God and keeping his commandments. Unlike many American couples, this Korean man and Chinese woman rarely settle for easy answers. They help each other avoid unnecessary judgment, especially judgment of other Christians. In this way they learn how to listen to each other, and thus to their friends, neighbors and countrymen.
I don’t suppose either of their mothers sent them to America to find a spouse. But when that happened, the moms have trouble letting go and learning to love their kids from a distance, and without condition. Their maternal responsibility to guide and protect has changed, but knowing and accepting that evolution is not easy.
Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
Go and learn the meaning of the words,
I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.
One of their moms recently passed away, and of course everyone is getting older. I think of my sister, whose daughter lives thousands of miles away. Can you imagine saying goodbye to your child, praying for them every day, learning the ancient art of letting go at just the right times? I don’t know many better ways to be humbled.
In his love for Rebekah,
Isaac found solace
after the death of his mother Sarah.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
My friends have been very successful in their careers. But their humility precedes them. Their commitment to honesty and growth grows in the midst of the problems they encounter, and they know how not just to pray for each other, but with each other. They are no longer strangers in a strange land, because they encourage each other to look for God’s direction as they follow the map they are given together.
Clouds come and clouds go, and the sun rises every morning. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away – blessed be the name of the Lord. Knowing this moves us toward each other, not apart. Conflicts lead to resolution, when we appreciate that time is God’s gift to accompany us during our brief moments here. When I remember this, I see friends everywhere. Hillary said it takes a village, and most every day I see how true that is.
Visit me with your saving help,
That I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,
rejoice in the joy of your people,
and glory with your inheritance.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
(Genesis 23, Psalm 106, Matthew 11, Matthew 9)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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