March 19, 2022
Okay, okay. So when I’m listening to a sermon, I expect that the speaker would have done their research, sought guidance from Yahweh, the whole shebang. There have been times I’ve pulled to the side of the road to check the definition of something given and had my mouth drop open because the definition was true.
However, if the definition given is not true and especially if it’s a foundational aspect of the sermon, I don’t continue. If your foundation is off then everything is off for me. But I love when speakers present something that truly makes me stop, it could be small or major, but it just ends up changing my perspective. And honestly now that’s why I end up seeking out the original translations so much now, because the term “lost in translation” truly applies (also lost in context – because the context of a situation is also important to knowing the meaning).
Growing up – Jesus the Carpenter, we’ve all heard that. But the realisation that the original word “tekton” actually translates to a craftsman, an artisan (but most likely one who uses wood). Now this to me paints a different picture of Jesus in my mind.
SIDENOTE – He could have been a craft man of stone also.
In my mind, I pictured Jesus doing his work diligently to make necessary pieces for a home or business or whatever. But when I think of a craft man or an artisan, I picture someone who creates something of beauty. Someone who went the extra mile. Yes it would serve a purpose, but it would be created with a lot of thought behind its look: what piece to use here, where it’s supposed to go when finished. And it’s often an expression of the person who made it.
And it also reminds me of the potter who takes care in everything created. And it makes me truly see that much of how we see Yahweh is coloured by our personal interpretations and while they may be right they also may not be a true reflection of who Yahweh actually is.
Yahweh, more of who you truly are. Any blinders, assumptions that would hinder my view of you, I pray that they would be peeled away. Each day Yahweh, I want to be closer to you. Thank you for the realisation that I need to see you, not as a fake interpretation, but who you truly are. Your spirit of discernment to know and understand what is of you and what isn’t. Thank you Yahweh.
