Here's my list:
- They lived over a thousand years apart,
- Both were pioneers in their worlds,
- Both were extraordinarily faithful.
- Paul was a city boy (from Tarsus in modern Turkey, and a Roman citizen,)
- Abraham was a countryman, who left his city roots in Ur far behind.
- Paul made tents, Abraham lived in them.
- Paul was a scholar ("Your learning has driven you mad," said one Roman official,)
- Abraham was a successful farmer.
- Paul experienced some very violent treatment from strangers,
- Abraham was generally well respected by others.
- Paul was single,
- Abraham had many children by several different wives.
- Abraham was called "the friend of God,"
- Paul is called the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Which one would you choose to spend time with?
I would prefer to spend tme with Paul. While I think he was born after Jesus was crucified, he did get to know Apostles. After his conversion, he was steadfast in his beliefs, he contiinued to study, grow in his faith, and dedicated his life to teaching others about Jesus. (Melanie)
ReplyDeleteMy life has lots of animals in it now. That part of Abraham's I can relate to. I do look forward to continuing reading what Paul wrote. He will help me have relationship with Jesus. To make what I believe, what I do, how I live to be full of love. I can be a light. Jennifer Peavey
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
DeleteSometimes I think we all forget that we can all be a light. Thank you for the reminder!
Melanie
In my years of reading and rereading the Bible I have come to see it as a great tapestry telling two stories. The first story is that of God's great love affair with humanity. The second is that of a particular (peculiar) people of faith in God. The stories can be seen as two individual but intertwined threads throughout the whole picture. It is the most complex, dramatic but beautiful love story ever written. I wonder if anyone else sees it that way!
ReplyDeleteSurely those two special threads would be of the purist gold!
DeleteYes the Bible is a wonderful love Story because of course God is love and his love for us is much greater than we can comprehend. Also I like that it has so many other stories/themes which can be traced through the Bible such as God's unfolding plan of salvation for us, the kingdom of God, Jesus, Gods ongoing revealing of himself to humankind etc. There are so many sub-plots as well which all interweave in with the big story.
DeleteThat's how I've always seen Him, as the Great master weaver, the LORD, YHWH, our redeemer, Praise His name!
ReplyDeleteIt has been easy for me to be stuck in the pictures: manger, dove coming down, cross. God giving His Son to die for our sin. But reading all Jesus words in the middle makes me see Him better as a person. That too was a gift. To show us personal life with His Father. So there is no space between now and heaven. New words made me laugh. He was speaking of Scribes and Pharisees. Matt23:24 You blind guides! Straining out gnats and swallowing camel! Jennifer Peavey
ReplyDelete