"In the same way, let your light shine among others, that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your father in heaven." -Matthew 5:16 NRSV
The theological significance of light has always fascinated me. The above is my confirmation verse and the first passage that crosses my mind when asked which scripture is my favorite. Light has also been significant in the choosing of my Hebrew name Liora which means "bright one" or "shining one" and is derived from the Hebrew word for light. Hence my email address: nightliora, in other words: night light. When attempting to think of a name for this Israel blog I came up with lighterrent, literally wandering light. It seemed appropriate considering my quixotic expectations for this trip.
So, Israel. As a Lutheran I must ask:
What does this mean? I love the etymology of the name Israel. Genesis 32 tells the story of Jacob wrestling a man all night. When the match reaches a stalemate, Jacob asks the man to bless him. Before doing this, the man says, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed." Jacob was not wrestling with a man, but rather an Angel of God. His new name Israel translates to "he that striveth with God." How fascinating! Whenever I question my faith, I think of this story. I wrestle with the idea of God, I wrestle with my human nature and infinite shortcomings, I wrestle with grasping his boundless mercy and love. To question God therefore does not damage my faith, but conversely enriches my understanding of who he is and what his purpose is for me.
Confronting the landscape in which the stories of the Hebrew and Greek Bible were played out will be quite the wrestling match. I fully expect to be rendered speechless on multiple occasions, however this blog will suffice to relay the words that do come to mind.
