“Were not our hearts burning within us as he walked and talked                                     with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” – Luke24:32

How many lives have been greatly changed because another person took interest and came along side to guide, support, and walk for a time along the journey? I imagine the answer is an unimaginable number down through the ages.

My daughter and son are now grown adults. When they were younger I took them to Israel, twice separately. During one trip with my son, we found ourselves in a little tourist shop in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem. While browsing through all the tourist memorabilia, my eye caught an item that was not for sale, but just being used as a divider between a stock of post-cards. It is a piece of wood 1/4 inch thick, and 5 and 1/2 by 8 inches wide. But it is more than just a piece of wood. It is a very lovely ink sketch of an older rabbi with his arm around a young man. Perhaps it is a picture of a father and son. For me it spoke volumes of what my daily walk with my son and daughter could be. It captured the purpose of being in Israel together.

I remain quite fond of this ink on wood sketch. It captures the idea of one person coming along side, guiding, supporting, and encouraging another. I see it often and am reminded of its meaning. This simple ink sketch speaks to head and heart. It reflects the importance of presence. It is the rabbi and the student together exploring new vistas and passing on wisdom, knowledge, and virtue. It reminds me of Jesus the Rabbi and more:  Jesus who comes alongside and whose Great Commission to his disciples is my commission too.

                               “Go … make disciples …  teaching them to observe all that I’ve                                            commanded; and lo I am with you always,” right by your side!                           Matthew 28:19 & 20:

We have the daily privilege of coming along side others, making room for others, inviting them to walk with us for part of the journey, a journey of intimacy in holiness with God!  What a blessing! All glory to God!

                                  “And he walks with me and he talks with me . . .”