Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
Many of us have had the pleasure of researching the Original Greek Words of the New Testament. Even though the countries around the Mediterranean were now under the control of the Roman Empire, they had once been conquered by Alexander The Great. Alexander did not just add these countries to his empire; he also introduced Greek Culture, Language, and Religion to the areas he conquered. Even in India, the furthest reach of his conquest, we see whispers of Alexander's influence in architecture and philosophy.
This made Greek the common Language of commerce and diplomacy throughout the known Ancient World. Paul could probably speak Aramaic, Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and even some others, as he was a very educated man. In the Book of Acts, we saw him astonish a Roman Soldier when he spoke in Greek, and then he went on to address the crowd in Aramaic. He undoubtedly spoke Greek to the crowd of Mars-Hill Philosophers in Athens, but probably spoke in Hebrew to his mentor Gamaliel. And his Letters, to the Churches in Rome, Greece, and Asia Minor (Turkey) were all in Greek.
Today, our culture celebrates Valentine's Day, which celebrates Romantic Love. This came about because of the legend of St. Valentine sending anonymous gifts to girls who were too poor to have amassed a dowry, and would have been doomed to a lonely life if not for the secret gift. There are other legends about this particular saint, and they have somehow evolved into our present fun holiday. But, "Romantic Love" is not the "Love" that Paul has in mind when he writes his Letters to the Churches.
Unlike our English Language, Greek has at least THREE words for love, and each one has a very distinct meaning.
There is "Romantic Love" (Eros). That is what is celebrated on Valentine's Day. It is a gift from God, but unfortunately is easily corrupted by the adversary. Love, physical attraction, passion, and marriage are wonderful things, but, like any good thing, can be turned into a nightmare when abused.
The next kind of Love is best described as "Brotherly Love" (Phileo). It is the word from which we derive the name "Philadelphia", and is also the root of "Philosophy" (Love of Knowledge) and so on. It is this kind of Love that reaches out to our fellow man, and also depicts the bond of FRIENDSHIP. But we still haven't hit upon the LOVE that Paul speaks about in my chosen Scripture verse (in red) for February.
That LOVE is called "Agape' in Greek. The King James translate this word as "Charity", but it is MUCH more than that. It is a Godly Love that emanates from above, from God Himself.
The perfect "Valentine" has all three. A Marriage that contains them all (Romance, Friendship, and Supernatural Godly Love) is the most AWESOME thing that could EVER happen to a couple.
And, with that, I say, "Happy Valentine's Day!"
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails. ..1 Corinthians 13(NIV)
God Bless America!
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS
