Devotional – 0 Introduction / Prelude – ‘the Converted Rabbi’
The following short stories in this series of DEVOTIONALS are intended to take a fictional story and mix it with scripture. I thought about some of the parables in the bible; those each had an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Then I thought about the word allegory; a story with the narrative used to convey a truth. Something to keep the interest of the reader and still sharing a little scripture.
Scripture is the inspired Word that God has given man so we have a base to follow as a daily pattern, in hopes of pleasing our creator. There is a challenge to this statement in that God is HOLY and sinless. Our standard is CHRIST not our Neighbor, or our Preacher, or the President. It is like if I compare myself to Hitler; I’m not so bad but I still fall short of the goal.
Peter, the Apostle, tells that the Word written by the different authors, were each filled with the Spirit of God; thus they were chosen to pen the Word that was given to them. God is therefore the author of the scriptures. 2 Peter 1:20-21 and also over in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
So in the words of my Pastor; ’Scripture says what it means and it means what it says’. But make sure you take it in the context it was intended to mean.
Using one of my study bibles, the NASB Version, there are cross references to many of the verses used in the story, which helps me interpret the intended meaning.
The character names have no connection to the stories; just names I pulled out of my character list. Those who attended high school with me will recognize a few.
Yosef, the Chaplin, is the first character. It is the Jewish spelling for Joseph from way back in the day. Joseph was the earthly dad of Jesus, as he grew up in Nazareth. This fella’, Yosef, in the devotionals was a young Rabbi, converted to a messianic Christian.
FYI, there is no copyright on this so you can share it with a friend. This story has fifty-two completed devotionals written in sequence. Let’s get started.
FYI – I am both writer and editor so if grammar is wrong, it was me.. DG
2 Peter 1:20-21, But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. [The words in scripture are inspired from the Spirit of God; it’s what this verse tells us who read it. Why is it that preachers or theologians read the same bible and come up with so many different views? When a person is born again or SAVED; doesn’t the Holy Spirit dwell within that person?]
2 Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Romans 11:13, But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, [the Apostle Paul writing to the Gentiles in Rome who are now believers of Christ.]
Index
1 – The Converted Rabbi joins the Army
2 – The Chaplin speaks to Soldiers
3 – One Soldier Trust
4 – The Chaplin teaches on Salvation
5 – Who has the Gift’
6 – The Battle rages for the Soldiers
7 – The Chaplin meets Valentine
8 – Letters for the Soldiers
9 – The Chaplin receives new Orders
10 – Yosef makes a Discovery
11 – The Rabbi’s Sister
12 – The Rabbi’s Sister on Mission
13 – The Rabbi’s Sister walks with Valentine
14 – The Rabbi’s Sister watches a Gypsy Wedding
15 – Rebekah visits a site
16 – Valentine receives a Letter
17 – Does the Rabbi’s Sister become a Bride’
18 – The Sergeant goes Home
19 – The Sergeants Farm
20 – Planning a trip out East
21 – The Rabbi visits Valentines Farm
22 – Yosef leads the Youth Rally
23 – What is Love’
24 – An answered Prayer
25 – The Sergeants visit to Brooklyn
26 – An afternoon in Brooklyn
27 – Reuben visits Brooklyn
28 – Back at the Sergeant’s Farm
29 – Yosef returns to Israel
30 – Rebekah talks with Reuben
31 – Yosef becomes a Chaplin in Israel
32 – Rebekah teaches a lesson
33 – Yosef a Chaplin in Israel’
34 – At Valentines Farm
35 – Yosef camps in Israel
36 – Reuben back at work
37 – Rebekah listens to Grandpa *
38 – Rebekah teaches her Testimony
39 – The Youth Pastor is questioned’
40 – Mar’yam Shuster moves to Brooklyn
41 – Who is God, asked Yosef’
42 – Pastor Caleb Preaches
43 – Valentine visits a Friend
44 – Reuben makes a Choice
45 – Mar’yam meets Rex
46 – The Youth meet in Valentines Barn
47 – Yosef teaches a Lesson on Fruit
48 – Rebekah discovers a new Friend
49 – Reuben flips the Coin
50 – Yosef teaches on the Obsolete’
51 – The unexpected happens’
52 – The Funeral
*
Characters of Interest
Yosef A young Jewish Rabbi who becomes a Christian and Joins the Army as a Chaplin
Major Cox Commander of company 538; the soldiers who are assigned to a war zone
Jeff A Christian who Yosef met in a coffee shop; he explained Atonement to the Jewish Rabbi
Capt. Holt Platoon Commander; one of four in Major Cox’s Company
Graham A soldier in Capt. Holts platoon
Beaman A soldier in Capt. Holts platoon
Gilbert A soldier in Capt. Holts platoon
Young A soldier in Capt. Holts platoon
Valentine A soldier; a young widow; his first name is Jaye
Rachel Valentines wife [Rach] who died after less than a year of marriage
Mar’yam Rach’s mother; who is Jewish; she has never been married
Rebekah Yosef’s twin sister; who is a missionary in Israel
Grandpa Yosef’s Jewish grandpa [Jesse] from Brooklyn
Ruthie Jesse’s sister
Leah A young Jewish lady living in Tel Aviv
Grandpa Valentines grandpa; farmer from Uniontown; dad to Valentine’s mom
Reuben Older brother to Yosef & Rebekah; a scientist
Jenny A fellow scientist; a friend of Reuben’s
Pastor Valentine’s dad; son-in-law to grandpa
Caleb A youth pastor in Pastor Valentines church
Kathleen A teen in Rebekah’s youth group [other youth-Susie, John, etc..]
Ben Levi Mar’yam’s guardian or sponsor for years; businessman in Brooklyn
Rex Ben’s son
Oley Valentines high school friend
Sophia Oley’s older sister
DG