Defiance

We watched a very powerful movie last night called 'Defiance.' It is about 4 Jewish brothers (The Bielski's) living in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe. They escape into the Belarussian forests, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and about 1,000 Jewish non-combatants. It is based on a true story.

There is a scene in the movie, where the people are struggling to survive in the midst of a dreadful winter. The Rabbi, Shamon Haretz, prays this disturbing prayer:

"Merciful God ... We have no more prayers, no more tears; we have run out of blood. Choose another people. We have paid for each of Your commandments; we have covered every stone and field with ashes. Sanctify another land. Choose another people. Teach them the deeds and the prophesies. Grant us but one more blessing: take back the gift of our holiness. Amen."

How many times are our prayers safe and nice? This is not an example of one of those prayers. Jesus' prayers were never 'neat or nice'. His prayers were so tough that in one instance he sweated blood.

Pray as honestly as you need to - God is interested in the cry of our hearts!

Grappling with Grace,
D3LM3