GlocalNet

Last night Nikki and I went out with Rabbi Schneider and his wife Rachael.  We had a lot of fun.  There’s a lot I like about him. 

First, he’s Texan - born and bred in Houston now living in Big D.  That impacts his thinking, his personality, and God’s view of him is exalted because of that.  You don’t believe it - read Bob 3:16 “And Lo, God so loved the Texans more than all so that he blessed them not just with eternal life but control over all of eternity and the entire world and the whole human race.” 

Second, he respects my traditions.  We sit down to eat and he says, “don’t you pray over your food.”  Yes, I said.  Have at it Bob.  I prayed a brief simple prayer.  I’m all over the world with different religions, no religion, traditions, etc.  I always thank God for the food but don’t try to make a show about it.  I can’t stand people who pray in public to be seen - it grosses me out. 
I often am eating with non-Christians and praying over my food is always a challenge - it’s something I’ve done.  I’ve learned it’s best not to draw attention to yourself, the point is thanking God, not making a show. 

Third, he isn’t afraid to ask me questions - hard questions.  He asked me point blank - “so you believe the Bible is the Word of God?”  I answered him point blank - “I do.”  “Fair enough” he said.  I love being able to talk to people honestly about what I believe and neither me nor them getting upset.  I can ask him questions as well - nothing has been off limits to him.  I’m grateful for that.  Politeness is always appropriate but political correctness is a huge problem in discussing matters of truth. 

Fourth, he doesn’t just talk - he acts.  He was telling me all he is doing with the young people at the synogogue.  He has different religions come and speak and they do projects together.  He isn’t afraid to take risks.  He’s been to Syria and other places most Jews would go very skidishly - he has courage and wants to engage and see peace. 

Fifth - they’re real people.  Nikki loves Rachael - they talk fast and furious when Jeremy and I go off on theology or something.  It was funny - hearing Racheal talk about things just like pastors wives talk about them!

Sixth - he makes me think.  How I view religious freedom can be very different from a person who is the minority religion.  How we treat people can be insensitive if we aren’t careful - and we don’t even realize it.  He told me how he was on a sports team and very close to all of them, but they had an FCA - and many days after practice the’d all head out and he was never able to go.  I was in FCA - nothing wrong with FCA - but we need to always think about how we make people feel and how we can be inclusive. 

OK, I know some of you evangelicals are kicking me - “Bob, your favorite Rabbi should be Jesus.”  Yeah, I know, but he’s not my rabbi - he’s my Savior!”  So get off my back!!!!!! 

I love you Jeremy and Racheal - you are two cool guys!!!!!