RESPONSES – by Raphael ben Levi
“If the wicked hates you, understand that it hated me first.” I Jn 15:18
Don’t be surprised when you’re confronted with evil from varieties of ungodly forces in this world. Rather be alarmed should it originate from within the ranks of those claiming to be believers.
But, also remember that one’s manner of response is critical. It’s so easy to react out of woundedness; out of offence instead of godly humility; from pride or prejudice instead of compassion and tenderness; from our own weakness instead of His strength; from double-mindedness instead of integrity; falsehood instead of transparency.
In all of this, the most profound response we can ever make is when it’s embraced in God’s love; that takes immense sacrificial strength and courage, but it is our victory in every battle – something our enemies have no answer for.
I believe we are living in times where the gauntlet has been thrown down and a decision has to be made where we choose to draw our line in the sand; those who are not for Him are against Him – there is no middle ground. I am reminded of a true story which reflects these things and serves as an example for usl.
Gedalia Moshe Goldman and Chaim Shaul Bruk were serving time together in a Soviet prison camp. Their ‘heinous’ crime? Observing and spreading Judaism under the Communist regime. One Shabbat, the sadistic commandant of the camp summoned Gedalia Moshe into his office.
“I have here the papers for your release,” he said as he waved some papers in the air, “and if you sign them now you will be a free man.” “It is Shabbat,’ replied Gedalia Moshe. “I cannot and will not sign on Shabbat.”
The commandant—who, of course, knew that Gedalia Moshe wouldn’t transgress the Shabbat—shouted, “If you don’t sign the papers now you will remain here another eight years!”
“Nevertheless, I will not sign and desecrate the Shabbat.” “Very well,” sneered the commandant. “Don’t sign. You will be in this prison for eight more years, then we’ll see how your God will help you . . . If you don’t sign the papers now you will remain here another eight years!”
“If my God wants to help me, He’ll do it without you. If He wants me to be in this prison eight more years, I will be here eight more years even if you would decide to let me go,” replied Gedaliah Moshe calmly. “It has nothing to do with you.”
The already enraged commandant saw red. He whipped his pistol out of its holster, pointed it at Gedalia Moshe’s heart, and screamed, “Let’s see who will help you now!’” He cocked the gun . . .
At that moment, his daughter walked into the office. She saw her father pointing the gun at Gedalia Moshe and said in a bored voice, “Father, it’s a waste of a bullet.”
Slowly the commandant lowered the gun. ‘Don’t think it was your God that saved you!’ he shouted at Gedalia Moshe who was standing by serenely. “If it hadn’t been for my daughter you would be dead by now!”
He turned to an aide and yelled to him, “Bring in the other Jew troublemaker, Chaim Shaul!” A few moments passed, and Chaim Shaul was standing in the office next to Gedalia Moshe. The commandant made him the same offer as he had to Gedalia Moshe: “Sign these papers and you can go free.” “Of course, I can’t sign the papers,” replied Chaim Shaul, “It’s Shabbat, and I don’t violate the Shabbat.” “You will remain here another eight years.” “I will not write on Shabbat.”
Suddenly Gedalia Moshe said, “Give me the papers. I will sign for him.” The commandant was dumbfounded. “What? You said you wouldn’t write on Shabbat! You’re going to be here for another eight years! Yet, now you’ll sign for him?” “Of course, I wouldn’t sign on Shabbat to gain my freedom,” Gedalia Moshe replied. “However, this is different. I’m strong, and I can withstand the conditions in this prison another eight years. Chaim Shaul is weaker, and he cannot stand this place any longer. It would be dangerous for him to remain here another eight years. Give me the papers and let me sign …”
Both men were freed from prison within the next few days. For, after all, it wasn’t the commandant who was in control.
The key focus of the story was not really about Shabbat but the love demonstrated between friends – like the love of God for each one of us perfectly illustrated through our Messiah.
