V’ahavta וְאָהַבְתָּ ‘And you shall love’ - Lessons I Learned from Wonder Woman. Hadassah from Jerusalem

V’ahavta  

וְאָהַבְתָּ    ‘And you shall love’ 

Lessons I Learned from Wonder Woman

Hadassah from Jerusalem

This past July we had a lovely young lady who came to serve our family by helping with the GrandWonders. She is a delightful Believer who is finishing her high school education. For two years, she has given up her vacation time to be here in the Land taking care of someone else’s children. 

We appreciate her maturity and willingness to sacrifice. Especially, since it really was hard (and often monotonous) work. In the delight of having a ‘Teen’ in the house, I decided I would take her to see the just released ‘Wonder Woman’ movie. Of course, being a modern teen- she had already seen it BUT we went anyway.

As I watched the movie, I realized that there were lessons for me as a Prayer Warrior for my family, the Jewish people and Israel. I am not going to go into a synopsis of the movie but just share the ‘take-aways’. 

(This message is dedicated to our young warrior friend, Maddie, pictured here with Hadassah.)

Disclaimer: Normally, I do not go to movies so I am not giving the movie a ‘pass’ or my recommendation. Each person must decide for themselves. If you’ve seen the movie, you will know the background. If you have not seen the movie--- the lessons are still just as real.

There is a scene where Wonder Woman and her companions are stopped in their mission and must sit in the trenches, waiting. She is a bit impatient at the delay. She knows their mission and is anxious to get to it.  While there, Wonder Woman talks with a refugee woman who has escaped the battle and shares the devastation on her city. Wonder Woman cannot just sit and ‘do nothing’.  And thus begins her single- handed charge into battle and the lessons I was shown:

1.     Her compassion moved her to battle. She warred on behalf of the wounded and suffering. She couldn’t listen to the suffering and remain impassive. She did what she was trained to do. "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Col 3:12

2.     She came out of the trenches (a safe place) armed with a sword (truth), shield (faith) and a rope (to bind) AND a dogged determination of her goal- breaking thru enemy lines. In this first battle, her shield took all the blows (bullets and missiles) fired by the enemy and she pushed thru and defeated them. Her shield (faith) was her greatest weapon. "Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph 6:13-17

3.     Her courage in battle emboldened the other troops in the trenches to join the battle. To engage the enemy with a purpose. Inspired by her zeal, remembering they also were trained for battle; her companions entered the fray. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Heb 10:24

4.      She was trained extensively for battle PREVIOUS to engaging. She did not engage from a position of weakness. The weapons of her warfare were specific. She knew how to use her weapons skillfully WITH success.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor 10:4,5

5.     She was not distracted. She remained steadfast in her goal- which was to uproot and destroy the enemy.  "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Phil 3:13

6.     Warfare operating in and motivated by love succeeds in stopping the enemy.           "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." 1 Cor 16: 13,14

Remembering that we are at war, whether we engage or not; there is an enemy. BUT the battle belongs to the LORD and He is our Captain and our Champion. AND to Jerusalem-  our soon coming KING!

Nissim & Hadassah

Jerusalem, Israel

Hadassah and Nissim, her accountant husband, live in a settlement just outside Jerusalem with their dog Molly. After making Aliyah (immigrating) from the U.S. with their five children in 1989, they are now semi-retired and open their home to guests and those wishing to make Aliyah. When not busy with their 16 'GrandWonders', they enjoy a quiet life of study, prayer and learning to serve the LORD. 

Hadassah #13 11.22.17

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