Superbowl Sunday is almost upon us!! For many it’s more about the commercials than the game. Yet there will be many passionate to see if they catch a glimpse of Taylor Swift this year. Passion is an interesting concept. I say concept because I think too many people do not know exactly what passion really is. They express enthusiasm, stating their love for pizza or brats, or as we see with the Superbowl, their allegiance to their favorite superstar… or sports team. But is this real passion? Of course there are the romantic notions of love expressed, but is much of this real passion?
The English word for passion comes from the Latin word patere, which means to suffer. The Hebrew word for passion is נָ֫פֶשׁ (nephesh) which has to do with our very being, our souls. Thus passion is more than mere superficial enthusiasm; it’s something much deeper.
True passion demands
intense emotional and personal suffering
in regards to something longed for!
I think of Rav Shaul, (the Apostle Paul), and his statement “…my sorrow is great and the anguish in my heart unending. For I would pray that I myself were cursed, banished from Messiah for the sake of my people… who are Israelites.” (Romans 9:2-4 TLV)
That’s true passion! That’s my passion! This is what drives me to get up early and work late. I want to see my Jewish people come to know who Messiah Yeshua really is!
What are you passionate about?
Forward
for Messiah,
Kirk
Gliebe
Rabbi &
Director
