Wishing For Wealth

by Delta Vines

Recently, our household was given a copy of the video "Fiddler on the Roof". It is a fantastic video, showing how the Jewish people in a small town went from peaceful struggling to survive; to being forced to move after persecution from the Russian Cossacks.

The main character, Tevya, impresses me. There are many questions and comments he poses to G-d. And he misquotes the "Good Book" much. Yet, Tevya has a right heart.

In one conversation, another character tells Tevya "Money is the world's curse." Tevya's answer is much like many of us would answer, "May the L-RD smite me with it! And may I never recover!"

But Tevya's motivations in his wish of wealth are not what it may seem. We discover what that motivation is in the song "If I Rich Man". He wants a nice home for his family, education for his children, respect from the community. But most of all, the cry of his heart is to be able to learn to read the Torah, and to spend his days sitting by the gates of the city discussing the scriptures.

More than anything, Tevya wants to be free from physical labor so he may seek the Word of G-d for himself!

This reminded me how Joshua would stand at the door of the Tent of the Tabernacle as Moses went in. Others would stay in their home tents, but not Joshua! He wanted more! This also reminded me of the words of the Psalms, such as chapter 63:1-4

O God, you are my God; I will seek you eagerly. My heart thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a land parched and exhausted, where no water can be found.  I used to contemplate you in the sanctuary, seeing your power and glory; for your grace is better than life. My lips will worship you. Yes, I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

Yet, I don't think Tevya realized how wealthy he already was. Not in gold or jewels, but in something many, even the most learned of scripture, would desire: Tevya had an honest, open relationship with G-d.

He asked G-d questions others would probably not have dare asked. When his requests to G-d did not seem answered as he desired, Tevya still sought G-d out, and saw wisdom & guidance in how G-d answered. Is this not like Job, David, and even Paul? It is a good reminder to remember that more than head knowledge; G-d seeks heart knowledge. He desires relationship with us. He is not impressed with religiosity. He wants us to know Him, intimately! Not from a distance, but entering into His Presence.

How many times have we taken the time to really enter in? In a busy world, it seems impossible.

David made time while tending sheep. Job made time while scraping boils (ugh, what an image that brings!). And Paul made time while under arrest, be it in a prison or in a house.

Let us make time for our Heavenly Father, who seeks us! He promised if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. I'm ready to draw near, and to draw from, His bottomless well of life! Just grab a "bucket" (prayer/scriptures), and join in!

@ Delta Vines 2003