The King's Train

For the past few weeks, a phrase has been rolling around in my mind. I have just sat with it, contemplating what it means to me. The phrase is, "And the train of his robe filled the temple." While I am very familiar with where this comes from and the context in which it is spoken, I didn't know how it related to me personally or why I keep hearing it. So, of course, I did a deep dive.

In ancient times, when a king defeated his foes, the "king's train" involved taking a portion of the vanquished king's robe and attaching it to the victorious king's robe. This served as a symbol of authority and success. The longer the train grew, the more frequent and vital the king's victories were, representing his might and the security of his realm. It embodied majesty, glory, and triumph and served as a visual record of a king's achievements.

We are currently living in a turbulent and frightening world. People hesitate to express their opinions, fear walking in certain areas at night, worry about wearing a red hat, or feel anxious about their ethnicity. Some fear losing their jobs or benefits, while others are apprehensive about standing up for their beliefs. The division is so intense that it is genuinely heartbreaking. Thoughts like "how much more can we endure" or "I don't know if I can handle anything else" are common. Perhaps you, the reader, are feeling this way. Your mind and spirit are so anxious about the future that you try to control everything possible to secure a bright future. There is hope.

I recall the words, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" The train of the King's robe fills the temple. He has triumphed over everything, paving the way for us to endure and ultimately prevail. We don't need to be afraid. We don't need to worry or fret. There is hope! We can be sure of one thing - that he who began this will complete it. The King has overcome, is overcoming, and will continue to overcome. But what about today, right now? How can I find hope when I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel? I can't see how I will pay my bills or how my health will improve.

To live with hope and become an overcomer, we must embrace humility, justice, and mercy. These are the essential requirements for us. Embracing humility means acknowledging our own limitations and valuing others above ourselves. It involves choosing to serve others selflessly and approaching life with gratitude and a willingness to learn from those around us. Acting justly involves making fair and unbiased decisions daily, treating everyone with dignity and integrity. It means doing what is right and fostering equity and harmony within our communities. Loving mercy entails showing kindness and compassion to others, even when it's challenging. It involves forgiving those who have wronged us and assisting those in need, reflecting the mercy we have received.

We don't need to feel compelled to defend ourselves, whether face-to-face or online. The King's robe has filled the temple, and He has already defended you. Engage in necessary conversations with humility, justice, and mercy. Speak truthfully and lovingly, avoiding blame or judgment. Don't provoke conflicts intentionally. This isn't your battle. Lead a life elevated above strife, fear, and division, yet walk humbly, prioritizing others over yourself.

Today is Yom Kippur. It is the highest of Holy Days - a time of fasting and prayer, asking for forgiveness of ourselves and forgiving others. I believe there is no coincidence that this day falls at this time in our history. A perfect day for us to take time to examine our own hearts, attitudes, and agendas. See if there is anything evil in us and ask for forgiveness. A day given to us for the opportunity to change our life, family, city, country, and world. This is my heart's cry today. Will you join me?

Pardon us, our Father, for we have sinned; forgive us, our King, for we have transgressed, because You are Forgiver and Pardoner. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Gracious One, Who pardons abundantly.

Look upon our affliction, and defend our cause, and redeem us speedily for the sake of Your Name; because You are a Mighty Redeemer. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Redeemer of Yisrael.

Heal us, Adonoy, and we will be healed, deliver us, and we will be delivered; for You are our praise. Grant complete healing to all our wounds, because You are the Almighty, King, Who is a faithful and merciful Healer. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Healer of the sick of His people Yisrael.

Bless for us, Adonoy our God, this year and all the varieties of its produce for good; and bestow blessing upon the face of the earth; satisfy us from Your bounty and bless our year like the good years. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Blesser of the years.

Sound the great shofar for our liberty, and raise a banner to gather our exiles and gather us together from the four corners of the earth. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Gatherer of the dispersed of His people Yisrael.

Until Next Time,

DJ