A GOOD FRIEND
By Raphael ben Levi
Can you think of a few special friends who made a profound difference in your life? I am reminded of a parable attributed to Rabbi Yisrael of Rizhin (1797-1851). In this story, there were two friends whose souls were intertwined with deep brotherly love. Even though they lived far apart from one another, the love between them never waned. In those days, one of them was falsely accused of a crime, convicted and sentenced to death. The ruler issued a proclamation that everyone in the land must attend this criminal’s execution. When his friend came to the execution, he recognised him and immediately cried out in anguish, “Leave that man alone! I was the person who committed the crime.”
The result was mayhem. The execution was stopped and the matter was brought before the ruler who summoned both men and asked them the truth of the matter. Only one of them could have committed the crime, so why was the other one willing to die in vain? The friend of the condemned man answered: “I know that my friend did not commit any crime. I know his character. He could not possibly have done it. Thus, I must conclude that this is nothing but a miscarriage of justice. My life depends on my friend’s life. It is better that I die and not see his death. In fact, if I have received such punishment as having to see my friend’s death, I must myself be deserving of death.” The other man replied in a similar fashion. When the ruler saw the great love between these two men, he let them both free and requested of them, “You are such great friends I would like you to take me into your circle with that amount of love. I also wish to become that kind of friend to you.”
As I reflect upon this story, I immediately connect with the One who laid down His life for me. But, there is a shifting when I measure this against a willingness to lay down my life for Him; the fellowship of His sufferings. And things become almost unthinkable when I consider the practical implications of it in my relationships with others. Yeshua commanded the impossible: “34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this, all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13) I cannot escape or manoeuvre around the simplicity and directness of His words that hold me fully accountable. Though fully defined, I am painfully aware that only a few ever go beyond dipping their toes in the water and discover that the impossible can be transformed into a reality.
During the month of Elul, we come face-to-face (panim l’panim) with the “King in the Field” whose eyes fix our gaze with infinite tenderness and sternness, for He knows full well the cost of true love and friendship. And at that moment we must choose whether to engage or whether to retreat into the shadows.
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