Psalm 148:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.

Again and again, especially in Psalms, the Bible stresses the fact that God made everything. Differences in languages bring about different nuances in translations. Once again I wish I knew Hebrew, because English just has “made” and “created,” whereas Japanese has three different words, one meaning to bring into being from nothing, as in the creation of the universe, and two that apply to rearranging things into something else, with the distinction between them being the size/complexity of the task. Here, the Japanese uses the stronger of the latter two words, while the NIV says “created.” There are also some differences in the first part of the verse that come about from the vagaries of English. For example, “make” also means “force,” or “compel,” and “let” means essentially “allow.” However, here “let” is much closer to “compel,” and that’s the way the Japanese renders it, saying, “cause them to praise.” Translation is an art and a skill, rather more than it is a science! That’s why every time we read the Bible we need the help of the Holy Spirit so that we may grasp and understand it the way He wrote it. People who are adamant for one translation or another of the Bible are setting up walls that really don’t exist, not only between themselves and others but also between themselves and God.

This is, of course, the story of my life, since I am an American by heritage, born and ministering in Japan. I am stronger in English than in Japanese, because all of my schooling was in English, but Japanese is completely natural and comfortable for me. However, I am convinced of the validity of the study that was done in Southern California with English/Spanish bilinguals that showed they expressed different personalities depending on the language they were using. I do a great deal of interpreting, since I preach bilingually, interpreting for myself, and I feel that helps a lot in integrating the English and Japanese parts of my personality. I know quite a few bilinguals who don’t interpret much, and indeed have considerable difficulty interpreting. Some of them have such a sharp divide that they feel almost schizophrenic. That applies particularly when the languages in question are as different as English and Japanese. I was talking with one such person just last week, and she is having a hard time of it. I am to be available as a comfort, support, and resource person for such people when I encounter them, because often they know no one else in their same situation, and they sometimes think they really are crazy. I am to help them understand that this too is a gift from God that can be a real blessing if they will accept it, giving them a depth of insight that is not available to the monolingual.

Father, I have felt unique and a misfit much of my life, but You have revealed that I am accepted in Christ. (Romans 15:7) That is an incredible treasure! Help me help others understand that their acceptance doesn’t depend on what they do, how they talk, or how they look, but on Your unconditional love. May I demonstrate that love to them myself, so that they may understand that it exists and so open their hearts to You, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!