Clouds in the day, and fire at night

I taught a lesson a couple weeks ago, and then was blessed to hear a similar sermon this last Sunday from a friend, about the authority of Jesus.

Matt 7:28-29
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

The ideas that I had were echoed by my friend's sermon (which is encouraging because he is a veteran in the pulpit. Yes Ike, I called you old!). Jesus, and to a great extent the 12 apostles and Paul, carried themselves differently than most. They had no fear other than an incomplete mission. I believe the reason for this was deep adoption of identity in Yahweh. These men understood that they were who Yahweh says they are, no more, and most important in our society - no less. Authority was born from this awareness.

I have been studying some Jewish theology lately in order to better understand my Rabbi. This idea of identity in Yahweh holds deep Jewish roots. Israel found their identity in Yahweh on a regular basis. It is largely thought that Israel's identity was found in their obedience to Torah. This is only slightly true. The Jewish thought is that obedience to Torah is required, yet no one was capable of obeying completely. Identity was found in Yahweh's deliverance, which is not a far thought from the Christian idea of identity in Yahweh's grace and mercy through Jesus Christ.

As I dive deeper into Jewish thoughts and ideas, I find that our beliefs are not that far apart. We seem to be following the same pillar of clouds and fire.