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An Easter Morning View: A Story

An Easter Morning View: A Story

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“Greetings, you who are blessed.”  The female voice was lovely and soothing, but also insistent. 

Zara shifted amidst her restless sleep.  How does one sleep soundly the night before they are executed?  And especially on a lumpy cot in a smelly prison cell?

The voice spoke again … again in Arabic.  “Listen to me, Zara.  I have something to share with you.”  Zara’s mind engaged, and a lovely woman came into focus.  She was wearing a golden fitted dress with a blue sash that matched her striking blue eyes.  Her hair was long and brilliantly blonde.  She radiated a subtle glow – like sunshine reflecting off a lake.

The lovely woman repeated her first words, “Greetings, you who are blessed.”  She smiled warmly.

Zara realized she wasn’t awake.  Her prison room wasn’t visible.  Only the woman before her.  “Is this a dream?” Zara asked.

“In a manner of speaking,” came the reply.  “Except what you see in this dream is absolutely real.”

What was this?  Who was this?  Though understandably startled, remarkably Zara felt no fear.  “Who are you?” she finally asked.

“I am Auria.  I serve as a messenger for your God and mine.”  Auria smiled again.  “As I said, you are a blessed one.”

Tears welled up in Zara’s eyes.  “I realize I am blessed that I know the Way, the Truth and the Life.  I am so thankful for that … especially in this land where so many do not, and where those who do are hated.”  She shook her head sadly.  “I know I am blessed … even if it is costing me my life.  My earthly life,” she clarified.  More tears flowed.  “But it is not easy.”  Zara dropped her eyes.  When she finally spoke again, it was in a whisper.  “My own family has disowned me.”

Auria moved closer and placed her hand on Zara’s shoulder.  “I know.  Jesus knows too.  All of which is why you are one of the blessed ones.”  Auria kissed Zara’s head and gently stroked her hair. “Come with me.  I have something to show you.”

Zara sensed a subtle movement – a shift of her presence – though there was no sight, sound or feeling of the action.  It was brief, and then she felt herself “settling” again.

Slowly she became aware that she was looking into the darkness of night.  She shifted her focus repeatedly, trying to identify where she was and what she was looking at.  Auria was silent, so Zara was too.  Minute by minute, the darkness was retreating as the first hints of morning were being revealed.  Before her and below her she could just barely discern the features of a rocky hillside.

Then Zara caught sight of movement at the base of the hillside as the darkness receded.  She gasped quietly.  “What was that?” she whispered. 

“The Roman guard,” was Auria’s reply, her voice at normal volume. Zara’s head jerked around to look at her.  Auria smiled.   “Don’t worry.  They can’t hear us, though we can hear them.”  Proof of the fact came as a soldier shifted his stance, and his spear snicked against his armor.

Auria’s initial words set Zara’s mind racing.  Where would they be that they could observe Roman soldiers?  And not modern ones, but clearly ancient ones?  And then it hit Zara like a thunder bolt.  “The Roman guard!” Zara exclaimed, her voice still subdued.  “Are we where I think we are?

“Yes indeed.  We are looking at the outside of Jesus’ tomb.”

Zara was dumbfounded.  Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open.  “How can this be?” she finally asked, incredulously.

Auria put her arm around Zara and laughed warmly.  “Did I not tell you that you were blessed?  And you should know that with the Lord, nothing is impossible.”

The angel continued, but there was now awe in her voice.  “In fact, there are countless others observing this morning with you.  They come from all over the world and all points of history.  But they have two things in common: they believe that Jesus their Savior rose from the dead … and they are experiencing tremendous personal hardship.  Just like you.”

Once again, Zara was stunned.  “How can this be?” she asked again.  But she quickly caught herself, shook her head and said, “I know, I know.” – then, speaking along with Auria, “With the Lord, nothing is impossible.”

Auria nodded in agreement.  “It’s incomprehensible to humans; it’s astounding even to angels. The Lord in his love provides this view to a few who already know the truth, but who could use some spiritual encouragement in times of great trial.”  Auria wrapped an arm around Zara again.  “Like you … and others like you who are also here, unseen.”

Zara’s eyes welled with tears.  “I’m incredibly grateful to be so blessed,” she whispered emotionally.

By this time, enough light filtered onto the scene before them that Zara could see four Roman soldiers standing attentively, spaced out evenly before a rounded piece of rock – the covering over the tomb where Jesus body lay. 

Auria filled the silence.  “Never in the history of the world has so much effort been taken to keep a dead body in place.  A Roman seal banning the movement of an already incredibly heavy rock, and a trained and diligent Roman guard barring anyone from even considering it.  At least, anyone human.”  Her voice took on a humorous lilt.  “But none of it will work.”

“Watch carefully now,” she instructed.  “Things are about to get very interesting!”

Just a moment later, a low rumbling sound began.  The Roman soldiers looked at one another in alarm and began to exclaim excitedly.  Zara didn’t recognize their words but intuitively understood what they were saying.  It was something to the effect of, “Oh no!  Earthquake!  Another earthquake!”

The rumbling intensified, and then actual waves could be seen rolling across the surface of the ground.  Loud booms and cracks could be heard as rocks split in the wrenching action.  The four soldiers were toppled like they had been struck down in battle.

Then came the explosion of glory! 

In an instant, two brilliantly beaming beings dressed in pure white stood over the men.  They appeared as suddenly and unexpectedly as a lightening bolt.  But unlike a bolt, their painfully bright flash didn’t disappear; it remained present, obvious, overwhelming, and incapacitating.  The entire area around the tomb entrance was lit with their glory, and everything was brighter than sunshine at midday.

The petrified guards on the ground covered their heads with their shields and curled into fetal positions … their visible shaking obvious even to Zara; their cries of terror filling the air.

One of the angels strode purposely to the tomb entrance, placed his hand alongside the large stone door, and flicked his wrist.  The massive obstruction careened violently out of its base, along the carved track (uphill!), bounced over the notch for storing the stone before use, and toppled onto the hillside with a loud crash – crushing the worthless Roman seal strapped over it. 

The soldiers cringed as one at the ear-splitting “detonation” of the door-of-rock collapsing onto more rock, and their writhing on the ground ceased.  It was panic overload; they had fainted from fear.

The angels moved into positions on each side of the tomb entrance, and dropped to their knees, their heads bowed; their brilliance now more subdued.  They began singing.  It was a gorgeous, heavenly song … a song of praise, the likes of which had never been heard on earth before. 

And then Jesus stepped into view in the opening!

Zara gasped with unbridled joy.  Her hands covered her mouth, and tears rolled down her cheeks.  He’s alive again!

Jesus paused for a moment there, just on the inside of the tomb.  Then he stooped a bit, crossed through the doorway, and rose to full height again – resplendent in a pure white gown.  At that instant, a beam of sunshine broke free from the clouds and illuminated his face.  He was smiling; his immense joy easily evident.  He had accomplished all he had come to accomplish.  His task was completed; his body alive again.

He raised his view, and his hands, heavenward – the nail marks in his wrists clear to see.  “Father, everything is now fully fulfilled!”  His fingers closed slowly and fiercely into two victorious fists.  (Though he spoke in ancient Aramaic, Zara miraculously understood every single word.)

She was overwhelmed with emotion.  She had never witnessed anything that had moved her so profoundly.  Everything she believed was revealed before her very own eyes!  And everything she was about to sacrifice … was for everything she had properly believed!

Jesus lowered his gaze and his hands a bit.  His fingers opened again as in supplication.  It seemed as if he was looking directly at Zara, (though she knew others were also watching).  Then he spoke again.  “You have a living Savior, therefore you have a living hope … no matter what you are enduring.”

Zara was overcome.  She began sobbing uncontrollably.  How astounding that Jesus would endure so very much to save her!  How astounding he would do all that for her … and also share all this with her!

Just that quickly Jesus was gone. 

The last thing the tearful woman saw was one angel moving over to sit on the collapsed door, while the other leaned against the hillside.  “They will move inside the tomb soon.  Visitors are on the way,” Auria informed her.

The angel wrapped her arm affectionately around Zara once again, and spoke softly, “Blessed are you who have seen.”  She paused.  “And, in Jesus’ words, ‘blessed also are those who have not seen yet still believe.’” (Jn. 20:29)

Auria tightened her embrace and smiled at the future martyr.  ‘“He is risen!’” is a rallying cry for all of God’s people of all time.  For all have their own struggles, and all need to know their Savior is alive.  His resurrection makes all of life’s difficulties easier.  Even the most horrific.”

The angel released Zara and pointed toward the tomb.  “One more thing while we are here,” Auria said.  “Look on the hillside.  What do you see in the morning light?”

“The hillside is carpeted with beautiful red flowers!”

“Yes.  The local people call the flowers Kalanits – also known as red poppies.  It’s springtime here, and they bloom everywhere in this region at this time of year.  The Kalanit is dearly loved here; it signifies life and peace.  Which seems appropriate, does it not?”

“Yes!  It does!” Zara replied exuberantly.  She wiped away the tears from her eyes with her palms, then soaked in the view.  An open and empty tomb … in a hillside covered with Kalanits.  “It’s all so beautiful and wonderful.”  The awe was evident in her voice.

Auria touched Zara’s shoulder softly.  “We must return,” she stated quietly.  Again, all went briefly dark as they repositioned.  Just that quickly, Zara was back on her prison cot – asleep yet aware. 

Auria was still near.  “I must say goodbye now.  But this is a temporary goodbye.  You will see me again tomorrow.  Much more importantly, you will see your resurrected Savior again tomorrow.” 

The angel was somber, but also cheerful.  She continued, “Your name is Zara, which means “Shining” or “Radiance.”  It is a fitting name for you already now.  It will be an even more fitting name for you tomorrow, for you will literally be “Shining” and “Radiant” by Jesus’ side.”

Tears of joy rolled down Zara’s cheeks.  “Thank you for all you have showed me and shared with me,” she said to the angel.  “It helps so much.”

“Thank the Lord.  And it was my pleasure.”  The angel faded from view, but her voice was heard one more time.  “You’ll find a special gift from me when you wake up.”

When the execution escort arrived to get Zara the next morning, they were astounded to see that she was smiling … and that she was holding a lovely Kalanit in her hand.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A few additional comments:

  • In this story, the events at the tomb on Easter morning are pictured a bit differently from an earlier Easter story I wrote and shared on this blog … “I Killed Him. But Not for Long.” The reality is we simply don’t know how it happened.  For example, how did the angels make their appearance to the soldiers?  And did the angels appear first, followed by the earthquake, or vice-versa?  Or were they actually simultaneous?  And how long before the soldiers fainted from fear?  Instantly?  Or did they linger a bit before being overcome?

  • A fascinating question is … did one angel materialize and terrify the guards or two? Similarly, did one angel or two appear to the women in the tomb?  Matthew and Mark speak of one appearing to the guards, and Mark of one speaking to the women in the tomb; Luke states that two were present with the women and spoke to them.  The simple explanation would seem to be that one angel is mentioned by some of the gospel writers because one angel rolled away the stone, and one angel spoke to the women.  Luke’s reference to the plural – “the men said to them” (Lk. 24:5) – simply implies that this was the message that both the angels were sent to share … even if only one spoke it. Another possibility is that the women arrived in two groups at slightly different times – with one group seeing one angel, and another group two.  Again, we can’t know exactly how things transpired. I chose to picture two angels arriving and present at the tomb throughout.

  • Many suggest that Jesus in his resurrected and spiritual body simply exited the tomb through the rock and was already gone when the angels arrived. They surmise that the angel/s rolled away the stone … NOT to let Jesus out, BUT to let others see in. This is certainly possible, and may even have been the case.  (Scripture doesn’t tell us.)   However, I have always loved the picture of Jesus walking out of the tomb opening on Easter morning alive … after being carried into it dead.  So that is how I portrayed it.

  • Kalanit poppies are a real thing, and they really do bloom in spring around Jerusalem. It is very possible … perhaps even likely … that there were some blooming near Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1 Peter 1:3-9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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A Different and Better Kingdom: A Story

A Different and Better Kingdom: A Story

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“We will stop here for a moment,” Jesus stated to his followers.  The numbers traveling with Jesus continued to grow; his miracles and messages making him one of the most revered Rabbis in the land.  A murmur of surprise … with an undertone of concern … arose from the group.  This was not the safest area on the outskirts of Jerusalem. 

The questioning whispers rose in volume and intensity when Jesus gestured to “The Wandering Sheep” gathering house, and announced, “I must go in there.”  The facility was well-known for catering to the less spiritual crowd and their unwholesome fancies.  “Peter, John, James … come with me.”  To the others he said, “Rest a bit; we’ll be back shortly.”

A short distance from the entrance, Jesus paused and turned to the three disciples.  “I want you to simply watch, listen and learn.  No matter what, don’t get involved.”  His voice was firm and he locked eyes with each of them in turn.  “No matter what, don’t get involved,” he repeated.

The three exchanged uneasy glances.  Finally, Peter asked the question on all their minds.  “Teacher, is this safe?”

“No.  Not for most.  But it will be for us,” Jesus replied, then turned to the door.

Even before entering, the din of the clientele inside could be heard.  Boisterous exclamations, boasts, curses, and wine-fueled guffaws filled the air.  It all turned to silence as the four stepped inside the door.  They were greeted with menacing stares and shifting postures from the tables around the room.

“Don’t mind us.  We’ll only be here briefly,” Jesus announced matter-of-factly, and with a strikingly calm voice.  Though eyes remained on them, the newcomers didn’t appear threatening, so conversations gradually resumed.  But in a much more subdued tone.

Jesus led his disciples directly to a table in the corner, the eyes of most still following them suspiciously.  There sat three middle-aged men with wine cups before them, glaring at the newcomers.  The man in the center was tall and handsome with jet-black hair and piercing brown eyes.  Even at first glance, the disciples couldn’t help but notice his confidence and charisma.  And his menace.  The two others with him looked equally threatening.

“Who are you and why are you here,” the man in the center growled.

The Lord answered, “Hello, Jesus Barabbas.  Gestas.  Dismas.”

The leader leaned closer, glowering.  “How do you know our names?”

“I know many, many things, Barabbas,” said the Lord.  “You would be wise to listen to me.”

“And who exactly are you, that I should listen to you?”

The Lord replied, “You are Jesus Barabbas – which means ‘Savior, Son of the Father.’  Ironically, I am also Jesus, Savior, and Son of the Father.  But my Father is not of this world. (Mt. 23:9) Which is why the truly wise truly listen to me.”

At hearing his name, the three rogues started in surprise.  Barabbas scowled.  “I’ve heard of you, Jesus.  Ironic we have the same name, because you seem to preach a different type of salvation than I do.”

“Yes.  It is the Father’s holy irony,“ the Savior replied with a grim smile.  “Our paths are linked, Barabbas.  And in more ways than just our common names.  You can’t fathom it now, but it will be made clear to you in time.”  He paused.  “And you are correct; we preach a different salvation.  Yours is empty; mine is full – though it will seem for a time to be just the opposite.”

“You are speaking in riddles, teacher.”  The word “teacher” was spoken by Barabbas with acute sarcasm.  “I don’t much care for riddles.”

“The wise understand; the foolish do not.  Those who have ears … hear.” (Mk. 4:9)  Jesus glanced meaningfully at Dismas.  Dismas blinked in surprise.

“Are you insulting me … Jesus?”  Again, the derision from Barabbas.  “Because I don’t much care for insults either.”  The man half rose.  “And I don’t tolerate them either.”

“I am not insulting you or anyone, Barabbas.  I am simply stating a fact,” Jesus replied peacefully.

Barabbas slowly settled back into his seat, his gaze still treacherous.  Peter, James and John exhaled audibly. 

Barabbas smiled, but without a shred of kindness or mirth.  “So again I’ll ask: why are you here, Jesus?  Are you spying for the cursed Romans?”  Jesus shook his head.  Barabbas continued, “I’ve heard that you said to ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.’  Is it true that you actually urged God’s enslaved people to gladly pay taxes to the thieving, Roman-backed publicans?”  His voice grew more intense as he spoke.

Jesus didn’t break his gaze.  “I told God’s people to give to God what was owed to God, and to Rome what was owed to Rome.” (Mk. 12:17)

It happened so suddenly that Jesus’ disciples couldn’t have reacted even if they chose.  Barabbas had exploded from his seat, grabbed Jesus’ cloak in one fist, and held a dagger at Jesus’ throat with the other.  “So you admit it, traitor!  Are you here to check out the rumors of Barabbas?  I know they’re out there.”

While Peter, James and John instinctively cowered backward in fear, to their immense astonishment Jesus hadn’t even flinched.  He calmly replied, “No, Barabbas.  I am not here on behalf of the Romans.  I am actually here to speak with you about the kingdom you hope to establish.”

Barabbas glared at Jesus menacingly for a moment, then slowly withdrew his dagger and returned it to its sheath.  He settled back onto his stool.  He spread his hands wide and said, “So talk, teacher.”

The Savior pulled a stool from a nearby table and settled onto it.  He reached for the pitcher of wine on the table and poured some of it into a cup that hadn’t been there a second ago.  The eyes of the other men around the table grew wide.  The Lord took a lingering drink, then set the cup down.  He focused on Barabbas, then spoke.  His voice was calm, but his words carried power.

“Barabbas, we both have a same name, and we share the same goal – to establish a kingdom for God’s people.  But that is where our similarities end.  The kingdoms we hope to establish are radically different.” 

Jesus paused; the other three at the table were listening intently.  He continued, speaking slowly and deliberately.  “You are seeking a kingdom on earth; I am seeking to establish a kingdom in heaven.  You seek a kingdom of freedom and peace for bodies; I am seeking a kingdom of freedom and peace for souls.  You desire an end to the oppression of the State; I will bring an end to the penalty of sin with God.  You long for deliverance from a physical bondage to men; I will bring deliverance from a spiritual bondage to demons.  You are willing to fight for a kingdom of temporary glory; I will fight for a kingdom of eternal glory.”

Jesus folded his hands comfortably on the tabletop and spoke again. “You think that your kingdom will bring joy, but it will be in my kingdom that true and lasting joy will be found.” (Lk. 4:43)

“What is this fanciful kingdom you speak of?” asked the future insurrectionist with derision.

“It is the kingdom of God.  It is why I have come into this world – to testify to the truth and to establish a spiritual kingdom encompassing heaven and earth.” (Jn. 18:36-37)

“It seems to me that you testify to nonsense,” was the reply.

“To many it seems as nonsense,” Jesus said to Barabbas.  Then turning his gaze to Dismas, he added, “But a few recognize it as sense.”  Dismas shifted uncomfortably.  Keeping his focus on him, the Lord continued, “The kingdom of heaven is like discovering a treasure of incalculable value.  Once found, it is worth pursuing, sacrificing, gaining and embracing.” (Mt. 13:44-46) Dismas dropped his gaze to his cup.

Barabbas snorted.  “I think you are mad.  Or delusional.  I’ll tell you what: you show me evidence of this kingdom of yours and maybe I’ll consider it.”

Jesus responded with a small smile, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ … but the kingdom of God is real and it is in your midst.” (Lk. 17:20-21)

The tall man shook his head.  “You’re wasting my time.  I believe our conversation is over.”

“Barabbas, you are not the first to seek an earthly kingdom.  And you will not be the last.  As long as this current world stands, people will desperately seek their own ‘kingdom’ on earth.  Everyone’s kingdom is different, but all seek one.  Only those who find my kingdom will find deliverance.”  Jesus paused again, then leaned closer to the three and said softly, “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and so many other things will be given to you as well.” (Mt. 6:33)

“Be gone, teacher.  I have no interest in your impractical teachings,” the leader replied, waving his hand dismissively. 

Jesus took another sip of wine.  He looked around the table sadly.  “Truly I tell you, what you have planned will not go well.”  Barabbas’ eyes narrowed.  Jesus continued, undeterred.  “But you won’t listen to me.  And your path is necessary.”

The Savior stood.  “Thank you for the wine.  It was refreshing.”  Once more he focused on Dismas, and said lovingly, “Remember me when you come to the end of your kingdom.”  Jesus turned and led his disciples out of “The Wandering Sheep.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

An unexpected and unnatural darkness hung over the execution hill at midday.  It had everyone spooked – Jews and Gentiles, the common people and the religious leaders, civilians and soldiers.  The natural order of things was disrupted; some actually wondered if the end of the world was imminent.  A few were convinced it was.

For the three condemned men hanging horribly and excruciatingly on the crosses, it didn’t much matter.  The end of their worlds was imminent.  (Or at least it was for two of the three.)  People nailed to Roman crosses didn’t get off them alive.

Dismas, Gestas and Jesus were together again.  Two of them didn’t want to be there; they no longer had purpose or hope.  But the one in the center – Jesus – still held both. 

Initially in their pain, frustration and hopelessness, the two rebels both lashed out at Jesus.  “You claimed to have a better kingdom coming!  Well look where it got you!” And, “You warned Barabbas that things wouldn’t go well for him … and here you hang on the very cross intended for him … while he runs free again!” (Mt. 27:44)

Jesus said nothing in reply.

Gradually however, Dismas grew quiet.  The conversation in “The Wandering Sheep” replayed in his mind.  First, some of Jesus’ initial words to Barabbas: “We preach a different salvation.  Yours is empty; mine is full – though it will seem for a time to be just the opposite.”

Also, as the Roman soldier drove the nails through Jesus’ body – even in the midst of his own searing pain, Dismas had heard Jesus shout out in a hoarse and agonized voice, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Lk. 23:34) 

Who says such a thing?  Who shows love and concern (and prays for!) someone as they torture him?  Gestas had demonstrated a much more likely reaction – he had cursed the soldiers with a bitter hatred!  They had laughed at him and spit in his face.

And this eerie, hellish darkness.  It wasn’t a coincidence.  It was creation itself protesting at some great injustice.  It was the Lord putting the world on notice that something wasn’t right.  Or perhaps that this was precisely right?

As he pushed himself back up the spine of the cross to purchase another precious breath, Dismas’ mind wandered back to Jesus’ words.  “I am seeking to establish a kingdom in heaven.  A kingdom of freedom and peace for souls.  An end to the penalty of sin with God; deliverance from a spiritual bondage to demons.  A kingdom of eternal glory.  It will be in my kingdom that true and lasting joy will be found.”

Jesus had seemed so certain; so confident as he spoke those words.  Even now, his torn body was dying, but there was no despair in him.  Was he indeed the King of the Jews?  Was he the Promised One, the Messiah?  Was this exactly what he needed to do to accomplish all that he said his kingdom would encompass? 

Maybe it was?  If so, then everything made sense!

Passers-by were ridiculing Jesus mercilessly.  “Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”  In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself!  He’s the king of Israel!  Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.  He trusts in God.  Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Mt. 27:39-43)

Rather than fueling Dismas’ disdain of Jesus, their taunts only seemed to remind and reaffirm his conclusions about Jesus.  Jesus wasn’t helpless.  He was in complete control; he was operating exactly according to his plan.  This was the path he had to take to establish God’s kingdom!

Meanwhile, Gestas’ abuse continued unabated.  “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

Dismas couldn’t bear it anymore.  The words arose unexpectedly from within him.  He gasped them out in halting fashion as his strength and breath allowed: “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.  But this man has done nothing wrong.” (Lk. 23:39-41)

Tears ran down Dismas’ cheeks.  How foolish he had been!  How sinful!  And how empty that kingdom he had chased now seemed. 

Jesus final words from their earlier conversation played once more in his thoughts, as they had so many times since they were spoken so lovingly … and, it seemed, directly to him!   “Remember me when you come to the end of your kingdom.” 

A sob broke from Dismas’ heart.  Here he was, very definitely at the end of his kingdom.  Again, his next words came unbidden.  “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Lk. 23:42)

Jesus actually turned his head and smiled at Dismas.  In the midst of his agony, Jesus smiled!  Looking deep into his eyes, Jesus said with hoarse voice through parched lips, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Lk. 23:43)

Dismas’ tears flowed freely now, but joyfully.  And he smiled too.  He had finally found his kingdom. 

Just a few hours later, he experienced that kingdom in all its magnificence.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A few words of explanation:

In my research, I was stunned to learn that in some ancient manuscripts of Matthew’s Gospel, Barabbas is referred to as “Jesus Barabbas.”  They are “variants,” of course.  But the inclusion of Jesus to Barabbas’ name would seem to argue that it was known by early scribes that Jesus, (a common name at the time and derived from Joshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation”), was indeed a part of Barabbas’ name.  Certainly, some modern scholars argue that “the counter-intuitive similarity of the two men’s names is evidence of its historicity.”  It would be just like the Lord to intentionally and dramatically contrast Jesus Barabbas and Jesus, the Son of God.  However, since the canonical Bible does not definitively state Barabbas was also a Jesus, I will definitely not insist that he was.  But he might indeed have been.  And the contrast of the kingdoms the two Jesuses sought was too compelling to not borrow the possibility.

As for the other two insurrectionists, early Christian tradition (as well as the apocryphal book of Nicodemus), give them the names of Gestas and Dismas.  Of course, we can’t know, since the Scriptures don’t tell us.  However, it was helpful for the telling of this story to have names for the two men, so I decided to use the names tradition attributes to them.

As for the specific reasons why “Gestas” and “Dismas” were crucified, both Matthew and Mark refer to them as “rebels”(Mt. 27:38, 44 & Mk. 15:27).  Presumably, rebels against Rome.  Which makes perfect sense; men who were crucified by Rome were considered “enemies of the state.”  Of course, we know that Barabbas was an insurrectionist and murderer (Lk. 23:19, 25) – crimes definitely meriting crucifixion in the Roman world.  I have always speculated that the two criminals crucified with Jesus were actually tied to Barabbas, and that Jesus’ cross was indeed intended for Barabbas.  A passage in Mark is intriguing in this regard.  It states, “A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising.” (Mark 15:7).  (“Gestas” & “Dismas?”)  But please note that this premise that the two were part of Barabbas’ plot is merely speculation on my part.  We can’t know.  However, it is at least logical, and perhaps even likely.  And it made for what I felt was a fascinating story.

Both Matthew and Mark record the fact that the two rebels crucified with Jesus also mocked him.  In both accounts this is listed after the insulting words of the spiritual leaders of the day.  This doesn’t mean that those events were necessarily sequential; just that Jesus’ mockers were many … initially including even the two criminals crucified with Jesus.  Based on Luke’s words, however, it’s clear that while the ridicule by the spiritual leaders and the one criminal continued, the other criminal had a change of heart.

We obviously have no record of Jesus meeting with the insurrectionists.  Although it should be noted that it was not unusual for Jesus to specially seek out individuals he knew he needed to converse with.  In fact, we see it throughout the Gospels.  (Zacchaeus in Luke 19, the Samaritan woman in John 4, and a crippled man in John 5, to name just a few.)  In fact, it could be argued that every individual Jesus ministered to was sought out by him.  With the multiple examples provided, we can safely assume that this happened many other times as well that were not recorded.  Therefore, my premise in this story is not too extreme.  “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).  Please note that I am not arguing that Jesus did meet with these men in advance of their crucifixions.  Only that he could have.

Another assumption I am making is that even if Jesus did not speak with Dismas, the rebel did have some prior knowledge of Jesus, his teachings, and the “rumors” about Jesus.  By the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, he was one of the most famous individuals in the land.  Even Jesus’ enemies below the cross taunted him with the truths that Jesus had expressed about himself.  Perhaps Dismas had even heard Jesus preach somewhere along the line?  Therefore, I am assuming there was at least a seed or two that the Holy Spirit had sown in the criminal prior to this fateful day that fueled his repentance.  Or maybe not?  Perhaps it all happened in those dark, dreadful and momentous hours as death approached?  It’s a question we can ask Dismas (or whatever his name was) when we reach Paradise ourselves one day.

Finally, I encourage every reader to … “seek first [Jesus’] kingdom and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33).  It will always be the best kingdom … for always.

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Overly Abundant Grace – A Story

Overly Abundant Grace – A Story

In my many years as a pastor (and as a sinner), I have come to believe that guilt and shame over sin is one of Satan’s most powerful and effective weapons against God’s people.  Satan uses it to foster despair – despair that perhaps the Lord will stop loving and stop forgiving the sinner. 

In my conversations with the heartbroken, I have seen this scenario play out primarily in two ways: either someone is wracked with guilt over “horrible” mistakes made in the past, or they are tormented by repeatedly making the same mistakes in the present.  Sometimes both!

This story deals with the second scenario, though everything in it certainly applies to the first as well.  It’s a bit lengthy, but the topic is absolutely crucial.  May God use it to bring comfort, peace and joy to the grieving.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tristan was in a very bad place – mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  He was overwhelmed with guilt; shame engulfed him, sweeping through him in waves. 

He recognized that he was a sinner who sinned all the time in many different ways.  Unfortunately, this is the human condition – a result of the sinful nature residing in every person.  But that wasn’t what he agonized over, (though he certainly grieved over it).  No, it was trespassing … crossing God’s line between right and wrong … repeatedly in the same way that tore Tristan up.

“Again, and again, and again I make the same mistake; I sin the same sin!” his thoughts cried out.  “I know better.  I know it’s wrong.  I know God condemns it.  I know I shouldn’t do it.  But I do it anyway!  Again, and again, and again!”  He groaned out loud and shuddered in remorse. 

He sat at his dining room table, his head in his hands.  Heartfelt tears wet his hands, rolled down his wrists and dripped onto the tabletop.  It wasn’t the first time that sorrow over his sin spilled out of him; he was sure it wouldn’t be the last.  Especially since he kept falling into the same trap over and over again! 

Who was he kidding?  Often enough he wasn’t “falling into” the sin; it was an eager headfirst dive!

Tristan’s conscience tried him, judged him, found him guilty, and condemned him.  And Tristan didn’t even dare argue the verdict.

“How can God possibly forgive me … again?  How can I even go to him after so many falls?” he wondered.  The tears intensified as he shook his head in despair.  “Does he even want to hear from me anymore?  Am I even his child anymore?  Does he even care about me anymore?  When does he finally get fed up with me and toss me away?  I would have discarded me a long time ago!”

Sobbing wracked his body.  So much pain, and all self-induced!

He whispered out loud, his voice teaming with emotion, “O Lord, if you can somehow find a way … please, please, please forgive me one more time!  I know I have no right to ask, but it’s all I know to do.  I know Jesus died for me, but I’m afraid I’ve thrown it all away.  I’ve gone too far; I’ve sinned too many times!” 

Tristan dropped his head onto his folded arms resting on the surface of the table, his tears flowing freely.  “But Jesus is my only hope.  I have nothing else to cling to, and I’m terrified I’ve squandered him away with my foolishness.” 

A hollowness filled him; despair overriding every other thought and emotion.  His deep sorrow made him physically ill.  His mind locked onto his guilt, his heart ached, his chest constricted and his stomach churned.

“Hello, Tristan.”  Tristan lifted his head quickly; no one should be there with him!  His eyes fell on Jesus, standing before him and smiling warmly. 

How could this be?  Was it a dream?  A vision?  His mind couldn’t grasp what his eyes were seeing.  “It doesn’t matter how it is that you see me,” Jesus stated.  “It’s just important that you do.”

New tears streamed forth from Tristan’s eyes.  “O Lord, I’m not worthy to be in your presence!  I’m so sorry!  So sorry!  So very sorry!” he sobbed.  He felt that he should throw himself at Jesus’ feet, but he seemed unable to move.

Jesus nodded.  “Yes, I know.  You have sinned again and are torn apart with remorse.”  He paused, then continued gently.  “You do have a problem with this issue.  But it is not your greatest shortcoming.”

Tristan gasped.  Oh no!  He had a bigger issue?  In trembling voice, he faltered out the question, “What I keep doing is terrible, Lord!  But there is something worse?”  He was horror stricken, and his despair ramped up in intensity.

“All sin is horrible in my eyes, Tristan,” Jesus replied.  “And all sin brings at least some earthly ramifications.”  He smiled sadly.  “As you well know.”  Tristan nodded, almost imperceptibly.  “But some sins foster greater repercussions than others.  Potentially leading to eternal repercussions.  Such is the case with you.”

Tristan was terrified.  Was Jesus saying he had lost salvation?

“No, Tristan.  That is NOT what I am saying.  Only that if you continue to despair you could lose your hope and your salvation because you give up on me.  This is the risk if you continue in your more dangerous sin.”

After stating this, Jesus was silent.  He simply stared quietly at Tristan, waiting for the inevitable.  Finally, Tristan looked down, swallowed once, then twice.  He choked out the request in a weak voice. “What could possibly be worse?”  He didn’t dare look at Jesus.

“Your more dangerous sin is not believing my words,” came Jesus’ quiet but firm reply.  “And the ramifications of that are causing you major issues.”  The Savior let those statements sink in.

Tristan was dumbfounded.  His thoughts raced and his emotions swirled.  Finally, he gathered himself and said, “But I do believe your words!”

“Once again you prove that you do not,” Jesus stated.  “I, the Lord, just made a simple statement of fact … and you dismissed it.”  His voice didn’t carry anger, but rather a deep sadness.

Tristan gasped.  What had he just done?  And how was it that he had sinned in this way before?  He knew the Scriptures were inspired by God, and therefore living, active and absolutely true.  “I’m sorry, Lord!  I’m sorry!  But I don’t understand!”

“Yes, I know.  That is why I am here.  To help you understand, and to change your perspective.”

“Teach me what I need to learn, Lord!  Show me what I need to see!” Tristan begged.

Jesus smiled warmly again.  “I thought you’d never ask.”  He looked intensely at Tristan and said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you will see!” Luke 10:23. 

Then Jesus waved his hand smoothly before him, and a large Bible appeared before Tristan.  It was open to Psalm 103, and three verses (8-10) lifted up off the page – large, glowing and easily discerned.   “Let’s review the basics.  What do these verses say?” 

Tristan read them.  “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”  New tears began flowing.

“Do you doubt these words?” the Savior asked.

“No!”

“I’ll ask you again.  Do you doubt these words?”

Tristan was about to insist that he didn’t … when he realized with shock that he had and he did. 

“Are we beginning to see the problem?” Jesus queried.  The grief-stricken sinner slowly nodded, his eyes wide.

“Good!” Jesus stated.  “Here’s another one.”  The pages in the Bible rolled right to left and settled on another passage – Ephesians 1:7-8.  The words again lifted off the page.  “In Jesus we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.”

Jesus spread his arms, his hands upright and open, and focused on Tristan.  “Are those words too difficult to understand?”

“No!”  Tristan paused.  “I mean, yes!”  He shook his head in exasperation.  “I mean no and yes!  Lord, my sins are so huge!  And so horrible!  And so often and easily repeated!  Doesn’t there come a time when a believer forfeits it all?”

Jesus placed his hands over his chest.  “And now we get to the heart of it all.  Listen carefully to what I say.”

“My apostle John wrote these words: ‘This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts.’” (1 John 3:19-20).  

The words stirred Tristan’s soul.  But Jesus wasn’t done.  “My apostle Paul summarized the same truth in this way: ‘Where sin increased, God’s grace increased all the more.’” (Romans 5:20).

“I’ve heard those words before, Lord, but …”  Tristan’s voice halted.

“But you weren’t sure they could be true.  At least for you.”  Tristan nodded sadly.  “Let me illustrate this for you,” Jesus replied. 

He waved his hand again, and the two of them seemed to be suspended over the tiny topmost shoot of a tree.  Jesus pointed at it.  “Your sin.”  The view slowly expanded and panned slowly downward until an entire massive tree became visible, hundreds and hundreds of feet tall.  Now Jesus motioned toward the tree.  “My grace, mercy and forgiveness.”

Tristan was stunned.  Jesus smiled, and then presented the next illustration. 

Now the two of them hovered over a vast body of water.  Jesus called Tristan’s attention to a small bubble floating on the surface.  “Your sin.”  The view expanded again to show the unending waves of a massive ocean, after which Jesus miraculously revealed the staggering depths of water below the tiny bubble.  Jesus simply said, “My grace.”

The view changed again.  This time Tristan’s gaze fell upon a miniscule pebble.  “Your sin,” said the Savior.  A short time later they had withdrawn to the point that they were looking upon the entire planet.  “My grace.”

Next, Tristan found himself looking down on himself.  “You and your sin.”  Rapidly, he shrank from view, as did the continent he was on, and soon the entire world.  In a matter of moments, the Lord showed him the entire solar system, then additional galaxies, and finally the entire cosmos.  “This is my grace.”

The Lord waved his hand once more, and an opening appeared in the stars.  Brilliant glory poured out from the cavity.  Tristan realized with awe that he was being given a glimpse into heaven. 

But it wasn’t only beams of brilliance that spilled from the opening.  There was also a cascade of thick, red liquid gushing out and cascading down toward the earth.  Tristan gasped.  It was Jesus’ blood! 

Once again the viewpoint altered; the focus again settled on Tristan … his head down on his table in profound grief.  The familiar words were repeated.  “You and your sin,” said Jesus.  And then the bright red blood of Jesus washed over him!  “My grace, mercy and forgiveness.  I assure you, it is more than sufficient for your guilt.”

“O Lord, it’s so wonderful!” Tristan exclaimed joyfully.  Then the exuberance began to slip away.  “But what about my repeated sin?”

“Which sin is that?” Jesus asked sincerely, and then stated, “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Isaiah 43:25.

Tristan’s mouth dropped open, and his eyes grew wide.  It was all so astonishing!  So amazing!  So incredible!  So wonderful!

“A few final comments,” Jesus continued.  “First, realize that I am not making light of your sin.  Sin is always detestable to me.  Rather, I am discrediting your shame.”  Jesus wrapped his arms around Tristan.  “You love me and belong to me through faith.  There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! Romans 8:1. Where there is no condemnation in God’s eyes, there is no need for shame.”

“Secondly, in love and thankfulness – go and sin no more.” John 8:11. Jesus tightened his embrace.  “But if you do … and you are sinful, after all … come to me in confidence that my grace is overly abundant for you.”

“And finally, your name is Tristan, which means ‘Sorrowful.’  Your spiritual name from this time forward will be Jevin.  Jevin means ‘God is gracious.’  It also means ‘Joyful.’  Since you now recognize that your God is indeed gracious, you can truly be joyful.”

Tristan was overcome with emotion.  New sobs broke forth from his heart.  But they weren’t sobs of sorrow; rather, an expression of extreme joy.  “Thank you, Lord, for loving me … and forgiving me!  Thank you, Lord, for showing this to me!”

Jesus kissed him on the forehead, and then he was gone.  But the truths he had shared remained.  Which meant that Jevin now held an entirely different perspective on God’s overly abundant grace.  It was a truth he treasured, and a truth that actually aided him in living his life more fervently for the Lord.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Biblical Concepts of a Sinner/Sin
Versus
God’s Abundant Love and Forgiveness

 Ephesians 3:16-19 – A tiny branch on a massive tree

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Micah 7:18-19 – A tiny bubble in a massive ocean

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.  You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

 Psalm 103:12 – A tiny pebble on the entire globe

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:11 – A tiny person in the vast cosmos

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;

Colossians 1:19-23 – A sinful believer made holy through Jesus’ blood

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of  your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Psalm  103:1-14
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.  As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

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The Unappealing Path (A Story)

The Unappealing Path (A Story)

The archangel streaked through heaven’s glory, drawn to the brightest Light in that brilliantly lit place.  Or more accurately, to the Beacon whose radiance radiated throughout the entirety of heaven. 

The angel drew to sudden but smooth stop before Jesus – effortlessly executing the transition from an upright posture to a prostrate one in one seamless motion, coming to rest before the Lord with his extensive wings draped over his head in deference to the Mightiest One before him.

“Greetings, Michael,” Jesus said.  “Well done on the battlefront.”

“Our foes are relentlessly fighting.  And they continue to gain spiritual ground among the humans, as you know,” the angel replied. 

“Yes, they are.  It is the way things were predicted, so it is the way things will go.”

“I want to banish them to the darkness immediately!” Michael retorted.

“I know, Michael.  All in due time,” the Lord replied.  He sighed, then he continued.  “As earthly time marches on, more and more people will reject me altogether.  It is prophesied and it is inevitable.  That’s tragic enough, and I grieve for every one of their souls.”

Jesus paused.  “But what really saddens me are all of the people who DO know me … yet miss out on so many of the blessings I intend for them in their earthly lives.”  It was impossible to miss the sorrow in Jesus’ voice.

“Stand, mighty warrior.  I will show you the human dilemma you already understand, but in a manner you haven’t seen before.”

With a single, swift and strong flap of his wings, Michael lifted himself up.  Jesus nodded at him, then swept his arm before them.  Instantly a window opened in the multi-hued glory, revealing a view of an incredible sight. 

Before them stretched an expansive corridor, as wide as a seven-lane freeway.  It was paved with large, impact-absorbing – yet firm, strong and resilient – panels of material.  It was perfectly smooth; even the seams were tight and even. 

Wide billboards lined the way and impressive signs hung over the road.  Simple but brightly lit messages scrolled across their faces: “You are doing great!”  “Relax and enjoy the journey!”  “No doubt – the best route!”  “The wisest don’t despise it!”  “The best way to a new day!”  “The easy leads to the pleasey!”

Food stands were readily available; cold refreshments easily accessible.

The highway descended at a gentle grade with no elevation gain visible at any point.  Comfortable benches were situated throughout for resting where needed.  There were even escalators for the ease of those who preferred not to walk the easy downhill!

Demons, invisible to the people on the path but clear to Michael, were flurrying every which way to provide the support needed to keep the walkway functioning and to promote the comfort of the travelers.

Throngs of people covered the road … across the width and throughout the length.

Impressive gateways stood at the end, beyond which was a swirling, cloudy darkness.  Many paused at that point, but the words emblazoned above the arches seemed to put the travelers at ease.  To their eyes the words said, “ALL WILL BE WELL!”  In reality, they read “WELCOME TO HELL!”

As the people passed through the gates and into the darkness, they toppled helplessly into the pit … while watching demons cackled in evil glee.

“Let us put an end to the demons!” Michael scowled in righteous anger.

“We will.  Again, in due time,” Jesus replied.  “You, of course, recognize what you are seeing.

“Yes, Most Exalted One,” said Michael.  “This is the wide and easy road to the abyss that you spoke of on the mount.  I well recognize it.”

“Indeed,” Jesus replied.  “And what are your observations regarding it?”

“It has always been heavily trafficked.  But lately, even more so.”

“Correct.  Absolutely tragic that so many insist on traveling it,” said Jesus, as a tear slide from his eye.  “The demons coerce, but the people acquiesce.  Travelers on this route think this is the easy way, but it is the opposite.  They are actually miserable already now, but the worst is yet to come.”

The Lord diverted Michael’s attention to the mountains rising immediately beside the highway.  A small, rocky and uneven path wove its way slowly up the flanks and eventually into the heights above.  It appeared to be a challenging route with few amenities available.

Leading to the main but small path were multiple tinier paths which had diverted from the expansive freeway.  The exit signs on the wide way which called attention to these scrabbles were simple and nondescript; barely noticeable among the flashing promotions all around them.

Each exit sign to the narrow path said two simple words: “The Way.”  Further up the mountain where the tiny trails converged into the larger (but still small) path was a sign stating the same: “The Way.”  In comparison to the wide, smooth freeway, only a few people could be seen scrambling up this rough route.

Michael spoke.  “Fewer on this path these days.”

“Thankfully though, some still walk the path of Truth and Life, and pass through the narrow gate into glory,” Jesus replied. 

Then he continued.  “This is the long view … the overview of the two paths to different destinations.  Now let me show you the closer view of the narrow path to heaven.  In some ways, what I’m about to reveal is almost more tragic than the throngs on the highway to hell.  (Though that is the ultimate tragedy!)  Thankfully though, this next tragedy is generally temporary.”

Jesus waved his arm again, and the view changed.  Now they were looking at the narrow, rocky, rising path to heaven.  Angels walked along with the travelers, their wings stretched above and around them in a protective canopy.  “My faithful fighters for you, Most Exalted One,” Michael stated proudly.  Jesus nodded in agreement. 

Demons were also situated along that way, feinting attacks on the people and promoting various side paths.  Naturally, they heavily, alluringly and effectively tried to seduce God’s people down sin paths. 

In addition, the devils sponsored attractive advertisements posted over side paths offering everything the human heart could desire.  Popularity.  Wealth.  Success.  Power.  Fun.  And yes … Ease.  None of which is essentially evil, but all of which can be distracting.

They even tried to pull “The Way” travelers down paths of ongoing poor choices – ones the people knew were unhealthy and unwise.  And down paths of past hurts and heartaches.  Down paths of oppression even!  The devils promoted these routes as “A Familiar Path” or “The Usual and Comfortable.”  And a surprising number of God’s people chose to take them!

In short, the demons promoted any alternate and adjusted route along “The Way” that might attract and appeal, and pull God’s people off the main path.

All these meandering routes still led to heaven, but they increased the difficulty of the trip.  Each side path brought greater struggles – physically, mentally, emotionally, and especially spiritually.  Even the paths labeled “Easier” were harder! 

All of these side path led to multiple additional path options … each extra option heavily pushed by the demons … and each leading only to more problems.  If a traveler on “The Way” took too many side paths or followed them too eagerly or too long, they could eventually find themselves back on the wide and easy path to hell.

But after every side excursion … and even after multiple diversions … the small, least appealing path labeled “The Way” was always accessible. 

Jesus shook his head sadly.  “The tragedy of this view is that all of the people on this path to some degree … and some people to a large degree … get sidetracked from the simplest, most beneficial path onto other detours that rob them of the fullness they can have in me.  And they know better!”

The Savior continued.  “My Way seems less appealing, but it brings so much more!  Even during their lives on earth!  Love!   Forgiveness!  Salvation!  Peace!  Joy!  Self-worth!  Fulfillment!  Purpose!  I bring all these things to people to the degree that they remain on ‘The Way.’  And yet so many choose the detours that bring only more burdens and heartaches.  Any side-trip that turns a person’s focus off me, my saving sacrifice, my love, and my truths essentially robs them of truth, joy and fulfillment.”

The angel responded emphatically, “If only your people recognized this!  The demons!  The distractions!  The disillusions of other paths!”

“Yes, Michael.  If only they did.  My path seems empty, but it is full!  It seems barren, but is alive!  It seems mundane, but is exciting!  It seems more difficult, but is easier!  It seems a dead end, but it leads to life!  It seems unappealing, but is actually most appealing!” 

“But you know all this,” the Lord stated.  He paused, then asked.  “What are your observations from this view?”

“As stated earlier, there are fewer on this path than in the past.  And the travelers seem to be more easily diverted.”

“It has always been a challenging journey.  But now, more than ever,” Jesus replied.

In holy fury, Michael snapped his wings with a load crack.   “Then let us finally do away with these tormenting demons who continue to defy you and deter your people!”

Jesus closed the “window” and looked directly at him.   “I know how you feel, dear archangel.  And this is why I summoned you.  I wanted to share all this to make it clear that we draw closer to the End … to the time when your unending battles will finally end.”

Michael snapped his wings again.  “It cannot come soon enough for me, Most Exalted One!”

The Lord smiled and said, “There are still some who will be brought off the wide and easy road to destruction and onto the narrow path of life.  When the last one steps onto ‘The Way,’ the End will come.”

It was the angel’s turn to smile.  He responded, “I am glad to hear it!  In the meantime, may your people remain on your path, Lord Jesus, and rejoice in all the blessings you bring them there!  It is a narrow path, but the best one!  It is the path to life – both temporally and eternally.”

“That it most definitely is,” the Savior replied.

Then the archangel extended his wings and sped back to the battlefront.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Revelation 22:20-21
[Jesus,] who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” 

Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!  The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

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Everything, Always! A Story of Thanksgiving

Everything, Always! A Story of Thanksgiving

Evan looked around with pride.  He was reclining in his personally decorated lounge inside his lovely two-story house.  Everything was wonderful – truly wonderful.  And everything had his own “fingerprints” on them; this was what he had accomplished with his own hard work, determination, perseverance, and skillful maneuvering!

 (Alright.  And a bit of good luck here and there.)

“I’ve done pretty well for myself, haven’t I?” he murmured quietly.  “Look at what I have achieved.”

Evan sighed contentedly and picked up the headset for his Virtual Reality (VR) device.  It was the newest and most sophisticated model, allowing for the most immersive experience currently possible. This time he was going to explore the wonders of the Andes Mountains.

But instead of soaring in the heights above the South American mountains with the sound of the wind whistling past him, Evan found himself looking down on a ragamuffin man sitting cross-legged on the ground.  Though his garment seemed to be made of the highest quality material, it was tattered, torn and stained.  The man didn’t look much better; he was filthy, with his hair long, tangled and filled with twigs and grass stems.  A light rain fell, gradually soaking the shabby individual.

The VR swept Evan lower and closer to the ragged man.  As it did, Evan could clearly see the madness in the man’s eyes.  Also noticeable were his long and curling fingernails; clearly they hadn’t been trimmed in some time. 

But the most disturbing part of the experience was now revealed.  In his bloody hands, the man clutched a partially eaten rat.  Blood and entrails dripped from his beard.  The sound of rabid chewing, crunching bones and eager slurping filled Evan’s earphones.  The uttered noises that accompanied the eating made it clear the poor man was thoroughly enjoying his meal.

Evan recoiled in horror.  “What is this?” he exclaimed.

He didn’t expect an answer, and gasped when he received one.  “This is a man even more blessed than you who failed to acknowledge the source of his blessings.  I had to teach him an important lesson.  It’s a lesson that has been passed down for the ages.”

Evan was astounded … and confused.  The VR had never verbally responded to him before!  He was at a loss on what to say or do.  Oddly, the thought of removing the headset never occurred to him; he was captivated by what he was experiencing.  Fully immersed, indeed!

Finally, he found his voice.  “Who are you?”

“I am the Lord, your God.”  Evan’s heart hammered and he struggled to breath.  The Lord continued, “You know me and you acknowledge me.  But you don’t acknowledge all that I have done for you.”

“But I do!”  He paused, then reconsidered.  “I mean, I thought I did!  You saved me, Lord.  You sent your Son, Jesus, to suffer and die and rise back to life so I could be forgiven and go to heaven one day.  I know I couldn’t have ever saved myself!”

“This is true, Evan.  And it is good that you recognize this.  It’s the most important truth.  But you don’t understand the immensity of my goodness to you.  It’s a lesson I am going to teach you, but in a gentler fashion than I did with Nebuchadnezzar, since you are my child.”

Evan was dumbfounded.  Finally he managed to reply, “Teach me, Lord!”

“That I will, Evan.”

Nebuchadnezzar receded from view until he was no longer visible, like Google Earth moving back and repositioning to a new location.  The world seemed to spin; the new location was on the other side of the globe from where the VR had initially taken him.  The Americas came into view.  The VR zoomed down on North America, then to Evan’s region of the country, to his state, city, and finally his home.  Evan came to a stop, hovering over his house and yard.

The Lord’s voice returned.  “Let’s look around.  The items that come directly from me will be checked.”

Evan watched in stunned amazement as golden checkmarks began appearing.  First, his house was checked.  That was followed by one on the front yard and another on the back.  Then others on the trees Evan had planted.  Then the storage sheds.  Even the recently delivered package resting on their front doorstep was marked.

Then another check popped up on the garage.  The garage door opened, and checkmarks materialized on the vehicles inside.  In blindingly fast fashion, gold checkmarks blossomed on every single tool, toy, and miscellaneous item stored in the garage – Evan’s eyes ever widening. 

“Let’s look inside, shall we?” the Lord suggested.  Evan was plunged toward the roof, passing through the shingles and boards seamlessly.  The Lord floated him from room to room, every single one bursting with golden checkmarks.  There wasn’t a single item in the entire house that wasn’t marked – the brilliance and bounty of the golden checks blinding to Evan’s eyes.

Finally, the flustered man was guided into the living room.  Again, every single item bore a golden designation.  And again, Evan found himself shielding his eyes.  But then the brilliance faded … except for the marks on his wife and his three children, who were gathered around a board game.  Those checkmarks grew in intensity, even as the others lessened. 

Evan found himself sobbing.  What a fool he had been!

But the Lord wasn’t finished with the lesson.  “There’s more, my child.”

Once again Evan was being drawn further away.  He passed through a light, then the ceiling, then the second floor, then the attic, and finally the roof … seeing the layers of paint, boards, wiring, carpeting, insulation, and shingles on the way out … all similarly checked.

Evan was lifted to an elevation where he had a clear view of the city.  He wondered at the purpose, when more markers began emerging.  His parents’ home, his wife’s parents’ home, their siblings’ places … followed by checks on houses throughout the city where friends and fellow church members lived. 

Golden checkmarks erupted everywhere below him.  The sidewalks he and his wife liked to traverse on their walks.  The park where his children loved to play.  The dear church where they gathered for worship.  The stores, restaurants, and gas stations his family frequented.  Even the barbershop where he went!  Two checks over their bank; Evan assumed one for the institution and the other for their personal finances.  There were golden checkmarks everywhere!

Then Evan noticed something striking.  His place of employment wasn’t marked!  He pointed at it.  “Does that mean that at least I can take some credit for my job?”

The Lord actually chuckled.  “Nope.”  A blazing golden checkmark exploded over the business. 

“Nor can you boast about your body, your health, your personality, or your abilities.  They all come from me too!”  Evan looked down.  His body was plastered with gold.  He continued to stare down at himself in astonishment, squinting against the golden gleam. 

Evan was silent for a moment.  He cleared his throat.  “Lord, what about the problems in my life?  Those are my doing, aren’t they?”

“Yes, your sinfulness … like everyone else’s in this sinful world … bring problems.”  A stream of personal difficulties appeared in Evan’s virtual reality view.  “But I turn even these into blessings.”  Checkmarks became visible on the long list of hardships passing before Evan. 

Once again, Evan was crying.  “Lord, I’m so sorry!  Please forgive me for my foolish pride!”

“Of course, Evan.”  The heartsick man could hear the love in the Lord’s voice.

The tears flowed more profusely.  Through sobs, Evan managed to choke out, “Now I see that everything wonderful always comes from you!”

Suddenly, the distraught man was back in his recliner in his lounge … his cheeks still wet from his tears.  He exhaled deeply and slowly, still rocked from the shock of the past few moments.  Another question came to him.  He wanted to know.  “But what about Nebuchadnezzar?” he called out.

In a fading voice, the Lord replied, “Read Daniel 4.”  Evan ripped off his headset and dashed to find his Bible.  When he pulled it from his nightstand, he was floored.  There on the cover … was a golden checkmark.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Every Christian acknowledges that they are blessed by God – certainly verbally, but also mentally.  Yet I’m convinced that none of us … even and especially me … realize just how very blessed we are by our gracious and giving God.  To say that everything we have comes from God is typical and fine; to truly understand the extensivity of “everything” is quite another.

My prayer is that this story impresses that truth upon all of us.  Our God is so good to us!

One important comment:  The Bible states Nebuchadnezzar ate grass like cattle.  And he surely did!  I am always extremely hesitant to go beyond God’s Word.  However, I took the liberty to suggest he also added meat to his diet whenever he was able.  This would seem a logical assumption, but I acknowledge that the Scriptures do not mention this.  Perhaps grass and vegetation was indeed all he ate.  Still, I wrote this story the way I did to try to demonstrate how very far the king had fallen.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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An Invisible Reality – A Story

An Invisible Reality – A Story

It was a typical spring day – somewhat hazy with a threat of rain.  Bobby was making a quick run to the grocery store to pick up some dinner supplies.  He was 43 years old and married, with three children he adored … a son and two young daughters.   He was also active in his Christian church, both in attendance and service.

But Bobby’s “luck” that day was bad and his timing “poor.”  At an intersection a half-mile from his destination, a garbage truck’s brakes suddenly failed.  The frantic driver had little opportunity to react; he tried to activate the emergency brake while desperately honking his horn as the 20-ton truck blew through the stop sign and into the intersection.

Bobby saw it coming … but too late.  In that dreadful instant, he knew he was about to be broadsided by a massive amount of steel.  “Why, Lord?!” flashed through his mind before the brilliant explosion of lights that led to darkness.

How long he drifted in that state, he didn’t know.  But eventually his mind’s eyes came into focus upon a being of exquisite splendor. 

Man-like in appearance, he was tall, muscled, and … commanding, would perhaps be the appropriate adjective.  His hair was brown, wavy and hung loosely over his shoulders.  His eyes were a piercing brown and his clean face presented a handsome but rugged cast.  Two beige wings were folded tightly behind him … their tops framing his head.  He was dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting, white linens.  A golden glow emanated from his entire being.

“I am Jonrus,” he stated.  “I’ve been sent by the Exalted One to make visible to you what is usually invisible in the physical world.”  His piercing eyes stared at Bobby.  “Most who ask ‘why’ don’t get an immediate answer.  However, the Lord wants you to understand and to share.”

The angel continued to stare.  Bobby gulped.  What could he say?  And dare he even speak at all?  Finally, he stammered, “I’ll be honored to see whatever you reveal to me.”

“I will show you the simple view.  When you include all the other Christians, this becomes extremely complex and would be too difficult for you to glean anything from it.  So we’ll limit your observation to one person.  Her name is Sally.  She’s a real person in the real world.”

The angel stepped to Bobby’s side and swung around to face the same direction.  There before them was a middle-aged woman walking briskly.  Her surroundings were undefined, though they altered as she moved along.  Sally always remained in focus, but what was around her appeared blurry. 

Bobby was intrigued to see silver, cross-shaped lights gleaming from her chest and her head.

“This is the first view,” the angel said.  “You are about to witness a series of spiritual attacks on this godly woman.  They’ll be pictured as animals to better enable you to grasp their size and seriousness.”

Suddenly, a circle of light appeared near Sally.  There, illuminated for Bobby to clearly see, was a large gray rat.  It was skittering its way to the poor woman; the two were clearly on a collision course.  The views converged and Sally screamed in her shock at the sight of the rodent.  Shifty and quick, the rat dashed around her several times, and then dodged back and forth in front of her.  Sally recoiled in horror.  And suddenly the rat was gone.

The woman took a moment to recuperate, breathed deeply, and resumed her journey.  Little did she know that her path was about to intersect with a skunk.  It waddled into her view where it settled on its haunches before her and eyed her suspiciously for the longest time.  She didn’t move, other than to cover her mouth and nose with her hands.  The noxious creature stood on all fours, and haughtily spun around.  “No!” the woman cried out.  And suddenly the skunk disappeared.

No sooner was the skunk gone when a coyote skulked into her presence … his fur bristling and snarls pouring out of his toothy mouth.  As Sally backed away, the coyote took threatening steps toward her.  This dance continued for some time, the besieged woman backing away and the nasty creature boldly advancing, drawing closer and closer to her.  Then the inevitable happened; the coyote lunged forward … and he was gone.

Poor Sally was shaking.  Eventually she gathered herself and began walking (somewhat unsteadily) again.  Bobby gasped; he saw the hyena coming.  “Jonrus, no!”

“Watch,” the angel replied.

The hyena trotted toward Sally in the strange gait produced by its longer front legs.  Clearly, it had bad intentions for the Christian woman before him.  When the ugly brute burst into her bubble, Sally shrieked.  “Oh, Lord!  Please not this!”  Aggressively, the animal lunged at her again and again.  Sally was terrified … her eyes wide and her mouth screaming at every new approach.  Even so, she was astounded that she wasn’t feeling the hyena’s teeth.  And then the hyena was no more. 

Sally collapsed to the ground, sobbing.  “Lord, no more!  Please!  I don’t think I can take any more!” 

That’s when the grizzly stepped into view.  Huge and ferocious, it towered over the cowering woman.  Not content with that, the massive bear stood up on its back legs, rolling its head back and forth as it roared its defiance and challenge.  Sally curled into a fetal ball, anticipating the devastation about to ruin her life.  “Help me, dear Jesus!  Please help me!”  The bear dropped to all fours and brazenly approached the huddled woman.  This would be easy pickings.  He nudged her roughly with his snout, then opened his mouth to tear into her, saliva dribbling down.  And he vanished.

Bobby was crying along with Sally.  “That poor woman!” 

Jonrus answered, “She is just experiencing the spiritual attacks that every believer endures sooner or later.  Including you.”

He paused.  “Now I will show you the second view.  Look.”

The initial view of the walking Sally reappeared.  However, this time the view was expanded to include a wider area and to reveal what had previously been unseen.  Angels surrounded Sally!  And not just immediately around her, but ranks upon ranks as far as Bobby could see!

In astonishment, Bobby watched as the spiritual attacks approached Sally.  The lines of angels separated seamlessly around the animals … opening before them and closing immediately behind them!  The aggressors were constantly surrounded by countless sword and spear-bearing warriors.  Not only did the angels keep them in place, but they effectively pushed the attackers toward Sally. 

“Why?” Bobby demanded. 

“The why question again?  You should close your mouth and open your eyes and you will see and understand,” Jonrus stated, not unkindly.  “All will be made clear soon.”

As the attackers entered Sally’s presence, the angels continued to maintain their close presence to both the aggressors and the woman.  The attack continued unabated until the angels’ weapons flashed a brilliant gold.  Immediately the warriors acted.

The rat was dispatched with a lightening quick foot stomp.  The skunk was flipped into the air by a sword and swatted away by other swords down the line with amazing coordination until it was finally skewered.  The coyote was clubbed simultaneously by every spear handle within reach.  The hyena was pinned to the ground by multiple spear points. 

Bobby observed it all in awestruck wonder. 

Finally, it was time for the bear attack.  He watched as the grizzly was herded toward Sally.  It tried repeatedly to break away from the angels, lashing out repeatedly.  The angels deftly deflected his blows and remain unmoved from their positions.  The bear advanced until it was face-to-face with the distraught woman. 

Suddenly, with a brilliant explosion of light, Jesus appeared at Sally’s side.  Bobby gasped.  “He’s always present for the fiercest attacks,” Jonrus stated, with clear adulation in his voice. 

Jesus stood over Sally, smiling lovingly.  As the bear opened his mouth over the huddled woman, Jesus’ unsheathed a gleaming sword and decapitated it in a blindingly fast manner.  Jesus knelt down and kissed Sally gently on the forehead.  With another flash, he was gone.

The immensity of what he had seen settled over Bobby.  Both he and Jonrus were quiet for a moment.  Finally, Bobby said, “I’m sorry.  I know I’m not supposed to ask …“

“But why?” Jonrus finished for him.

“Yes!”

“It is time for the third view.” Again, everything was repeated.  Sally, the angels, the attackers … it was all visible.  But now Bobby noticed something that hadn’t been revealed before.

During each attack, varied-colored spheres drifted down from heaven … the size comparable to the size of the attacker.  Bobby recognized intuitively that these were God’s blessings.  Some settled in Sally’s head; some in her heart; some rested on her shoulders for future blessing.

And each one produced a greater, brighter cross-light wherever it landed.  

Jonrus spoke.  “These attacks rise from the very pit of hell.  Sometimes the Lord allows them to reach his children.  But only the ones that the Lord knows that person needs … and only because the Lord in his love is bringing spiritual blessings through them.  Sometimes believers come to recognize the blessings on earth; sometimes they don’t recognize them until they arrive at their heavenly home.”

The angel turned to face Bobby.  “This is why spiritual attacks occur – so the Lord can bring blessings that wouldn’t be realized otherwise.  And the Lord does not allow his people to ever face these attacks alone.”

Bobby was speechless; tears of wonder and joy poured down his cheeks. 

“One more thing,” the angel stated.  “You will be spared from great harm because of your accident.  Just some of the blessings the Lord is bringing through it is that the doctor who worked on you is astounded you weren’t more seriously injured, and is reconsidering his view of God.”

“Also, precautionary tests taken following the crash revealed a medical issue you need to know about.  It’s not serious now, but it would be later if not discovered.  And it wouldn’t have been discovered if not for the accident.”

“There are many other blessings being brought to you through this attack as well … not the least of which is that you were given a view of the invisible reality.  Treasure it.  Share it.  Celebrate it!”

Jonrus was gone, as was Bobby’s view of the unseen spiritual world.  His eyes opened to once again see the seen, but his view of it was never the same.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2 Kings 6:10-17
So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”

“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)

Chris Tomlin

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still
Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear (whom shall I fear)
Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I’m holding on to Your promises
You are faithful, You are faithful

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

Songwriters: Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Scott Mctyeire Cash.

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To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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The Punishment Doesn’t Fit the Crime

The Punishment Doesn’t Fit the Crime

In a certain city lived a life-long criminal.  He was the true definition of the scum of the earth – a person who never did a proper thing if he could gain what he wanted improperly.  His perspective was a totally self-absorbed one, with no care or compassion for anyone else.  Consequently, he had no qualms about hurting anyone if it got him what he wanted.

This thug was a liar … a thief … an abuser … a rapist … and a murderer.  And since he lived out on the streets, he was filthy, smelly, and unkempt in every way – disgusting even to look at, much less to be around.

Outside of the city was a lovely palace where a wonderful king and his dearly-loved son resided.  They cared deeply about the people of the city and were constantly striving to serve them and help them to the best of their ability. 

When the King heard about the increasing crime in the city, he sent his son into the heart of it to look into the problem and to try to make a difference.  Since they were looking for unfiltered information, the prince set out without his usual guards.

The prince was a good man; wise yet humble, kind, loving and gracious.  He entered the city with pure intent – eager to associate with the people there, assess the situation, and to help those in need.

While walking down a street he happened to unknowingly approach the life-long criminal who was hovering in the shadows of an alley, waiting and watching for his next opportunity.  The evil man spotted the prince’s fine clothes and jewelry, and he coveted them.  They would bring him an abundance of coin from the backstreet dealers.

So the hidden predator pounced without warning … pulling his prey into darkness of the alley. The prince was brutally beaten.  But no, it wasn’t enough for the thug to incapacitate his victim; he didn’t stop until he had killed him.

A couple of town constables on their rounds happened to be nearby and heard the prince cry out.  They shone their lanterns into the alley to investigate and caught the murderer (literally) red-handed, as the brut was stripping the body.  The wicked man was so intent on gathering his new-found payday that he was slow to react.  The constables were not; they swooped in and tackled the murderer. 

The constables were horrified that someone’s life had been snuffed out so casually and cruelly.  And even more so when they realized whose body it was!  The prince had been killed!  The king would be devastated.  Oh, what a terrible day for the kingdom! 

They quickly gathered help to transport the son’s body to the palace while they escorted … none-too-nicely … the terrified and trembling criminal there to face the monarch.  They were immediately brought before the king, where they threw their prisoner on the floor.  Then with halting tongues and downcast eyes, they reluctantly revealed what had happened.

The King was heartbroken and sobbed that his son was dead.  “My dear son!  My only son!  The focus of my heart and my hope for the future!”  The entire court cried with him.  Not for show but with sincere grief; the prince was dearly loved by all. 

Every person present wanted and expected the harshest judgement to be levied, and not a single one among them would have questioned it when spoken – no matter how severe.   In their profound grief, they were almost eager to see the horrific punishment the King would pronounce upon his son’s lowlife murderer.  They wanted proper vengeance!

Finally the king steadied himself.  Then he spoke … tears still streaming down his cheeks.

“You have been a brutal criminal all your life.  You have lied, stolen, beaten, abused, raped, and killed.  And to top it all off, you even murdered my son.  So this shall be your punishment:

“Since you have my son’s blood on you, I will clean you up.  I will dress you in the finest of clothes and feed you the finest of foods.  You will eat at my table, live in my palace and remain in my presence, enjoying the very best blessings I can give you.  Your future will hold great joy; my son gave his life for yours!”

The criminal collapsed in disbelief, and the king’s court gasped in shock.  Had the king lost his mind in his grief?  It was beyond comprehension for anyone in this world to give such a sentence after such a crime by a lifelong criminal!  Yet, the king remained resolute, and his son’s murderer was pardoned and pampered from that day on … something no one could ever understand.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And it is beyond comprehension for such a sentence to be spoken in those circumstances, isn’t it?  I can’t imagine anyone doing what that king did in this world. 

However, there is a king in the heavenly kingdom who has done just that.  If you haven’t put it together yet, we (you and I) are the life-long criminal in that story.  And perhaps your reaction is, “Woah!  I’m not that bad!  I’ve got some faults, but I’m not as evil as that guy!”

But if you remember that the Lord, the Heavenly King, said, “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).  And when you realize that we have broken every single commandment in one way or another, (if not with our body then with our mind), suddenly we recognize that we are every bit the life-long criminal that the man in our story was.

We tend to compare ourselves to other people, who are also sinful, so we come to the conclusion that we aren’t so bad.  But the reality is that we should be comparing ourselves to God, who is perfect in every way.  And when we do that, the conclusion is quite different: we are very, very bad.  We are every bit as evil in God’s eyes as the criminal.

In fact, one could properly say that we killed God’s Son.  It was our crimes that brought Jesus to earth.  It was our sinfulness that caused Jesus to die.  It was our wickedness that demanded proper payment.  It was in love for us that Jesus died on that cross.

If we properly recognize this, we …. like the criminal … stand before God’s judgement seat trembling and terrified.  We can’t expect anything but the worst.  Yet what does the King say?

“Since you have my son’s blood on you, I will clean you up.  I will dress you in the finest of clothes and feed you the finest of foods.  You will eat at my table, and live in my palace and remain in my presence, enjoying the very best blessings I can give you.  Your future will hold great joy; my Son gave his life for yours!”

How do we respond to that?

When we recognize the extent of our lostness, hopelessness, and our deserved punishment, but that instead of punishment we are given love … and grace … and forgiveness … and salvation … and peace … and joy through our Savior, we are overwhelmed!

How do we respond to that totally unexpected … and completely undeserved … blessing from our Heavenly King? 

Maybe we fall to our knees.  Maybe we cry.  Maybe we raise our arms above us and shout in victorious joy.  Maybe we do all of the above.  Almost certainly we immediately send up heart-felt and extremely emotional words of thanks to the Lord.

We cannot be unaffected by this amazing mercy from our God.  We must praise him!  And it’s not just an immediate and one-time praise, but praise that is on-going through our entire life.

The punishment Jesus suffered in our place was proper and necessary for full atonement for our sin to be made.  But the “punishment” we experience definitely doesn’t fit our crimes!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I fully recognize that there are some profound differences between the Father and Jesus, and the king and the prince in the story above.  First of all, Jesus knew that he was sent by the Father specifically to be killed.  Secondly, both the Father and the Son recognized that Jesus would not stay dead.  Finally, God’s spiritual blessings become ours through faith.  Where faith does not exist, the Lord justly judges and punishes.  He is a merciful God, but also a righteous God.

These are significant differences.

However, my intent with this story was to underscore how radical God’s mercy to you and me really was and is.  Even with the differences mentioned in the paragraph above, God’s mercy to us who know and love our Savior is truly profound, truly underserved, and absolutely unprecedented.  If the story accentuated these truths, then God be praised.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ephesians 2:1-5
2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.

Psalm 103:8-10
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

Lamentations 3:22
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

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The All-Encompassing Cure

The All-Encompassing Cure

The huge hall was packed with missionaries, evangelists, and pastors from around the world.  They were gathering for the keynote address of the week-long ecumenical Christian conference. 

As the conference was wrapping up, the attendees were reflecting on the insights they had gained on more effectively and economically growing their ministries.  Some were chatting quietly with new acquaintances, comparing notes and sharing ideas.  Others were reviewing their travel plans and checking their flight status on their phones.

The conference folders were strangely lacking on information for this final presentation.  The time and place were provided, of course, but little else.  The topic was listed as “The All-Encompassing Cure,” and the captivating summary was simply this: “The most important presentation of the conference.” 

The presenter was to be E. Manuel.  No other information was given; no credentials, no biography, no place of service.

No one – not even the conference organizers, if the truth be told – quite understood who the presenter was or how he got the coveted gig of addressing the gathered hundreds.  To say there was a bit of unease in the group, and especially among the coordinators, would be accurate.  But there was also a fair amount of curiosity … even fascination.  What were they about to hear?

The hall lights flickered the message that the presentation was about to start.  The assembled church workers turned their attention to the stage.  The lighting was dim, causing many to suspect there were some technical difficulties. 

A man of medium-height and darker complexion strode to the center of the stage.  He wore a beige dress shirt with a striking picture of a wooden cross offset on the upper right side.  His slacks were brown khakis; his shoes simple loafers.  A neatly trimmed beard adorned his chin; his hair was gathered into a “man-bun.” 

He slowly scanned the audience, his gaze sweeping to one side of the auditorium, then sweeping gradually back to the other side.  The speaker said not a word for the longest time.  A stunned silence gripped the hall, and people began to shift uncomfortably in their seats.

When words finally came, they were brimming with power … not just with volume, but with authority. 

“My message will be brief, but it is critical.  I will not cast any judgements today; I will only speak the truth.  Each of you can make your own assessments of yourselves and your approach to ministry from what I share.  Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear!”1  A involuntary shudder rolled through the crowd.  Their eyes were riveted on the man before them.

The speaker continued: “You have spent hours-upon-hours this week learning sophisticated ministry strategies.   You are excited about utilizing new technologies.  You can’t wait to implement new programs in your churches.  Most of it has a place in ministry.  Most can indeed be useful.”

“But these are not the ultimate goal.  Rather, they are only a means to the true goal.” The speaker raised his right hand, his pointer finger extended.  “And they are not the key components of ministry.  They are only tools to the true key component.”

The eyes of many listeners widened. 

“The single most important tool in your ministries is … God’s Word!”  The speaker paused and once again scanned the audience.  Those there felt as if he were looking deep inside them. 

Finally he continued.  “Let me repeat: the single most important tool in your ministries is God’s Word!  ALL of God’s Word.  NOT a Bible gutted of truth by picking and choosing what one wants to believe.  And NOT a Bible polluted by adding things God did not say.  But the Bible God has given you.”

“The Bible God has given you is truth … absolute truth.2  It is God’s own Word, and God doesn’t lie or change his mind.3  It is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens!”4 

“Furthermore, the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates soul and spirit!5  The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes!”6

“God’s Word is the key to a truly successful ministry … that is, a spiritually successful ministry.  Utilize the many ministry approaches you explored this week to do true ministry – which is sharing God’s full Word with as many people as possible.  And let God’s Holy Spirit work through the living, powerful, life-changing truths God has given!”

Another pause.  More shifting in the listeners.  Some were profoundly uncomfortable and desired to leave, but somehow none could.  None dared.

“This is the first part of the all-encompassing cure.  The Lord has given you everything you need in his words to address any earthly situation you or your people may run into in your ministries.”

“Which leads us to the second part of the cure.  Please turn your attention to the screens.”

Two large screens, one at each end of the platform, lit up.  “Let me show you some real people and their very real struggles.”

A sobbing woman appeared on the screens.  There were no captions; no comments made from the presenter.  Yet intuitively every person looking on recognized that she was a lonely wife longing to feel loved and treasured by her distracted husband. 

She remained in view just long enough for everyone to intensely feel her pain, and then another person … a meth addict … came into view.  Again, everyone somehow understood the situation and the man’s feeling of bondage and hopelessness.  And so it was for each example that followed.

A wealthy businessman chasing even more wealth and power.

A twenty-something male confused on what to believe and searching for meaning in life.

A homeless beggar longing to get out of the cold and to eat a hot meal.

A man in a foreign country unfairly imprisoned by an oppressive government.

An attention-seeking socialite consumed with her appearance and popularity.

A young child wondering why her parents were always fighting.

A man struggling to get out of the gloom of severe depression.

A teenaged boy crying himself to sleep and dreading to face the bullies at school again tomorrow.

A middle-aged couple at a significant juncture of their lives agonizing over the difficult decisions they had to make and the direction to go.

A hungry family in a third world country gathered around a fire, dirt-covered and dressed in rags.

A cancer victim in hospice with only limited time left.

A guilt-wracked sinner with his head in his hands, weeping over his sin.

A weary and despairing person, wondering if there is anything better than this world.

The screens went black.  The presenter stood before them with his hands in his pockets and his eyes closed.  Tears were streaming down his cheeks.  And he was not alone.  In fact, there wasn’t a dry eye in the entire auditorium.  How could there be after what they had just witnessed?  So much hurt!

Eventually, the speaker gathered himself.  In a quieter voice, he asked, “What do all these people have in common?”  Only muffled crying was heard in response. 

Finally, a meek voice in front row said, “They need help.”

“Yes, they do.  But their hurts and needs are so different.  How will you help all of them?”

“Love them,” someone else ventured.

“Well, that’s a nice gesture.  But it won’t fundamentally bring them the cure they need.”

“Refer them to agencies that might assist them,” another voiced.

“There may be some help there.  But the fundamental issues remain.”

“Pray for them?”

“A wonderful idea!  But you will undoubtedly be praying that they find the help they need.  Where will that come from?”

“The Word!  Read them appropriate passages from God’s Word, as you talked about earlier.”

“Excellent!  Now we’re getting somewhere!”  The speaker raised both hands questioningly.  “And what does all of God’s Word revolve around?”  Another pause.  “All of God’s Word revolves around God’s love demonstrated to sinners in Jesus-Made-Man.”

“In short, show them Jesus!  All these people need Jesus!  Everyone needs Jesus!  Not some watered-down, rationalized, sterilized Jesus, but the living, loving, caring Jesus of the Bible!”

“The Jesus who loves them so much he died for them.  The Jesus who rose back to life and walked out of the tomb.  The Jesus who ascended to heaven to resume his rightful throne and to prepare a place there for all who believe in him.”7

“The Jesus who is both in heaven and still always with them.  The Jesus who answers their prayers, who provides for them and protects them; the Jesus who guides them and accompanies them through all their difficulties.  The Jesus who loves them with all his heart!”

“Jesus is the All-Encompassing Cure.  No, he doesn’t always take all the hardships away, but he always carries his people through them.  He always eases the hurt and he always brings help and blessing.  Show Jesus to your people.”

The speaker’s head tilted upward, and his arms raised heavenward.  “The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve.  To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”7

He lowered his gaze back to the people before him.  “Everyone needs Jesus.”  He pulled back his sleeves and held up his nail-marked wrists.  “Everyone needs these, and the one who loves them enough to suffer these.”  

With that, E. Manuel – “God With Us”10 – turned and walked briskly into the shadows. 

  1. Mark 4:9
  2. John 17:17
  3. Numbers 23:19
  4. Psalm 119:89
  5. Hebrews 4:12
  6. Romans 1:16
  7. John 14:3
  8. Matthew 28:20
  9. Isaiah 61:1-3
  10. Matthew 1:23

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I don’t really presume to know what Jesus would say to such a group; I can only guess.  However, in light of how the Bible is being attacked, undermined and disregarded, and recognizing how Jesus, the Savior, is being pushed into almost irrelevance … even sometimes in the church … the Lord might very well say something like this. 

As always, I pray that these words are thought-provoking, and ultimately a blessing to you.  Cherish God’s Word, and God’s Son which God’s Word shows us.  They really are the cure for all that ails us.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

Having Everything

Having Everything

Charles Dickens’ classic story, “A Christmas Carol,” was an ingenious concept that has touched millions of people through the years.  It can’t be improved upon.  However, I thought I would provide a bit of a different twist to the concept, and be a bit more direct in the three different “insights” provided.  Dickens was a devout Christian and hinted at these truths.  I trust he would approve of the content of the messages in this version. 

May this story be thought-provoking and ultimately bless all who read it!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Randy Thomas swung his leather-covered swivel chair slowly around, indulging himself in the sight of his luxuriously appointed office and his above-the-city view.  Nice.  All very nice.  And everything around him was the fruit of his own ingenuity and grit.  He had accomplished it all himself. 

It had been a grueling ascent, but it was behind him now.  He was fabulously wealthy and “on top of the world.”  And the best thing about wealth – he could now afford to hire the very best employees to keep his company prospering. 

Perhaps this would be a good time to check in with Simpson on that multi-million-dollar contract.  He stood, stretched, and sauntered out of his sanctuary. 

Drat!  Lousy timing!  That irritating Johnny Johnson was restocking the snack dispensing machine in the break area of the office.  Maybe Johnson wouldn’t notice him?

“Morning, Mr. Thomas!”  (Clearly he had noticed.)

“Hello, Jansen.”

“It’s Johnson.  But you know that, Mr. Thomas.”  Randy grunted, and Johnny smiled. 

They didn’t come any more gawky than Johnny Johnson.  Long and lean, he seemed all arms and legs; elbows and knees.  His ears stuck out perpendicular from his head, and a sharp, thin nose like a shark’s fin dominated his face.  He sported a small patch of hair centered on the front of his bald head … barely more follicles than protruded in obvious abundance from his nose and ears.

Randy didn’t even pretend to be kind; the man irritated him to no end.  “Why do I seem to run into you every time you are here, Jansen?”

“Just lucky, I guess,” the other man replied, with a grin.  (How could he be so frustratingly nice!)

“I can’t believe they haven’t replaced you yet.”

Johnny showed no response to the insult; he simply continued stocking the machine.  “Good workers are hard to find these days, Mr. Thomas.  You should know that.”  (Hard to rattle this guy!)

Johnny closed the vending machine door, locking it tight.  He stood and looked directly into Randy’s eyes.  “Mr. Thomas, I’d like to give you something.”

Again!  He offered the same thing again!  Every time they talked, Johnny made the same overture!  An exasperated Randy replied, “Why do you keep offering that?

“Because I have something you need.”

“What could you possibly have that I need?  What can you give to someone who has everything?”

“But you don’t have everything, Mr. Thomas.”

“Go away, Johnny.  Just go away!”  Randy wheeled around and stormed back to his office.  Only after he sat back down did he remember he had intended to chat with Simpson.  That stupid Johnson!

Later that evening, Randy nursed a drink while gazing out over the skyline from his penthouse.  Strangely, it wasn’t the business transactions of the day that engaged his mind, but the irritating repeated offer of that goofball Johnson.  To his great annoyance, Randy was intrigued.  What could Johnny’s gift be?  Undoubtedly something meaningless.  Certainly something he already owned, and probably three times over!  Yet Johnny claimed it was something he needed – something he didn’t have.

The man was beyond exasperating!  He was infuriating!

Randy’s thoughts tracked further down the rabbit-hole Johnny had dropped him in.  He was one of the wealthiest men in the world.  There was nothing he wanted that he lacked.  And if he happened to actually find something else he wanted, he wouldn’t lack it for long … no matter the price!  Few people in the world could claim that. 

He allowed himself a moment of honest reflection: “So why do I feel so empty when I have so much?”  There was no easy answer to that.

Randy shrugged and made his way to bed.  Unsettled, he tossed and turned for a while before the alcohol pulled him into a deep sleep.

Gradually it registered on his consciousness that he seemed to be falling face-first from his high-rise apartment.  While plummeting to the street below … faster and faster … the air rushing past him increased in intensity.  His pajamas were pinned to his body; his hair flopped and pulled against his scalp.  Randy was terrified! 

Suddenly, a man with golden hair, piercing blue eyes and a glowing white robe stood suspended in the air below him … his hand held upwards in a halt gesture.  Randy slammed to a stop above him.  Slowly his body rotated until his feet were below him and he was suspended beside the startling gleaming man.  And just that quickly, they were both standing on the ground in a fog-filled field.

“Greetings, Randy.  My name is Soniel.”  His voice was rich, deep and strong … like a ship’s horn melodiously forming words.  “I have been sent to show you things that most never get to see … at least not before their lives end.  You will see … and then you will see or not see.”

Randy swallowed hard.  “Who are you?” he sputtered.  “I mean, what are you?”

“I am a messenger of God bearing a three-fold message to you.  I urge you to watch and listen carefully.  Eternity rides in the balance.”  The angel stared intently at Randy.  Randy wanted to look away, but somehow couldn’t. 

The angel continued.  “Message one: you believe you have everything.  Here is what you really have.”

Soniel swept his arm to the right and pointed.  A casket materialized in the mist.  It was overflowing with his possessions.  Gold and silver bullion, his Rolexes and favorite jewelry from his jewelry chest, fancy clothes from his closets, precious paintings from his homes, titles of his properties and registrations of his vehicles.  Even his personalized and personally-fitted golf clubs. 

The angel spoke.  “Meaningless!  Meaningless.  Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless.” (Ecc. 1:1)

As he looked on, Randy suddenly realized with horror that there was a body … his body! … in the casket.  He could see his pale face peeking out amidst his piles of possessions!

The shock hadn’t even settled in when riches began to cascade off the mounded up treasure and his naked corpse rose upward, levitating above the casket.  There was a huge void in his chest; a dark emptiness where his heart should be. 

Soniel’s voice resonated yet again.  “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mt. 16:26)

No sooner had the words been spoken when the casket burst into flames – the stockpiled riches incinerating in the conflagration.  The heat was all-consuming.  In short order, there was nothing left but smoldering ashes where just moments before had been a fortune. 

Randy’s dead body remained suspended in the air … seemingly untouched by the heat. 

“You brought nothing into the world, and you can take nothing out of it,” (1 Tim. 6:7) the angel said.  “Therefore do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.  For everything in the world passes away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 Jn. 2:15-18)

The angel turned back toward Randy.  “Your everything is absolutely nothing.  Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions, (Lk. 12:15) so fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18)

Randy felt himself shuddering.  He wrapped his arms around himself to try to stop the shaking.  It didn’t help.

“That is message number one.  Here is message number two.”  Soniel swept his other hand in the opposite direction from before, his top two fingers pointing at the vision manifesting there.  “This is where you are headed.”

Randy reluctantly turned his attention where the angel directed.  A small, gray shimmering oval appeared, expanded rapidly and then burst open.  The fabric of the physical was pierced and a view into another world was suddenly revealed.

Initially all he saw was the deepest blackness.  But his nose was immediately filled with the gagging smell of decay and vomit, and his ears were overwhelmed with agonized shrieking.  Women screamed shrilly and men bellowed; sobbing and wailing prevailed.  Meanwhile, the voices of clearly spiritual entities filled the darkness with cursing and manic demonic cackling.  “You’re all doomed!  Doomed! Doomed!” More disturbing and unsettling laughter.  “You’re all doomed to this place and this pain and this darkness with us!  Forever!  Forever!  For-ev-er!”

Randy shuddered involuntarily.  He was profoundly moved.

Gradually his eyes assimilated and he began to discern that the place was filled with black fire – the edges of each flame tinged with the faintest orange.  The flames were broken up by the outlines of writhing bodies, trying but failing to escape the licking reach of the fire.  And though the flames burned furiously, the bodies never burned up.

Randy was horrified!  “Hell is real!” he shouted.

“Yes.”

But then something even more horrifying became evident.  Above the blackness was a “sky-light” revealing a bright view of Jesus on a throne surrounded by countless people singing and laughing and rejoicing.  The light from that place didn’t stream downwards into the blackness below, but everyone below could clearly look through that “window” and see that bright and beautiful world.

“Heaven’s real too!  And they can see it!”

“Yes.”

“That’s cruel!”

“That’s just.  They made their decisions in life, and now they can see life, but have only death.”

Soniel flicked his fingers and the view disappeared.  “It is too much to bear for those still in the physical world.”  He paused.  “It is too much to bear for those in that world as well, but bear it they must and bear it they do.”

Randy didn’t even realize that he had begun sobbing uncontrollably until once again in the silence with Soniel.  “No!  No!  No!” he cried out.  “I have nothing!  Nothing now, and nothing after!”  Tears streamed down his cheeks.  “N O T H I N G!” he repeated in the shock of the revelations.

Randy tried to compose himself … to no avail.  He asked in a shuddering voice, “Can I bear your final message, Soniel?  I am terrified to hear it!  Is it that you are taking me to that horrible place now?  Please, not that!  Please!”

The angel actually smiled.  Not unkindly, but lovingly.  “You are now ready for my final message.  It is quite different from the first two.  It is to reveal what God has done.”  He spread both arms wide.  “Behold!”

The view of Jesus on his throne reappeared.  Beside his throne was another one, where a brilliantly gleaming essence resided.  Jesus stood and bowed to the other throne.  Then a golden whirlwind swirled around Jesus and he disappeared.  The glowing stream grew brighter, arced upwards and then swooped downwards.  Randy watched it rocket past stars and planets on its way to earth. 

Soniel began speaking again – but more quietly now.  Randy could actually hear the wonder in his voice.  “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  He paused, then continued.  “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned …”  (Jn. 3:16-18a)

A young dark-haired woman came into Randy’s view.  Her pregnant belly glowed with golden light.  Randy somehow realized that the aura wasn’t evident to anyone but him. 

The previous view faded and was replaced with the same woman resting on a blanket on a bed of straw.  Beside her a newborn baby boy, glowing golden, wiggled in a feeding trough, while a concerned man knelt between Baby and mother. 

Soniel again.  “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that they might receive adoption to sonship.” (Gal. 4:4-5)

Another scene took shape.  It was a bloodied and battered man hanging from a cross … again faintly glowing golden.  He lifted his head and in a hoarse voice cried out, “It is finished!”

Soniel explained.  “God shows his love for humans in this: while they were still sinners, Christ died for them (Rom. 5:8) … the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:18).

Yet another view was revealed.  Angels like Soniel effortlessly rolled a huge stone away from a tomb.  The living Jesus stood just inside the cavity, waiting and smiling.  Then he stepped into the early morning light. 

The angel before Randy laughed joyfully.  “Praise be to the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given believers new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you …” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Then it was only the two of them again.  Randy was sobbing again, but no longer in terror.  He choked out, “I loved the last message!”

“Without the first two messages, it would have meant nothing to you.  I will leave you now.  Do not dismiss my messages.  Do not forget them.  They are truth.”

“Never!  I never will!”  The angel nodded.  “One more thing, if I could,” Randy asked timidly.  Again the angel nodded.  “Why did you come to me?”

“This is certainly not the usual approach, but someone has been praying for you relentlessly, so the Lord sent me.”

“Who has been praying for me?”

“Let’s just say it’s someone who has wanted to give you a gift.”  Randy was stunned. 

The angel disappeared.  And there again was Randy’s body.  But the gaping cavity in his chest was filled with a glowing Baby in a manger.  He began crying again.  He finally truly had Everything, and everything else he had would be used for Him.

Wait until he saw Johnson again!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A few important comments:

I fully recognize that the concept of an angel sharing these in-depth messages with an unbeliever is NOT how the Lord typically works.  (At least there are no examples of anything similar in the Scriptures.)  God has entrusted the crucial task of sharing Him and His truths to you and me.  (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).  However, I approached it this way simply to attempt to share crucial messages and provide insights in a hopefully impactful way.  That is the benefit of stories.

Hell is often described in the Bible as fiery, but often as darkness as well.  How does one reconcile the two?  I did my best to include both aspects.

Jesus’ account of the rich man in hell (Luke 16:19-31) is absolutely fascinating (and heart-breaking!).  Was Jesus simply sharing a powerful story to pass along powerful truths, or was he giving a glimpse of how things really are?  Or some of both?  I don’t pretend to know.  However, it is a story unlike any others he told.  Therefore I borrowed concepts from it, feeling that if Jesus used these pictures, then I can safely do so as well. 

One of the striking lessons Jesus was teaching in his story was summarized by Abraham to the rich man when he begged that Lazarus be sent back to warn his brothers.  Abraham stated, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets [i.e. God’s Word!], they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”  Taking this to heart, it is clear that even an angel and the remarkable things he could reveal wouldn’t be sufficient to turn a heart either.  Consequently, I had God’s angel share God’s living, heart-altering words with the rich man.  Finally, it is the Holy Spirit working through Scripture that brings faith and changes perspectives.

Despite the licenses I took, I pray that this story glorifies God and brings blessing to God’s people.  Perhaps especially to some who are losing sight of the most important things – their Savior and their soul.

Merry Christmas, everyone!  We have Everything in Jesus!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

Our Transcendent God

Our Transcendent God

Rochelle waved her farewells to some of the other folks from church as she unlocked her car door and climbed in.  It was a good sermon today; very timely.  A message about God’s infinite love, power, wisdom and faithfulness, and how his children can and should trust him completely. 

But anxiety still roiled her stomach and tormented her mind.  “I want to trust you, Lord, but the uncertainties in my life are so many and my problems so large,” she whispered.

Her health had unexpectedly declined in the past few months, and her illness threatened her job, her finances, and her family’s well-being – not to mention potentially her very life.  To say that her circumstances dominated her thoughts would be an understatement.  They were an ever-present shadow in her days and nights.

At her insistence, her husband had taken the kids camping that weekend for one more hurrah before school began.  She didn’t have the energy to go along.  The truth was she actually craved a bit of peace and quiet before the next medical appointment and whatever news that would bring.

Rochelle said it again … tears brimming in her eyes.  “I want to trust you, Lord.  Help me!  Help me trust!  Give me peace!  Reassure my troubled heart!”

She sat there a moment in earnest prayer.  Finally, she sighed deeply and prepared to leave.  Realizing that she’d be heading into the blinding morning sun, she lifted her hand and flipped down her visor.  Something toppled onto her lap.  She retrieved it and was shocked to find it was a gold-colored flash drive.  Even more shocking was the silver label on the drive that read, “Your Transcendent God.”

What was this?  Her first thought was that someone from church had left it for her.  But no, the car had been locked.  She looked around anyway; no one was paying her any attention. 

Her second thought was that it had been left there by her husband.  But that couldn’t be either.  She had lowered that visor just yesterday … after the family had departed for the campground.  There had been nothing there.

“Who put this here?” she wondered.  And immediately, the initial question presented itself again: “What is this?”  She rolled it over in her fingers, trying to make sense of it.  No obvious answers came, so she tucked the drive in a pocket of her purse and drove home.

Even as she changed into more leisurely clothes, her mind never strayed from the flash drive.  So many questions!  The most significant one being … should she open it?  Was it safe?  What would she find there if she did?

After much internal debate and a number of fervent prayers, she sat down at her computer and turned it on.  Despite her concerns, her curiosity compelled her.  With another prayer, she popped the drive into the proper port and held her breath.  “USB Drive (Divine:)” showed up on her screen.  Rochelle inhaled in shock; she had never seen a USB designation like that before.

Slowly … so slowly … she moved the cursor over the name, paused, and then clicked.  There was only one file listed.  It was named, “A Special Message for Rochelle.”  She sucked in another astonished breath and dropped back against her chair-back, staring.

It took a moment before she could move.  But when she did, it was numbly and seemingly without thought; her hand reached for the mouse and she opened the file.

Her screen was filled with a lovely ladybug.  Rochelle initially thought it was a picture, but as she watched, the ladybug extended its wings.  They fluttered and then returned to their place.  Not a picture then, but a video!

The ladybug faded from view and the black sky with thousands of stars took its place.  Golden letters appeared one-by-one from left to right to spell, “Your Transcendent God.”

The words faded from view and the stars took on a crisper focus.  Then gradually what appeared like multi-colored lasers began to crisscross the screen, bursting every which way.  Rochelle intuitively understood that this was energy being dispersed, every particle having its own light display.  The beams continued to increase in number until the entire screen was a writhing spiderweb of color. 

The view was beautiful but bewildering.  Rochelle found herself dizzy and nauseous.  She was about to look away when the beams disappeared, and a new message took form.  “The cosmos: too much for you, but not for God.”

Next, the world took shape as it was viewed from space.  The features became defined; continents and oceans.  Then the flashing beams began to appear again, flying every which way and gradually increasing in number – each an indicator of energy and a display of activity.  When it reached the point of unbearability, it disappeared and these words emerged: “The world: too much for you, but not for God.”

This same scenario was repeated with the nation, her state, and her city.  Each time, the statement “Too much for you, but not for God” marked the end of one view and the beginning of another. 

Rochelle was mesmerized at what she had witnessed.  However, she was truly overwhelmed when an aerial view of her house showed up, the same process occurred, and she was informed yet again, “Too much for you, but not for God.”

The overhead view of her house and yard was presented once more.  This time though it zoomed slowly in on the decorative wooden cross they displayed in their front yard.  The energy shots gradually resumed, but different this time in that Rochelle could see the sources of the beams.  Winged maple spinners dropping from the nearby tree and bouncing off the crossbeam.  Various insects climbing up and down the center post.  Sparrows landing and then taking flight again.  She was amazed at how much activity took place just on the cross alone. 

That’s when the rain began – each droplet a blue laser which erupted into multiple lights when striking the wood.  The rain increased in intensity, and soon the cross was ablaze in blue.  This time the message read, “The cross: too much for you, but not for God.”

The video continued with the cross visible again.  The focus drew closer until it centered on the point where the arms extended from the beam.  There was the ladybug again!  The rain pelted all around it, but it seemed to be untouched.  As was the wood upon which it was resting!

A new proclamation: “Keeping a ladybug dry in a downpour: too much for you, but not for God.”

Then a new and longer message scrolled unto the screen, each line displayed below the previous. 

“I know all.”

“I control all.”

“I love you.”

“I will take care of you.”

“I will take care of everything.”

“I always do!”

“Your Transcendent God.”

The video froze there.  A thunder-burst pulled her attention from the screen.  It was actually raining!

Rochelle couldn’t help herself; she ran to the closet and grabbed her raincoat.  Bursting out the front door and dashing toward the cross, she realized that the rain was letting up.  She slowed as she approached the cross, reluctant at what she might find.  Or not find.

She eased closer.  The back of the cross was completely soaked.  She stepped around to the front and drew closer.  There in the center of the cross sat the ladybug!  Rochelle gasped, then took another step nearer.  Though the front of the cross was also drenched, immediately around the ladybug was a small dry spot, and the dry area was shaped like a heart!  The lovely ladybug extended its wings.  They fluttered and then returned to their place.

Rochelle began to sob uncontrollably.  Her God who died for her knew her and what she was going through, and he loved her and promised to take care of everything.  He truly was a Transcendent God!  He was a God worthy of her trust.

When Rochelle returned to her computer, the flash drive was gone.  But not her hope and joy.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Our Transcendent God

All-Powerful

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind.  Is anything too hard for me?”  (Jeremiah 32:27)

Jesus said, “… With God all things are possible.”  (Matthew 19:26)

All-Knowing

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him …(Hebrews 4:13)

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.  (Psalm 139:1-4)

Full of Love for Us

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  (Jeremiah 31:3)

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!  (1 John 3:1)

Faithful

Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.  (Psalm 89:8)

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

Worthy of Trust

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  (Psalm 18:2)

Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you.  (1 Peter 5:7)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7)

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