[Faith-talk] Chapter 10 of my novel

[Donna Elliott]

WOW! Poppa Bear!  Keep it coming!  Prayers, Donna 

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7



Sent from my iPad

> On Aug 12, 2014, at 1:21 AM, Poppa Bear via Faith-talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> To those who have been enjoying my unfinished book so far I thank you for
> taking the time to continue on this little journey. 
> 
> Chapter 10
> 
>    Ed and Ben had met with Luke earlier in the week and now Sunday was
> quickly approaching. The two elders had been walking on pins since the
> meeting and tensions were mounting. Ed had got out of his car on Saturday
> morning, saw a homeless native man bundled up in a sleeping bag in some
> shrubbery, walked over to him, quickly looked to the left and right  and
> gave him a quick kick as he roused him awake and ran him off.
> 
>    Ben had been extremely irritable at home and his wife was taking the
> blunt of his stress He became sharp with her on many occasions, only to feel
> angry with himself after he had let some hurtful words fly at her. When the
> grand kids came over on Thursday night he stayed in his office the whole
> time. Typically  he would have dropped anything to spend a few minutes with
> them. Instead of feeding on the word in his office, he crunched number after
> number trying to figure out how to cut church costs and the more he
> crunched, the angrier he became with what he saw as waist on needless
> comforts and accommodations.
> 
>    Alli was dealing with problems of her own as the week progressed. It was
> true that she received a great since of fulfillment at her job, but the
> tides of life were steadily chipping away at her fragile wall of security on
> a daily basses. One minute she would think that she had the ideal life and
> then the next she would feel depressed, unattractive and lonely. To top it
> off, she was starting to have second thoughts about her relationship with
> Mike, the handsome and seemingly flawless worship leader.
> 
>    Since the meeting Luke had been doing what he normally did, spending a
> lot of time in the word, going before the thrown of the Father to commune,
> giving thanks and seeking for guidance to help minister to his fellow
> brothers and sisters. This week he had constantly been drawn to read a few
> older writings of some compelling Scottish Divines that used rich and
> powerful words that made him feel as if God was right before him placing his
> hand in his very own.
> 
>    He had no master plan to miraculously snatch the church out of all of
> its problems, or to convert the entire town. His plan was to seek enough
> light to carry out what was before him at that particular moment. Right now,
> the task consisted in thinking about a message for the coming Sunday.
> 
>    On Saturday night he had been encamped in an old room above the
> sanctuary which over looked the Anchorage park strip and part of the Down
> town area. The room was very modest by many standards, but after spending
> several years in the villages with not much more personal space than a
> closet, the small room was more than adequate for his needs.
> 
>    He had been provided with a twin mattress that sat upon a nondescript
> old battered wood frame. There appeared to be a nicely worn handmade quilt
> on top with a thick wooly blanket beneath that along with a faded pair of
> flannel sheets as the foundation separating tired body from the ruff
> scratchy wool and the old warn mattress.
> 
>    Next to his bed sat a small rickety wooden stool that he accommodated
> for a bed side table. On the small table he placed his bible, old coffee cup
> and a very dated silver wined up clock. More than that could not fit.
> 
>    There was also an old teacher's desk that was mammoth in proportion,
> made of oak and looked like it had seen its fare share of years in a class
> room starting at the turn of the century. The chare that was slid under the
> desk was Spartan in appearance, for it looked like it could blister the
> bottom and provide a memorable back ache all in one short sitting.
> 
>    Where the large desk was once dusty and covered in boxes, it now held a
> dozen books or so. There was the Matthew Henry's concise commentary on the
> whole bible, also called the poor man's commentary, the Treasury of David by
> Spurgeon, the Valley of Vision, Unspoken Sermons by McDonald and a large
> parallel bible containing 4 English translations as well as Greek and
> Hebrew. Along with this were other books, but these were the most likely to
> be grabbed on those occasional long sleepless nights or rambling walks.
> 
>    The scarred desktop also held about 5 worn notepads which were filled
> with both finished and unfinished sermons and even a smatter of poetry
> mingled with wondering thoughts. Centered in the middle of the desk,
> somebody had placed a gaudy shiny new calendar with the words "The Good
> Sheppard" written in old English across the top. The last occupant of the
> aged desk was a small forsaken casino green table lamp with a flexible arm
> and a faded brownish colored pull string that was the soul means of
> artificial lighting in the room. 
> 
>    The floor of the rectangle shaped room was a smooth and faded solid hard
> wood. The walls which had been bare bone now held 6 or so nice size heavily
> creased maps. The maps included the Holy land, the Province of Asia Minor,
> an old looking map of the Roman Empire and two newer maps of Russia and
> Alaska.
> 
>    As he pored over his bible gathering thoughts for the coming day he
> could hear the music from the sanctuary below. Saturday evenings were always
> reserved for song rehearsal. He was a person who enjoyed music, but never
> the less; his spirit was not soothed by the songs which were being sung
> below. The music seemed to have an eerie resemblance to the modern day pop
> ditties that seemed to only scrape the shallow surfaces of what, too him,
> was created to be a rich ocean of treasures and worshipful expressions.
> Never the less he was soon lost in the scriptures and the outer sounds did
> not penetrate the inner meditations
> 
>    When Sunday morning arrived Luke felt calm and focused. His focus was
> not on one particular plan, but rather it was on being open to the Spirits
> guiding influence. He felt like it was Christmas morning and as he looked at
> every new face he felt as if they were gifts waiting to be unwrapped.
> 
>    He walked around the foyer simply observing the people as they came in.
> Some were dressed in suits which could have been Taylor fit; the cuts were
> so precise and business like. Others wore the typical department store suit
> and tie while the dress of the women varied from modest dresses, to tight
> pants and form fitting low cut blouses and sweaters which seemed to have the
> potential to attract one too many glances from the opposite sex.
> 
>    Jewelry was worn liberally by many of the women, and designer purses
> hung from many a wrist
> 
>    Mike Carder the worship leader approached the podium, grabbed a
> microphone, greeted everyone, centered himself on the stage and then
> launched into a song. People filed into their chares at this point and
> started to focus on the performance. About 20 percent of the crowd joined in
> as the words of the songs skipped across two large screens and thundered
> over a myriad of large speakers placed on the walls of the sanctuary. Others
> looked on as if they were semi board, while others seemed to scout around
> the room looking to see who was there.
> 
>    Earlier that morning Ed had quickly briefed Luke on the normal routine
> of requesting any distinguishing politicians in the crowd to stand up to be
> recognized. Ed explained to Luke that this helped enhanced their standing as
> a church in the city and it was a very important part of their service at
> the "Good Sheppard."
> 
> Ed now approached the podium, smiled profusely, made some announcements,
> prayed for the offering and announced that they would have a guest speaker
> today. All and all it had the feel of an intro to an infomercial. Most of
> the crowd stared on as if they were at a seminar, a subtle excitement was
> there, but it was the anticipation that belongs to customers waiting to get
> their monies worth.
> 
>    After the offering plates were gathered Luke approached the podium. His
> attire was modest, no jewelry, fancy shoes or shiny new bible. His suit
> could have been any ware from 10 days old to 20 years old. His bible was
> bound in black leather and very, very worn.
> 
>    His movements as he made his way toward the front were leisurely and
> without ceremony or affectation. He looked into the rows of people and made
> eye contact with many, never just glancing at a person, but actually
> acknowledging them through his eyes. His eyes were probably his most
> distinguishing feature because they were not just simply two round orbs that
> provided vision, they were stirring portraits which could both send and
> receive powerful emotions. They could carry a look of softness at times that
> could give comforting warmth like a ray of sunshine on a chilly day and at
> other times they could flash with a look of compassion that was so deep, it
> would make you think that he was literally experiencing the suffering of the
> suffering that he was only witnessing. 
> 
> He smiled warmly to the people nearest him and the smile was so infectious
> that some women in the first row even turned away with a look of shy
> childlike embarrassment on their blushing faces as they encountered the
> frank and open smile of Luke. His stature was not imposing, but yet there
> was a kind of rugged and vibrant looking strength that underlined his 5-10,
> 175 pound frame. A small patch of white could be seen peeking out from under
> his dark black locks of hair where the bandage lay over his wound, but this
> seemed to only add to his presence rather than mar it in any way.
> 
>    After offering up a short, but precise prayer he thanked the people,
> then immediately launched into his message. The fact that he completely
> skipped Ed's most prized part of the entire service, the introduction of the
> local big wigs in the audience, made Ed almost choke on his coffee as he
> sipped it. This was highly frustrating for him because he took particular
> pride in the "who's Who" of the church.
> 
>    For Ed and many people their personal wishes are not simply wishes, but
> exacting laws that carry the same weight of the 12 tables in ancient Rome
> where Cicero once stated, "Though all the world exclaim against me, I will
> say what I think: that single little book of the 12 tables, if anyone look
> to the fountain and sources of laws, seems to me, assuredly, to surpass the
> libraries of all the philosophers, both in weight of authority, and
> plenitude of utility."
> 
>    Now that Ed's grand laws had been broken, it was like the law of the 12
> tables were fractured where in the violator could be compelled to undergo
> excruciating consequences until the violated was appeased, who was Ed in
> this case. From this point, Ed's mind instantly started prospecting
> candidates who could temporary take the place of this insolent preacher.
> Though Ed could occasionally be cowed when he felt he was in the wrong, it
> was only by people who he considered to be equals or superiors. In this case
> Luke was far from either to him. 
> 
>    "Our text this morning will be found in the tenth chapter of the book of
> John. The book of John is in the New Testament and it is after the book of
> Luke and before the book of Acts. Then we will read the 23 Psalm. As I read
> the word may we please stand to show our respect to God's word, if you are
> unable to stand do to health or personal reasons then pleas remain seated."
> Ed was indeed tempted to stay seated, but thought about his image and arose
> as most of the people did.
> 
>    John 10: 10-15 "I am the good Sheppard. The good Sheppard lays down his
> life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the Sheppard who owns the sheep.
> So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then
> the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is
> a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
> 
>   I am the good Sheppard: and I know my sheep and my sheep know me- just as
> the father knows me and I know the father-I lay down my life for the sheep."
> He then went on to read the 23rd Psalm.
> 
>    "I have read two portions of scripture this morning that for me are
> vital parts of my relationship with Jesus. It gives way to the reality of
> God's love for not only me, but all of us, illustrating a care that is so
> consuming and tedious that it could only come from the heart of God.
> 
>    The title that Jesus gives his self in the chapter of John is the name
> that this church chooses to use as the representing thought of this body of
> believers and I hope that each of us can come to appreciate and have a fawn
> affection for the title, "Good Sheppard."
> 
>    As many of us sit here in a beautiful warm building, in nice padded
> seats with homes and soft beds to go home to, it may be somewhat difficult
> to connect with the title "Sheppard," We have seen the somber looking
> portraits of a lone Sheppard on the picturesque mountain side tending sheep
> with a club, Sheppard's crook and a flowing robe looking over a kindly flock
> of snow white sheep. But with this idea, the contented looking sheep
> serenely munching on luscious green grass, do we really understand how the
> words of Jesus could tie into this picture? I imagine that in order to
> really grasp the substance of His words we would have to go beyond the
> canvas and into the life of these nomadic people known as Sheppard's."
> 
>    Luke deftly laid out the outer workings of a Sheppard's life. He
> addressed the typical upbringing of a Sheppard child, hardships, education,
> and expectations, how they were looked down upon by the cultures where they
> dwelt and the connection between these people and the nation of Israel. His
> History was so informative and accurate you might have thought he had been
> brought up on the Judean hills from his childhood.
> 
>    He then dove into a portion of his message that seemed to immediately
> get the attention of more than a few hungry onlookers. His words seemed to
> cut through the air with a living force that was consumed with passion and a
> genuine plea. The plea was not one of a pitiful supplication for people to
> be satisfied with his words, but a powerful plea for people to see that
> Jesus was alive, alive even in the midst of this lowly illustration, and
> alive in a way that no one in our lives could ever be.
> 
>    "Every sheep was of the most priority to the Sheppard. He was familiar
> with every movement of his flock. He had to know what kind of grass they
> were eating, every bite, for the hills were plagued with poisonous shrubbery
> that could harm a sheep.
> 
> The Sheppard had to constantly examine the fleece of every sheep for
> parasites, disease and infections. If a sheep moved too fast he found out
> why, if too slow he had to check on it as well.
> 
>    No sheep could be out of his sight for a minute because of ravenous
> predators. There were deadly flash floods, treacherous cliffs, and a myriad
> of other things that the Sheppard had to be concerned about.
> 
>    The Sheppard's concern was for every bleat, every look, breath and
> movement of his flock. This is a picture of Jesus and the sheep are the
> picture of us." He will not lose one sheep the scripture says and he will
> lay down His own life for His sheep."
> 
>    The illustration that Luke portrayed is difficult to put into words, how
> can you capture such pathos, love, tenderness, constancy and zeal that were
> both poured out by the speaker and brought forth in the words that he spoke.
> He almost seemed to have a look of Holy amazement on his face as he spoke,
> as if he was in ah, receiving the truths for the first time himself. 
> 
>    These were not first time truths to the man though, it was the fact that
> when the words of God that he meditated on day and night broke forth from
> his mouth, a kind of Holy unction took hold of him and a fire filled his
> bones. At times in his life after giving a message he would quickly go to
> his room and drop to his knees with tears running down his face as he became
> cot up in the eternal words and stories that seemed to bring the face of God
> right before him.
> 
>    Before he ended his message he gave an invitation to come forward and
> receive Christ. Ed and Ben immediately looked at each other in alarm. This
> was not a practice at this church, somewhere along the line of creating the
> most comfortable and attractive environment possible, giving invitations to
> actually become a follower of Christ had became nonexistent.
> 
>    Making an alter call seemed old fashion and too denominational for many
> people. On top of that, it was uncomfortable. It brought people to the real
> fork in the road, and the fork wasn't stuck in the middle of a nice sirloin
> steak, it was right in the middle of their soul, and it was not comforting
> to have to deal with that fork and choose which side of it you were going to
> travel on.
> 
>    As Luke gave the final words of his invitation he asked everybody to
> close their eyes and bow their heads. When he almost seemed done, as if in
> harmony 2 people arose on opposite sides of the room and started coming
> forward.
> 
>    One of the on comers was a young girl about 14 and the other was a
> middle age rougher looking man who was dressed in blue jeans, work boots and
> a worn flannel. They both looked like deer who had stumbled out into the
> path of a fleet of 18 wheelers, but as if an invisible string pulled them
> forward, neither swerved to the left or the right.
> 
>    Luke reached out his hands to both, as they both seemed to arrive
> simultaneously. Without hesitation they both took a hand. The tender soft
> hand of the one and the ruff callus covered work hand of the other were both
> grasped by the firm hands of the preacher, the man with the fiery words that
> seemed to burn the soul clean with the story of this Good Sheppard. The tiny
> hand of the young girl and the big strong hand of the man both seemed to
> tremble as if they were holding up a million pounds and the strain of it
> were too much to bear.
> 
>    Luke simply asked, "Do you two want to follow this Sheppard who laid
> down His life for you?" They both meekly nodded yes. "Do you believe that he
> can forgive you your sins and save your souls?" Again they both knotted.
> 
>    Luke started to kneel down, and they both seemed to instinctively follow
> and squeezing both of their hands he told them to repeat a short prayer. He
> then placed his hands on their heads and as the patriarchs of old, he asked
> God's blessings on these new children of the kingdom. As he prayed tears and
> sobs racked the body of the young girl who was in the bloom of life, and hot
> tears also flowed freely from the clinched eyes of the older work worn man.
> 
>    As Ed and Ben looked on, both were feeling strong emotions. Ed's
> feelings sat in the realm of shock and embarrassment while Ben's were
> feelings of a deep longing and an exhausting tiredness. As the two new
> believers sat before him, heads bowed, tears running down their faces, one
> large burning tear escaped Bens left eye and rolled down his cheek. He
> quickly wiped it away, why, he did not know.
> 
>    Alli sat a little aw struck because she had never felt the reality of
> Jesus as a real life person to be so vivid and palpable. She was almost in a
> daze as she just seemed to sit there. Even when most of the congregation
> started to get up to say by to one another she still just sat there looking
> down at her feet.
> 
>    She had a rush of feelings and new thoughts pulsating through her body,
> almost sparkling and bubbling up like a stream of living water. In the midst
> of the flood of these emotions she had one particular revelation, something
> like an epiphany. She knew at that second that she had never really known
> Jesus and this was her first glimpse into His face and it was so beautiful,
> so powerful that she was lost in a deep since of joy, mingled with an
> inexplicable since of sorrow. A few large tears rolled down her smooth
> cheeks breaking in on her momentary reverie.
> 
>    The joy she felt was due to the fact that she had now really tasted the
> living water and new it was the only thing that could really ever quenched
> the thirst and longing that lay within her confused heart. The sorrow was
> twofold. First she had lived so long without seeing a living portrait of the
> Savior, and second was she felt that the moment would pass and she didn't
> know what to do to retain the since of His presence shining so brightly in
> her mind's eye. 
> 
> 
> 
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