So, here it goes: The following is the first part of the introduction to the new book I am writing. I am interested to hear from anyone who might take a shot at sharing with me and others what the topic is. I will give the answer tomorrow.
It is another glorious Friday spring evening in Jerusalem, Canaan. The lazy amber sunlight is casting purple shadows through the trees adorning the Mount of Olives. The time: approximately 7:15 Eastern Jerusalem Standard. Jesus and his team are beginning to arrive from various directions; tired, small tufts of dust trailing their sandaled feet, you can hear their laden breathing and shuffled steps lilting in and out, a weary melody. In the center of the camp, their customary Friday gathering place, a rich camel dung fire is hissing and filling the gentle breeze with nature’s incense. There is no conversation while each of the drafted twelve (in some places known simply as the Twelve Guys) taking their place around their leader (there had been much lobbying, dialogue and finally drawing of goat hairs to decide their seat positions).
As is customary after spending the week walking through the marketplaces, conversing amidst local beggars, thieves, prostitutes, lepers, delicatessen operators, lawyers, tax collectors, loan sharks and Pharisees (in no particular order), they are preparing to share their interactions. Jesus unrolls his papyrus journal scroll and removes a charcoal stick that has fallen out of the campfire’s flames. He takes a deep breath, looks at each of his disciples with a glowing smile, and begins to speak.
“So, Pete. How was your week? Good gathering? How many did you bring in?”
Peter, noticeably eager to share his joy of accomplishment, proudly declares, “Three Roman soldiers, five hookers, one begrudging lawyer, and four thieves; they used to be used camel dealers.”
“Nice. Good work,” replies the Enlightened One. He continues after jotting down the tally and a few notes, “Hey, Jude, don’t make it bad…how’s your week been? I know we talked about a new approach to overcoming the obstacles you’ve been encountering from that reputation people seem to have about you being two-faced. Any luck closing some new ones?”
Judas jumps right in. “Jesus, you won’t believe it…it really helped when I told people what you said when I responded to those comments: ‘Every coin has two sides, but does that make it more or less valuable? I have flipped my coin to a new side and ask that you accept my value as a new man. Trust me.’ Bottom line: two debtors, one crooked matzoh baker and four beggars.”
“Way to go. Now that’s using your talents!” The group chuckles, then exchange a few high-fives and mitzvahs.
“Johnny, how goes it for you?”
John hesitates, takes a deep breath, and after a long exhale says, “I am sorry to say that I have had no luck. I kept asking people to ‘Believe,’ but no one’s buying it.”
Jesus scratches his beard and replies with slow dialogue, “Hmmm, sorry to hear that, bro. Unfortunately, that will bring your Same Soul Sales to 5% below last month and 66.6% below last year’s activities.”
In the distance a rumble and groan of thunder breaks the thickened silence.
Posts
