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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Manuscript (04/29/10)
He held his pen above the page, focused, contemplating. His hand trembled as images from his encounter swirled through his mind.

Lord, I’m frightened. His heart raced. I don’t know what to say. He gazed at the blank paper, insecurity welling in his eyes.

He hesitated, as if waiting for the visions of what he witnessed to form into words.

I know I must do this. His eyes grew wide with uncertainty. Please, guide me.

His hand swirled into motion.

I’m awestruck by what I’ve seen. Anxiety consumed his senses. What you’ve shown me.

He formed every thought, each word with great diligence. His newfound concentration unyielding, he wrote with an enthusiasm and purpose he had never before experienced. The descriptions began to flow across the page.

How do I put into words those things which have astonished and horrified me? His mind ablaze with a blur of exhilaration and trepidation, he continued to pour the images onto the parchment with incredible accuracy. I must continue – I must try.

He Paused.

The suffering – the sorrow. He lifted his head and gazed skyward for a moment. Why was I chosen to witness such anguish? Apprehension jabbed at the pit of his stomach. How can I describe what I don’t comprehend?

He blinked his dampened lashes as he continued to scribe.

Who will believe me? His hand stuttered in mid sentence. Why would they accept what I’m saying? I have seen things I don’t fully comprehend. How can I expect them to understand? He pondered the situation. To believe? He returned his pen to the document. Some will not. He choked back his emotions. I must continue.

Vivid, spellbinding images continued to erupt from his pen. The pages filled.

Such bloodshed. His mind once again flashed on the events which unfolded before his eyes. I’ve never before witnessed such carnage. Yet some won’t listen. Grief etched lines across his face. Why won’t they?

He continued recording the events which were now seared into his consciousness, his hand cramped and twisted from his efforts. The hours passed; he remained engrossed in his work.

I have finished. He straightened the stack of filled pages. Finished writing what I’ve seen. I am exhausted. He held his head in his hands. But my job is not complete. I was warned. He again raised his pen. I cannot seal this book. I must ensure the words are heard.

He spoke aloud as he wrote, “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"

Thank you Lord. He penned more words onto the manuscript. You’ve revealed many truths to me. I pray they listen. He heaved a belabored sigh. I wish none to suffer what I’ve seen. Tears streamed down his face. But many will.

He continued to speak as he wrote, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon.

I pray the world will listen.

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

I pray they heed this warning.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.”



***

Versus quoted

Rev 22: 8 & 9 NIV
Rev 22: 18 – 21 NIV


Based loosely on the writing of the book of Revelation
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 1070 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Laury Hubrich 
05/10/10
I imagine this is exactly what happened with John. Love your title:)
Barbara Culler 
05/11/10
WOW! So vivid and powerful!
Gerald Shuler
05/11/10
What a manuscript to write! You did good with the little details. I can just see John shaking his head and sweat flies freely from his brow. Powerful entry.
Kate Oliver Webb
05/11/10
A really well-done piece of imagery of the production of one of our greatest manuscripts.
Ann Stocking
05/11/10
Well woven together, giving life to John's writing of Revelation.
Beth LaBuff 
05/11/10
It slowly dawned on me who you were writing about and the circumstances. You've surely depicted the emotion surrounding John as he penned Revelation. Wow!
Joanne Sher 
05/11/10
I could see John anguishing. Your descriptions are so vivid. I caught on what was being written about a third of the way through, but was still pleasantly surprised to see I was right. This is full of emotion. Masterfully done.
Virgil Youngblood 
05/11/10
You brought this story to life. Well done.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
05/11/10
Masterful presentation of John!
Sarah Elisabeth
05/11/10
Very vivid tale, I started catching on about half way through. Great writing!
Patricia Turner 
05/12/10
You did an wonderful job of showing John's likely emaotions and his humility in this. I enjoyed reading this all the more as I began to realize who the writer was and what it was that he was writing.
Loren T. Lowery
05/12/10
Writing historical fiction is not easy task and few are good at it - but you are, indeed. Your telling of this story is like a replay of scenes I had pictured in my own mind. A balance of truth and imagination - great job!
Carol Penhorwood 
05/12/10
So well done. You've made it possible to imagine what John experienced.
AnneRene' Capp
05/12/10
Great imagery of what John must have felt. I also see John's ordeal of witnessing the final days and and then having to write them, as a yoke I am grateful not to have had.

You used several creative and effective descriptions and especially liked:His hand stuttered in mid sentence.
Carole Robishaw 
05/12/10
Good job! I could feel John's anguish at the enormity of the assignment he had received, and at his feelings of not being qualified to undertake such a task.
Rita Garcia
05/12/10
Vivid, powerful and inspirational!
Fantastic!!!