Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: ZEST (10/01/15)
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TITLE: On Wings of Service | Previous Challenge Entry
By Grace Teoxon
10/08/15 -
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I clutched my cloak closer to my body, drawing the folds of my stola (garment). I was not cold as I’ve been to the bathhouse. The grime accumulated in the sea voyage from the port of Lechaeum in Corinth to the port of Rome slipped off in rivulets down my body, the warmth spreading from the tips of my hair down to my toes. No … the shivers were for something else. Slipping my hand, I felt again for the crinkly surface of the manuscript in a secret pocket. Difficult as it was, I had to travel alone to safeguard my precious cargo from prying eyes, even friendly ones. The cloak’s hood kept my face in shadow. Hearing my stomach rumbled, I bought an apple and a vigorous wipe at my stola added to its shine and to my hunger. Munching, I threaded with care among the throng of shoppers. I was finally on the way …
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“Greetings,” a voice called out from the gate. I looked at them, weary travelers for sure. For the past years, my home sheltered Christian travellers and pilgrims, Jews and Gentiles alike. I’ve been living alone since my parent’s death. God in His goodness destined me to meet an old friend of theirs who introduced me to the faith. The believers embraced me into their circle and since then, they became my family.
Getting the letter from his outstretched hand, I read the letter and gasped … oh, glory be, it’s Paul … the apostle, leader and church planter.
“I welcome you all. I’m greatly honored,“ ushering them into the cool interiors. “Please eat and take a rest … your rooms are ready.”
Paul running his fingers through his hair said, “Thank you, we wouldn’t think of staying anywhere else. The work you do here in Cenchrea for the church, taking in strangers, the homeless, and providing for orphans and widows have gone beyond this city. God sees your kind heart and will surely bless you.”
A spirit of rejoicing invaded the church. Some nights we gathered to listen to Paul talked about Jesus and His redemptive love. Occasionally, I joined his group in mission trips to Corinth, seven or eight miles away. Most nights, I saw light filtering out under the door of his room and knew he was writing. He was pushing himself so hard it was no surprise when he came home sick one day. I felt his fevered brow and attended to him for days. Once he got well, he had his head shaved to fulfill a vow … for what, he didn’t say. One day, he called me aside.
“I wish to thank you with all my heart for all you have done for me and my companions. It’s been 18 months and we’ll soon have to move on. But there’s something else … I’ve always wanted to go to Rome but God has other plans. I heard you might go to Rome for business. But even if not, I implore you to go in God’s name. Please deliver this to our Roman Christian brothers and sisters,” handing me a packet.
Alone in my room, I opened it … whoa… an Epistle to the Romans.
~~~~~
I passed a row of houses, then fewer houses, and then the manse and church – striking in its plainness. I knocked and heard the scraping of chairs … and steps, many footfalls. The door opened and I saw the room was quite full… heads peering over heads.
“I am Phoebe.”
Silence met my announcement, yet, a pulsating anticipation was felt. The grape-vine went ahead of me; I handed the letter.
Paul wrote:
“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.” (Romans 16: 1-2 NKJV)
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References:
http://www.gotquestions.org
http://archive.churchsociety.org
http://www.christianitytoday.com
http://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies
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God bless~
Even though I did not know where it would lead, it was interesting.
The end explained it all.