Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Shhh. (02/18/10)
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TITLE: Standing on the Promises | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Wolther
02/20/10 -
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The earth below lay silent. In the little town of Bethlehem, Mary held her breath and pushed one more time. The long awaited cry was heard, as the son of God—Messiah—took his first breath in a humble manger.
Shouts of joy rang out and the appointed company of heavenly host all looked to God, the orchestrator and conductor. He nodded as if to say, “Yes, it is time. Go and make the announcement now.”
Eagerly they left to do his bidding. Suddenly, shepherds quietly tending their flocks, totally unaware of the momentous event, saw an angel of the Lord and the glory of the Lord shone all around them, and they were terrified. The angel could hardly contain his joy as he heralded the good news, “Do not be afraid. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you!”
Then, to the shepherds’ amazement, the whole company of angels appeared praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14 NIV)
The wait was over. God, who still favored man, despite our incredible disobedience to him, had fulfilled the law and the prophets and all his promises to his faithful servants that had come before. His peace had arrived, in the flesh.
Thirty-three years after the first “Shh!” while Jesus was hanging on the cross for us, darkness came over the land and the earth was still while all the beings in heaven again waited with bated breath. Jesus cried out once again, in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. Then, the earth shook and the rocks split.
When those who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matt 27:50-54 NIV)
On the third day, there was a violent earthquake and all of the beings in heaven looked to God, who nodded at the angel standing out in front in eager anticipation. At God’s nod, the angel came down from heaven, and going to Jesus’ tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightening and the guards shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women who had come to look for Jesus, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen just as he said.”
Later, the risen Jesus told his disciples, “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses; the Prophets and the Psalms.” (Luke 24:44 NIV)
Then, when he left them and was taken up into heaven they, along with all the beings above, worshipped and praised him with shouts of joy.
One final time, all of the beings in heaven will wait with bated breath, and look to God for his nod of approval, and then they shall gather around Jesus and he will come to earth again, with a loud command, with the voice of the arch angel and with the trumpet call of God and we will be caught up with him to be with him forever. Will we, as John wrote that he did in Revelation, fall at Jesus’ feet as though dead and hear the same words he heard?
Shh! Listen. “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever!” (Rev 1:17-18 NIV)
He is coming soon! Shout it out, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Through eternal ages let his praises ring.
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The only thing I'd change is the title--it's the same as a beautiful old hymn, and your very creative entry deserves an equally creative title.
I loved reading about the different times when heaven was hushed.