Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: TOURIST TRAP (08/20/15)
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TITLE: The Straps are for Your Protection | Previous Challenge Entry
By Hugh Houchin
08/27/15 -
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Stark naked and strapped to the bench seat of a roller coaster that consisted of only one blue car, Aaron’s engine and caboose left the starting station. At a slow speed it chugged forward on the track before him.
He looked ahead for some indication of the end of the line, a stop sign, anything, but he saw only track. As his eyes gazed forward, he saw the track his car rode on would require it to climb the sides of small mounds. It would need to work its way up larger hills and scale the outer surface of granite-like mountains. While some slopes looked treacherous, others looked gentle and inviting.
Some of the circuits his car had to maneuver were gradual, and some were right angle turns or hairpin curves. From the variety of routes his tracks of adventure took, Aaron concluded some were predetermined while others were free-wheeling.
As his one-car roller coaster lumbered on the tracks, he reached for red, green, and yellow toys that lay on the ground. Some were small, some larger, some round, and some square; others were round pegs askew in square holes.
However, because of the strap, all lay just beyond his outstretched arm. His fingers would brush against an object but he couldn’t grasp it. Some teetered as he touched them, but they remained where they were.
Suddenly, the structure of his journey changed. His blue car turned deep red and followed tracks that careened downward into a deep crevice. At the bottom, a quick right angle turn put him on a path lined with the black images of the fruits of the world.
A liquid splashed over the side of his car. He wiped his finger through the drops that wet the seat he sat on. Putting them to his mouth, the tart sweetness caused saliva to flow between his cheeks. He wanted more, and he cupped his hand and reached over the side of the car, but the strap wouldn’t allow him to reach the sparkling brew.
His eyes searched for a substitute for the forbidden fruit just beyond his reach. He found forefingers with manicured fingernails beckoning to him. Again he struggled to succumb but once more the strap restrained him.
Next, someone told him he had a foolproof way to cheat on income taxes and save thousands of tax dollars. But, this time, Aaron just smiled and laid his head on the back of the car seat. With a look of satisfaction on his face he said, “It ain’t gonna happen.”
His red car took a sharp turn and went up the side of the mountain leaving behind the crevice of temptation. When his combo engine and caboose reached the top of the mountain it stopped and the restraining strap fell from his naked shoulders. The door to his roller coaster car opened, and Aaron stepped out still as naked as the day he stepped into that car.
Closing the door, Aaron noticed the car was again blue.
“Take off your shoes you’re on hallowed ground,” a kind but authoritative voice commanded.
Aaron took off his shoes and stepped back; the car burst into flames.
“If I may borrow from Job 1:21,” the Heavenly voice said, “Naked you came from your mother’s womb, And naked you shall return there.”
A bright sparkle lit up Aaron’s eyes and he said, “You were there the whole trip weren’t you.”
“Yes, I was the strap that protected your nakedness,” the Voice said. "As you grew and we bonded together, spiritually, I was able to give you space because you knew my strap would protect you. As you matured, the strap became love because it was a sign I cared. All I had to do to give you a spiritual hug was tug on it. You knew I was there.
“You see, Aaron, My disciple Peter said, ‘Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.’ 1Peter 1:21
“Along with other Believers, you’re all aliens and strangers to the world. You’re tourists and the world is a trap that’s full of fleshly lusts. That’s why the strap. It saves you from falling into the tourist traps of the world.
All scripture is from the NASB
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