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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Sightseeing (08/08/05)
King El Shaddai threw his warm cloak around his broad muscular shoulders. Today He was taking a journey to go sightseeing in the village of Mansoul. He was anxious to see all the progress that had been made since His last visit. His Son, Prince Emmanuel, would accompany Him on His journey. Because of the young Prince’s influence, Mansoul now had a bridge joining King El Shaddai’s kingdom and the village of Mansoul. This bridge allowed “whosever will” to come and be a part of King El Shaddai’s glorious kingdom.

“Are you ready, Father?” Prince Emmanuel asked.

“Yes, Son! We must be on Our way. There will be many faithful servants in Mansoul who will be anticipating Our visit.”

**

“Your Majesty! How good it is to see You again!” greeted the gatekeeper of Mansoul as he bowed before his King.

“And how good it is to see you again, my beloved friend. Do you have any news to report of Mansoul’s progress?”

“Yes, Your Highness! The bridge Prince Emmanuel built is quite a landmark in Mansoul. We have daily visitors who come to see the bridge because someone has told them about it. It’s the main attraction here in Mansoul.”

King El Shaddai beamed. “Oh, that is Good News!”
“Why, King El Shaddai, that’s exactly what most of our visitors keep repeating to themselves after they visit the wooden bridge – Good News! Such Good, Good News!” the gatekeeper exclaimed. “And our population has exploded since Prince Emmanuel built that bridge!”

“So the bridge is making a difference in the lives of the citizens of Mansoul?” the King inquired.

“Oh yes, Your Eminence! The difference it has made is tremendous. Some say the quality of life in Mansoul has gone from darkness to Light since they have crossed that bridge. We just can’t thank You enough!”

“Are there any other landmarks the tourists enjoy visiting?” the kind King questioned.

“The beautiful fountain in the town square has been quite a popular spot for all the sightseers! The crimson waters seem to have healing powers. Our guests call it the Fountain of Life!”

The King grinned broadly at His beloved Son. The Son tenderly smiled in return.

“Oh, that is amazing! Absolutely amazing!” the King roared.

“Your Majesty, that’s exactly what the residents of Mansoul are calling it, too. Amazing! Absolutely amazing grace!” the gatekeeper chimed.

A crowd of people scurried toward the royal carriage. Shouts of adoration and thanksgiving filled the air. “Long live King El Shaddai! Praises be to Prince Emmanuel!”

King El Shaddai stood and welcomed each soul into His presence. A lanky lad fell before Him. King El Shaddai took him by the hand and lifted Him to his feet.

“What has the bridge meant to you, lad?” the King asked.

“I once was blind but now I see!” shouted the boy.

“And you, over there……. What has the bridge meant to you?”

An elderly gentleman choked, “I was lost but now I’m found!”

A woman in the back hollered, “I was in fetters, but now I am free!”

One by one the citizen’s of Mansoul cried out what the bridge meant to each of them.

A holy hush draped over the citizens of Mansoul as a stranger appeared in their midst. His brow was wrinkled. He looked puzzled as he peered at the residents of Mansoul. Shaking his head he replied, “I’ve been to see the bridge and I just don’t get why anybody would think it’s so special! It’s nothing fancy! In fact it’s really quite plain! Why! It’s only made with three rusty nails and two pieces of an old tree! Would somebody tell me what all this fuss is about?”

Prince Emmanuel leaped from the carriage and took the stranger’s hand and whispered in his ear, “Let’s go look at the bridge together!”

King El Shaddai raised His hands in triumph! “That’s the most beautiful sight I’ve seen all day!”

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” II Chronicles 16:9a KJV
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This article has been read 1645 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
DeAnna Brooks
08/15/05
Incredibly powerful piece of writing. When my flesh wasn't covered in goose-bumps, my tears were streaked with tears. I still feel Prince Emmanuel's hand and hear His Voice as we walk to the bridge together. Beautiful and fresh perspective of the banner of joy and love that waves over us. Thank you!
Beth Muehlhausen
08/19/05
Loved this artistic way of telling the Good News. The dialogue was great, and the scripture at the end was - perfect!
Shari Armstrong 
08/19/05
Very creative parable format! Nicely done :)
Karen Schravemade
08/20/05
This was a beautiful allegory. I loved the line, "It's nothing fancy!... It's only made with 3 rusty nails and two pieces of an old tree!"
I stumbled a little in the first paragraph where you wrote that Mansoul now had a brdge that connected the kingdom with the village of Mansoul... this is a bit repetitive. Perhaps you could have written that a bridge now connected the village of Mansoul with the kingdom... thus avoiding the double-up on the word "Mansoul".
Otherwise, this was excellent! A great read!
Julianne Jones
08/27/05
What a wonderful modern-day parable. This was good! Thanks for sharing.