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Topic: Discipleship (02/23/04)
TITLE: Was it enough time? By Melanie Kerr 02/23/04 |
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The man. Part of the crowd and yet distinct from it. Taking these last few moments to enjoy the company of friends. Wondering. Was it enough time? Can three years ever be enough time? Together they had journeyed. Along dry, dusty paths that led from one village to another. Meeting, touching and transforming a cast of thousands. Yet walking another path. Beliefs written on cold scrolls breathed into warm hearts.
So many things they have witnessed. Incredible things. What have they seen? The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised. A hundred books could not contain the miracles they have seen.
So many things they have seen. Impossible things. A man walking on water, storms stilled by a command. A crowd of thousands satisfied with a handful of fish and a few loaves. Stones rolled back and shrouded men stepping into the light.
So many things they have heard. Skilfully woven stories that demand a response. Soft words spoken to a child. Strong rebukes to breakdown worldly thinking. Words of forgiveness shouted from the top of a cross. And promises. Yes, promises. Of a blessed future so near, so real. A Kingdom here and yet still to come. Not conceived on this world.
And yet, was it enough? What have they learned? Yes they might pray to their father in heaven. Asking for the Kingdom of heaven to be manifest on earth. They might feed the hungry and release prisoners from their chains. They night seek the lost sheep and welcome lost sons into their arms.
But do they really know?
As the man looks into the eyes of Simon Peter, he sees and he smiles. He sees himself reflected back. Not just his words. Not just his actions. But his heart.
He stretches out his arms joyfully. He can go home. His work is done.