Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Bridge (07/31/08)
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TITLE: Back to Jerusalem | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ruth Banner
08/05/08 -
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Back to Jerusalem
All sense of time had long since vanished in the inky blackness. Peter struggled to keep his mind focused. He prayed desperately--like a drowning man reaching for a rope--afraid to tire, lest he sink and never surface again. Foggy thoughts—disjointed and jumbled—drifted in and out of his consciousness, taunting him with confusion.
Somewhere in the distance, a door closed with a dull thud. He could hear the sound of feet padding on rock as someone approached. The door to his cell grated against the stone floor as it was forced open. Two men grabbed hold of him and dragged him away in the dark--his useless legs bumping against uneven stones.
Too weak to struggle, his head bobbed against his chest as they drug him along a corridor to a room where a bare light bulb hung from a pealed, moldy ceiling. They dumped him in a heap on the dirt floor, kicked him, and then walked out laughing. Peter curled into a fetal position, whispered The Name, and clung to Heaven’s grace as he drifted into memories of the past.
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“What a catch! It is the biggest haul we’ve ever taken in!” Zihao’s toothless grin spread across his leathered face.
“See? I told you! Jesus is even master of fish!” Tao squinted against the sun reflecting off the mirror-like scales of hundreds of fish as they sloshed and flipped across the wet deck of the rocking boat.
Zihao’s smile faded as he hauled in the last of the net. Before dawn that morning, Tao had told him about Jesus. “He is Master of all. You must follow Him.”
Skepticism followed Zihao like a shadow. His clipped reply had been, “There are many masters in this world, yet none can feed the starving. If this Jesus is Master, let him fill our boat! If he can do that, I will follow him.”
Zihao stared at the fish—the only fish caught in weeks. Tao watched his old friend wrestle with his decision, then gently said, “To follow Christ will cost you everything.”
Zihao carefully tossed aside the net he’d been holding. “I’m ready. Tell me what to do.”
Tao nodded soberly and cast a glance to Heaven. “Thank you,” he silently prayed.
As if on cue, a puff of wind filled their little sail, and pushed them across choppy water towards land. Seagulls flocked above, announcing their arrival, as a crowd began to gather at the dock. Excitement spread as the town’s people watched the boat approach, riding low with its heavy burden.
Tao tossed a rope to someone who snugged them up to the dock. “Take it from here” he yelled above the growing din. He took Zihao by the arm and jumped from the boat. Maneuvering through the exuberant crowd, the men walked quickly as they zigzagged through cramped alleyways and narrow lanes. Finally stopping at a dilapidated house, they ducked through a chipped green door.
“This way,” Tao whispered, as he led Zihao through several dark rooms, then down steep stairs carved in dirt. At the bottom they entered a musty room full of people kneeling in prayer.
“Zihao will join us!” Tao announced. As the small band of believers stood, Zihao fell to his knees, overcome by the presence of God. Surrounded by prayer and thanksgiving, Zihao surrendered his life to Christ.
Tao laid his hand on Zihao’s shoulder. “There is a story of a fisherman from long ago. Jesus also filled his boat with fish, and gave him the name, Peter. You will share his name, and from now on, you will fish for men.” Someone started to sing. Overcome, Zihao—Peter lost himself in worship.
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The sound of chains clattering interrupted his reverie, pulling Peter back to the present. A man was bent over him, unlocking his shackles. He scooped Peter up, and carried him outside, gently setting him down. “Be of good courage!” A surge of strength shot through Peter, and the pain left his body. He looked up. Jesus stood before him—shining like the sun.
“Many have gone before you, taking My Gospel to the nations; beginning in Jerusalem long ago, until now—finally reaching the remotest parts of the earth. Yet more remains to be done. I give to you and your brethren, the last leg of this great commission. You will carry My Gospel through lands where darkness reigns. You will bridge the remaining gap. Take My Gospel back to Jerusalem.”
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Addendum:
There is testimony coming out of the Chinese underground church. Jesus has been appearing to persecuted believers, commissioning them to take His Gospel back to Jerusalem.
These brethren have been beaten, imprisoned, and tortured for their faith. They have lost homes, family personal belongings and friends. They have been starved and had to go into hiding.
They have counted the cost of choosing to follow Christ, and have determined to obey Him.
The road they must walk leads through nations hostile to Christianity.
Please pray for our brethren who face great perils and grave danger as they endeavor to fulfill Jesus’ call to take The Gospel back to Jerusalem.
For more information see: www.backtojerusalem.com/vision/
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I had trouble placing the setting. I wasn't sure if it was in Biblical times or not until the end. More setting descriptions nearer the beginning would have helped.
Thank you for reminding us of what many Christians around the world must face.
It is really good, and all about Christians being persecuted in China.
Thanks for the entry and interesting insight.
May God bless.
Sincerely,
Dan Blankenship