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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Outlandish (05/19/11)
“Well it is hardly surprising given the background is it?”

“What do you mean Justus?”

“Well look here what it says about the parents? Not exactly a promising start is it?”

“I see what you are saying, but the two of us are going to have to try and sort this or it’s going to be a very long day. Maybe we could put parents to one side and concentrate on the applicants themselves? This one does seem to be a good teacher and it says here ‘he has demonstrated a wide variety of teaching methods including active learning and practical demonstration.’ That sounds impressive don’t you think?”

“Um… I agree it is possible he might be entertaining and a crowd puller, but some of the things he says here are frankly controversial and quite contrary to the standard syllabus of our academy. Look here; there are some disturbing reports about his behaviour. ‘can be unpredictable and occasional violent outbursts’ not really what we are looking for is it Denarius?”

“Well lets take a look at the photo, can tell quite a lot from that, where is it now?” Slipped down the back of the file, here we are.”

“Oh my goodness! He’s an ugly one, big nose and frankly looks a bit shifty. Not someone I would want to meet down a back alley on a dark night. Rather outlandish haircut don’t you think? ”

“Well The boss needs us to come up with somebody quickly, is there nothing to commend him? Does it say anything about major achievements or additional skills?”

“Well… One of the references mentions he is a problem solver, uses his own initiative, able to respond well in a crisis and he seems to have impressive first aid skills, done quite a bit on that front, a whole page listing successful cases here.”

“Maybe he might just do, but let’s double check the selection manual for guidance, this is our last chance. The boss will have us for breakfast if we mess up again, Justus.”

“He’ll probably put us on cleaning out the camels, can’t think of anything worse! So let’s see what does it say here? ‘The ideal candidate for the post will fit the following criteria:
Point one: ‘family background: ideal candidate should be of royal descent and come from the town of Bethlehem”

“Gosh that’s a tough one to meet. Hmmm… nope… this guy is a Galilean brought up in Nazareth; we all know nothing good can come from there. Oh wait a mo… his place of birth was actually Bethlehem and family lineage trying to read this… ah hah! We’re in luck, direct descendant in the line of King David, cant get more royal than that!”

“So that’s a tick then Denarius. Now Point two: physical attributes: ‘in appearance no beauty or majesty to attract us to him and nothing in his appearance that we should desire him’ This sure is a strange job specification! Can’t think why the boss has specified this but definitely a tick here, he is ugly as sin no mistake, there is no way the boss can fault us there.”

“So what’s next? Skills and abilities: Right what has the boss put? ‘Anointed to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.’ Gracious me! What ever is he thinking of? ”

“I agree Denarius! This is the most outlandish job description ever! I can’t imagine he has got planned this time. I don’t think we have any chance of finding someone suitable for this job. We might as well get ready for the camel shed!”

“No don’t be so defeatist Justus! We are going to HAVE to come up with someone to fit the bill. Oh gosh we are out of time, I can hear
The Boss coming! We are just going to have to suggest this one; we haven’t got time to look through any more. What does it say this guy’s name is? He’s our only chance!”


Foot note: This is a fictional article based on scriptures concerning the Messiah. Matthew 2:6; Isaiah 52:14; Isaiah 61:1; the quotes are from the NIV.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 853 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jessica Turner-Stotz
05/26/11
Very clever! I loved the dialogue especially because it wasn't forced, flowed nicely, and felt very realistic. Dialogue is a weaker spot for me so I deff. appreciate the strength of it in your piece. Well written :) It could even be fun translated into a script for a play!
Helen Carr
05/27/11
A very witty and clever portrayal of how things might have gone down way back when (well, maybe not exactly, but we can always imagine it was something like this!). Have you written one like this before (similar setting?). You are extremely good at dialogue; I agree that this would be an excellent script for a church drama/skit leading into the verse you quoted at the end. Well done!
Lyn Churchyard
05/28/11
Very well done Di11. A very different take on the topic. Makes you wonder if some of the Jews back in Jesus' time did just that...searched the scriptures concerning Him.
Lisa Fowler
05/31/11
Excellent writing - delightful read. Thanks for sharing.
Edmond Ng
06/01/11
A very interesting approach on the topic. Enjoyed the read.