Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “Don’t Try to Walk before You Can Crawl” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/17/08)
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TITLE: JUST ME AND JESUS COUNTING THE COST | Previous Challenge Entry
By Paul Potenza
01/22/08 -
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I wanted to be the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. I wanted to be an imposing presence, squared away, chest heavy with medals, directing young Marines with smooth efficiency and panther-like precision.
I went through Parris Island and took everything that they threw at me and still managed to come out of the grinder not only alive but with my first stripe. I did my compulsory Fleet Tour and wound up with two additional stripes which cost me dearly. I was now a Corporal. One day as I was walking across a flight line to deliver a message, I looked down at my arm and saw my Corporal's stripes. I began to realize how much they had cost me...and how much more they would cost. I could count the cost in blood.
He wanted to be the Saviour of the World. He wanted to be an inviting presence, gentle, heart filled with love, nurturing sinners with heaven sent prodding and lamb like affection.
He left His golden throne to become a baby in a manger. He went through Boot Camp in Egypt and Nazareth and came through with flying colors. He managed to come out of a political regime that had tried many times to have him murdered. He was now a Man of God. One day as He was walking along the road to Jerusalem to deliver a message, He looked at His friends and saw the stripes that He carried. He realized what they had cost Him so far...and how much more they would cost. He could count the cost in blood.
When I wanted to be Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, I was in a hurry to get to the top. I didn't realize how expensive getting to the top was. I didn't stop to count the cost.
Jesus counted the cost. He counted it in every sin. He counted it in every lash that He would have to take and every drop of spit and every hand laid on him in violence. And with eyes brimming with tears of love He gave Himself over and said "Father...Forgive them..."
JUST JESUS AND ME COUNTING THE COST.
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Beautifully and nicely done!