Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: TOURIST ATTRACTION(S) (natural or man-made) (08/06/15)
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TITLE: Truth Attraction | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Gage
08/13/15 -
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“Definitely, my friend! What better time than now to celebrate that you know the living God!” Alon exclaimed.
Oscar could only imagine what it would be like to celebrate the Passover with his Jewish friend. Alon had spent many hours telling and retelling him of the One True God. The God who loved them, gave them the Law and led them to a new land. A Supreme God who promised a savior for His chosen people. Oscar knew he was privileged to know of such a God.
They headed for Jerusalem with doves, goats and sheep in tow.
Ah the Passover, when Jewish people remember how God freed them from slavery in Egypt. Every family’s ‘firstborn’ was killed, but not for the Jewish people who trusted God and put the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. The firstborns of the Jews were saved. Oscar listened to his friend tell this so many times, he felt it was his own history. He was thankful to be able to celebrate it for the first time.
The closer to Jerusalem they got, the more people joined them on the road, traveling to the holy city and the temple where sacrifices were made to the worthy God. Oscar noticed that not all people had animals for their sacrifice. Alon assured him that they would have one when time came. He knew of the opportunities ahead.
At first view of the city the crowds were massive. All these people gathering for one reason: to worship their God, Oscar surmised.
There was some major commotion on the road just ahead of them. Oscar rushed ahead to investigate. Alon right behind. They waded through the crowds and could see some people waving palm branches and shouting.
The people cried out. “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Who was this homage for? It was just a man riding on a donkey. It was Jesus. Alon pulled on Oscar’s arm signaling for them to move on. But Oscar hesitated and stared at Him. Peace and love emanated from His face. Then Oscar saw a teardrop on the man’s cheek. Oscar felt something indescribable in his heart.
He recited in his mind what he heard the people saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Oscar told Alon, “Let’s follow this Jesus.”
Alon knew of this person. He frowned, “NO! Stay on the path to the temple with me.”
Oscar trusted his friend and they made their way to the temple. The place Alon described as the holiest place where God himself dwells. Oscar would have to be satisfied with staying in the outer court. When they stepped in the gate, Oscar marveled at the crowds and chaos. It looked more like a market than a holy place where sacrifices were made to a holy God.
Alon proceeded to set up a table, which confused Oscar. And no sooner had the table been set up when multiple people gathered around, waving coins and asking how much for one of the doves that Alon had brought.
“Cheapest doves here! Come right over!” Shouted Alon.
Oscar was overwhelmed. There were many others at tables selling animals. Some were exchanging coins. People were propelled here and there as they shoved their way to find the best deal for an animal to sacrifice to the one true God. His head was spinning from all the bartering when suddenly there was a loud ‘crack’ that got everyone’s attention.
To Oscar’s surprise there was the man that they called Jesus. The peaceful man from the donkey. But now his face was more than stern as he wielded a whip through the temple courtyard! He stopped only to overturn multiple tables. Goats and sheep trampled out. Doves flailed, coins when flying as people scampered to chase them all!
Alon shook his fist toward Jesus and yelled to Oscar, “Grab that dove!”
Then in words that could silent thunder Jesus said, “Is it not written? ‘My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves.'” (KJV Mk11:17)
Oscar stood in awe and at peace.
How do we Christians make our Lord’s house a tourist attraction?
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