Tag: Jesus

Amusement Park: The Hat, part 2

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

Amusement Park: The Hat, part 2

Amalia looked at the dark entrance. “Are You sure we need to do this?” she asked Jesus as He settled down next to her in the small train car. “There are still other rides we could do.”

“Sooner or later you’re going to have to go through this room. It might as well be now. Remember what I told you the last time. Hold my hand and know that nothing can hurt you when I’m in the car with you. When you get nervous or feel lost, squeeze it and I’ll squeeze back reassuring you that I’m still with you.”

“Okay,” Amalia responded nervously. None of the rooms had been like the standard spooky rooms found in other haunted houses. This one problem wouldn’t be either. But what would it be like? What hadn’t she already seen on her last ride through this building?

The ride started with a jerk, and they slowly approached the door. Amalia reached up with her free hand to make sure her hat was on securely. The reassurance she felt when she touched it calmed her nerves, and she sat back. She was ready for whatever was on the other side.

The car bumped open the door, and they went in. There were people everywhere. Most were busy with their own affairs, but a few waved at the Amalia. It was the same room as the other time. Disappointed, she turned to Jesus. “I thought You said it would be different. This is the same room we went in the last time.”

“I said there was a room we skipped. You’ll see.”

Amalia watched the people, all busy with their lives, and wondered what it would feel like to live in a room like this. Did they know their world was just a huge room painted to look like the outdoors? Maybe her own world was an illusion too. Maybe there was more to life than what she saw.

As they came to the end of the room, Amalia noticed something she hadn’t the first time. The track had a split. The main track went to the door and into the next room. That’s the way they had gone before. The smaller track curved to the left and disappeared into darkness. That must be where the unexplored room was. Her thoughts were confirmed when the car went over a little bump, and headed left. This is it. Ready or not, here we come.

At first everything was dark. Almost everything. Down the track, she could see the faint outline of a door as light escaped through the edges. That must be the room. Good. At least she would be able to see whatever was in there. As they got closer to the door, the light transitioned from an early morning glow to the brightness of midday. Before she could shield her eyes, they bumped through the door and they were surrounded by light. A harsh light. Amalia squinted through her fingers and noticed the light was not empty. Ghostly beings were around the car. Beautiful, strong, and powerful beings. Were these angels?

“Where are we?” Amalia asked Jesus.

“We’re in a room in the haunted house.”

“I know that. I mean, what is this room?”

“It’s a room that enables you to see what you can’t normally see.”

“And what am I seeing?”

“Keep looking.”

Amalia tried, but the light was too bright. However, ever so slowly her eyes adjusted, and she made out some buildings, trees, cars… Wait! This was her street! That was her house! And that was her car! Was she back home? But no, she could still see and feel the train car. And Jesus was still holding her hand. So… if she wasn’t at home, this must be a replica. Why was it here? To show her that she was surrounded by invisible angels when at home? That made sense. The Bible said that God used angels to minister to His people. Then this was a good thing, and she relaxed. As she did so, she began to hear voices. The ghostly beings – the angels – began to call to her.

“We are here to serve you. What do you want? We can give you comfort when you’re troubled. We can protect you when you stumble. We can fill you with love. We accept you just as you are. You don’t need to change anything. Just reach out to us. We are here.”

She began to reach out, but Jesus stopped her. Confused, she asked, “Why can’t I reach out to them? They don’t seem evil. They actually look good. Aren’t they angels?”

He frowned in warning. “Don’t let their appearances fool you. They are not angels. They are 100% evil. They have only evil planned for you.”

“But how could something so beautiful be evil? How could love and acceptance be bad?”

“It’s all designed to take your eyes of Me, to deceive you, and then to destroy you. I can – and do – give you all those things. But not in the way or timing they do. You have the choice, though. You can choose them, or you can choose Me. You can’t have both.”

Put that way, Amalia had no trouble choosing. “Jesus, I want You.”

Suddenly the lights flickered, and in that flickering, all the beautiful creatures became hideous. Gaping mouths, grotesque features, screeching voices. Amalia shuddered.

“Now you see the ugliness inside them,” came a soft whisper.

Grateful for His warning, and even more grateful that she had heeded it, she squeezed His hand. The harsh light returned, and they continued going through the room. It became easier to ignore the calls as she knew them for what they really were, but still, Amalia was glad to see the end of the room approaching. Except there was no door in the wall. How would they get out of this room if there was no door?

As she tried to puzzle it out, a sound distracted her. A kind of like a roar, almost like a bear or lion or strong wind, was slowly growing stronger as if something was heading towards her. She looked around, trying to locate the source, but couldn’t see anything. She didn’t know why, but she knew she didn’t want to meet the cause of the roar. Door or no door, she had to leave. Now, before it got to her. She pulled on Jesus’ hand and said, “Jesus, get me out of here.”

“I will at the right time.”

As far as she was concerned, this was the right time. But she knew Jesus well enough to know He was going to do what He was going to do. She reached to her hat with her free hand, and focused on its comforting presence.

A few minutes later, the roar subsided, and she heard a high, squeaky voice calling to her. “Come here, Amalia. Let me show you something.”

Amalia shuddered. “No, I’m staying in the car.”

“I can come to you, if you want. All you have to do is ask.”

Amalia shook her head. “No, no, I don’t want you here. Go away.”

A deeper, colder voice broke in. “I told you she wouldn’t invite you in. You’re going to have to get her to come out.”

“How do I do that?”

“Oh, there are a number of ways. Confusion, fear, enticement, intimidation, and lies to name a few.”

“I’ve tried some of that. Why didn’t it work? I used my most enticing voice,” whined the squeaky voice.

The voices continued as if they didn’t realize she could hear them.

“Because she is holding on to Jesus, you fool. First you have to get her to let go.”

Amalia had no intention of doing that. She tightened her grip on Jesus’ hand as well as on her hat just as something flew past her face. She couldn’t see it, but felt the movement of the air and heard a soft buzz as it passed. A bee? In here?  Amalia had a fear of bees, especially angry ones, ever since she had been stung by one when she was a child. If this bee was lost, it was quite possible that it was angrily trying to find it way out using its sense of smell. Amalia grew cold as she realized that the closest smell to a flower in this room was the conditioner in her hair. That meant the bee would be circling around her, getting angrier by the moment for not finding what it sought. What if it landed on her head? Could it get under her cap? She quickly took her cap off and held it tightly to her chest. She shook her head softly, then more vigorously. She heard another buzz, and then another. More than one bee? That was more than she could stand. She let go of Jesus’ hand to swat the air around her, hoping to bother them enough that they would decide to move on.

A victorious chuckle came from the darkness to her left. “See, I told you it would work. Now watch me get her to leave the car.”

Amalia closed her eyes, willing this ride to be over. She didn’t want to face that deep voiced being. But then she remembered that there was no door. Was she stuck in this room forever? With that thing? At least if they kept moving, they were going to get to the end eventually. If only they could move faster. Amalia clung to her hat with both hands, pulling from it as much reassurance from it she could. Jesus would protect her if she held on tight enough.

But then the unthinkable happened. They stopped.

She opened one eye to see why. A glowing being stood before them. He smiled when it saw her looking.

“Hi, Amalia.”

She felt herself inexplicably drawn to him.

“That’s right. Come to me. I’m not evil, like the lies about me say. I have power, and I can give you power too.”

“I don’t want power.” Amalia managed to say, yet deep inside she knew that wasn’t true. She did want power. She wanted the power to make more money. Enough to buy all those snow globes. She wanted power to make people like her. She wanted the power to make all the fighting in the world stop. She wanted the power to heal diseases. She caressed her hat as she imagined all the good she could do if she had that much power.

“See? Power can be a good thing in the hands of someone as good as you. Come on, I’ll teach you.”

Amalia was tempted. Getting out of the car for a few minutes wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it? She was doing it for a good reason. Besides, she had her hat – the hat that had come to symbolized Jesus – so she knew He would be with her. Hadn’t He said that He would no matter where she went?

Hesitating, she asked, “how do I know you won’t hurt me?’

“Look at me. Can something this beautiful be dangerous?”

Amalia had to agree. He was beautiful. Tall, strong, and glowing with vitality. But then she remembered the other glowing creatures earlier in this room. They had been beautiful too, until Jesus had revealed their real nature. She held her hat up to her mouth in both hands as she tried to discern the truth, but the hat gave her no answers. Maybe that meant it was okay to get out.

“Come on, Amalia. What do you say? Do you want to help the world be a better place?”

Deciding, she reached with one hand to unbuckle her seat belt.

“Stop.”

Startled, she looked up. Jesus was shaking His head at her. She had been so focused on her hat and that being that she had forgotten that He was sitting next to her. “Do not listen to him. He is deceiving you.”

“But isn’t what he offers a good thing?”

“Nothing he offers comes without strings. He will offer you the world, but take your soul.”

Amalia took her hand off the seat belt to clasp her hat to her chest again. Why hadn’t the hat warned her? Why was it still giving her peace?

“Because there’s nothing to be afraid of,” the glowing being said.

“Let go of the hat, Amalia.” Jesus said.

No! He couldn’t mean that! Didn’t He know how much she loved this hat? It made her feel connected to Him. It was a good thing. Why did He want her to remove it? It would be like removing God from her life. She shook her head and clasped the hat tighter.

“Let go of the hat, Amalia.” Jesus said again. “You have made it into something it is not.”

“What do You mean?”

“You have made it into Me.”

“That’s ridiculous,” laughed the glowing being. “It’s just a hat. You’re making too much of this.”

Amalia thought about that for a few minutes. Who was right? How could her hat be God? It was just a symbol. She looked down at it as she held it with both hands. Both hands. And then it hit her. Instead of holding on to Jesus, she was holding on to the hat. Somewhere along the way, she had started trusting the hat as if it was Jesus. Even though it had started off innocently enough, somehow the symbolic hat had become an idol. She had looked to it for peace and comfort and even guidance, instead of looking to the real Jesus. Guilt stricken, she admitted she had made her hat like a god.

“I’m sorry, Jesus. I don’t want A god. I want THE God. I want You.” She stretched out her 0711202130 (2)hand, intending to toss the hat away, but froze. She couldn’t make her fingers move. Her love for the hat made it too painful to let the hat go.  Wasn’t there a way to keep both God and the hat? She knew the difference now, so the hat wouldn’t be an idol anymore. Couldn’t she keep it just as a hat? It was so cute and comfortable.

“Sure, it’s just a hat. There’s nothing wrong with keeping it. Jesus is being too hard on you,” the being’s sugary voice washed over her.

“Amalia,” was all Jesus said.

Confused, she looked from one to the other. Why was this so hard? She knew she should be listening to Jesus. She wanted to obey Him. So why was she so tempted to listen to the other voices – both the one in front of her and the one inside her? And worse of all, the hat itself seemed to be pleading to stay as she gazed at it. Tormented by her indecision, she found she couldn’t move in either direction. She couldn’t drop the hat, nor could she pull in her arm.

“Keep the hat, Amalia,” the being whispered. “It’s okay. Jesus knows how much you love it. And He’s all about love, isn’t He?”

“Yes, I mean no.” Confusion and anxiety continued to grow until she thought she was going to break. “Jesus, help me!” she cried out.

“Jesus, help me,” the being mimicked in a sarcastic tone. “He’s not going to …”

“Amalia,” Jesus said. “Look at Me.”

As soon as she did, confusion melted away. She knew which voice to listen to. But the other voices were so loud, still drawing her attention.

“Resist them,” Jesus said, “and they will go away.”

Amalia closed her eyes and focused on Jesus’ words. As hard as it was, she refused to think about the other voices. She refused to give in to their demands. After a while, she found she didn’t have to try as hard. The voices were diminishing, making it easy to stay focused on what Jesus had said. When they had totally disappeared, she cautiously opened her eyes. The being was gone. And so was her attachment to her hat. Easily letting it fall over the side of the car, she smiled. Jesus was infinitely better than any hat, even a cute faded teal one.

She looked at Him, full of shame for what she had done. But instead of the chastisement she deserved, she found Him smiling at her with pleasure. “Well done,” He said. The car gave a lurch and they started moving again. “Time to move on.”

“Yes, let’s get out of here,” Amalia answered, grabbing His hand. “I don’t want to ever face that being again.”

“I know, but you will. He’s not limited to just this room, and he is not going to give up trying to get you away from Me. And neither are all those other beings. But now you know what to do whenever he comes around.”

“Will resisting him always work?”

“Yes. The amount of effort it will take may vary, but in the end, he must leave. The same is true for his servants.”

Amalia leaned against Jesus, both hands holding His. Eyes now fully focused on Him, she didn’t look back as the car went around a corner and through a door, leaving the harsh light and a small hat behind.

 

 

The story behind the story:

When I was a new Christian, I bought a silver cross to represent my new faith. I was so excited about Jesus that I wore that cross day and night, never taking it off. One day, about a year later, I looked at it with dismay. It had become so shapeless I could barely discern that it had ever been a cross. I couldn’t wear it like that, so I took it off. Soon I had numerous experiences with fear, such as hearing a noise and worrying about someone breaking into my house. Each time I reached for my cross, and felt unprotected when it wasn’t there.  It didn’t take long to realize that I was looking to the cross for proof of God’s presence and promise, instead of trusting His word. In a way, my cross had become an idol. It’s so easy rely on the tangible instead of the intangible, and the transfer of faith is so subtle we don’t always realize it’s happening. That must be one reason the Israelites had so much trouble staying away from idols. My experience with that small silver cross taught me a lesson and I have been careful ever since to make sure my faith remains where it should and not on any object.

As for the glowing beings in my story, I’m still learning.

 

Scriptures:

James 4:7  Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

2 Cor 11:14-15 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Rev 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Exodus 34:17 Do not make any idols.

Lev 19:4  Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.

Amusement Park: The Hat, part 1

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

Amusement Park: The Hat, part 1

Amalia and Jesus walked slowly. They had been on many of the rides, and now they were happy just to spend a few moments just being together. No lessons. No adventures. No temptations. No surprises. Amalia sighed with pleasure.

As they meandered past rides she had been on, and rides she hadn’t, Amalia spotted a small shop she hadn’t seen before. “Souvenirs” was written on a large sign above the front door. Smiling, she tugged on Jesus’ hand. “Let’s go in there! I want to see what they have.”

The shop was amazing. Amalia gazed with wonder at the myriad of objects displayed on racks and counters, in boxes and tubs, and even hanging from the ceiling. She fingered a t-shirt with a picture of a large roller coaster with the matching words, “I Survived the Roller Coaster!” She rifled through the shirts and was amused that each ride seemed to have its own shirt, even the gentle merry-go-round. Moving on she found water bottles, key chains, magnets, tote bags, cups, post cards, wallets, lanyards, jewelry, flash lights, umbrellas, kites, and sandals. And she hadn’t even made it halfway through the shop yet. She was especially intrigued with the snow globes. There were so many of them, each containing a miniature replica of a ride. There was a tiny Ferris wheel in one that spun as she shook it. A train went around in a circle in another one. A third contained a tiny boat floating on turquoise water. She picked up one after another to watch the rides move, wishing she had enough money to buy each of them. Those would be so much fun to play with when she got home, and would help her to remember what she had learned while here. But knowing she didn’t, she gave them a sad little wave, and moved on.

While she moved further and further into the shop, she noticed that Jesus hadn’t said anything. He wasn’t even looking at the all the interesting things she was finding. He was looking at her. Puzzled, she wondered what He was thinking. But before she could ask Him, she was distracted by a large, colorful display. Hats! She loved hats! Trying on one after another, she knew this was the one thing in this whole shop she wouldn’t be able to resist. The only question was which one? The large, floppy ones with colorful bands? The beanies? The ones with flaps on the back to keep necks from getting sunburned? The soft felt ones with the playful feathers? And then she knew. A baseball styled cap’s bill would shade her eyes while the snug fit would keep the wind from blowing it off her head. Now… which color? Dismissing the bright colors, she considered the earth tones. They all looked so good, but eventually it came down to the faded teal blue or the dusty rose. Holding one in each hand, she turned to Jesus. “What do you think?”

“You don’t need a hat.”

“That’s not what I meant, but okay. Why don’t I need a hat?”

“You already have a few hats.”

“Those are just plain hats. Look! This one has the name of the amusement park on it. It will help me remember being here with you.”

“You don’t need a hat to remember. Get it if you really want it, but you don’t need it.”

Amalia frowned. She wanted a souvenir hat. Turning from Jesus, she decided on the blue one, and took it to the counter to pay for it.

Outside, new hat on her head, she continued walking with Jesus. But the delight she had 0710201250had walking with Him before entering the shop was missing. It was still a nice walk, but something was different. It was like something had come between them. Was it the hat? He had said to get it if she really wanted it so it wasn’t disobedience. Then what was it? She couldn’t put her finger on it, and eventually gave up, focusing on her hat instead. It was a great hat – so incredibly comfortable, and worked even better at shielding her eyes from the sun than she had hoped for. She couldn’t resist reaching up every few minutes to feel its comforting cotton texture, or to tap its sturdy bill. It was not just any hat. It was a hat that symbolized being with Jesus. This connection was so strong that touching the hat was almost like touching Himi, and her love for the hat deepened each time she did. How could anything this good be bad? Why would Jesus not want her to have this? Maybe she should ask Him again.

She turned to Him just in time to hear Him say, “…to go on before we leave.” She had been so consumed with her own thoughts that she hadn’t noticed Jesus had been talking to her.

“Sorry, what did you say?” she asked Him.

“Ah… so I have your attention again.” He smiled. “I was saying, there is a ride we need to go back to before we leave. Do you want to do it now?”

“Which one is it?”

“The haunted house.”

“The haunted house? Why do we have to do that one again?” Amalia thought of the different rooms, and how hard some of them were. She didn’t want to go back to those. Not even the mountain one. Although the top was incredible, she was not yet ready to repeat the brutal journey to get there.

“There’s a room in there that we skipped.”

Amalia brightened with the realization she wouldn’t have to go through any of those difficult rooms again. “A room we skipped? How did we do that? Which one?”

“I didn’t think you were ready for it, so I didn’t take you through it. But I think now would be a good time.”

“What’s the room like?”

“Well, that would be spoiling the surprise, wouldn’t it? You’ll just have to wait and see.”

Amalia thought for a few minutes. None of the rides had been as they had looked. Each contained something totally unexpected. Was she up for another of His “surprises”? Well, if He said this was a good time, then it must be a good time. She would just have to trust Him.

“Sure, let’s do it.”

 

To be continued.

Amusement Park: Boat Ride

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parables2 Comments

Amusement Park: Boat Ride

“I’ll meet you on the other side,” Jesus said as He helped Amalia into the little yellow boat.

“You’re not coming with me?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll still be with you, but in a different way.”

Amalia’s smile faded. She liked His presence, and wasn’t thrilled to have to be on this ride without it. True, this was just a little boat in a large pool with clear emerald water, as benign as a ride could get, but that didn’t really matter. She wanted to feel His presence. She watched, already missing Him, as He walked away and disappeared around a corner.

Turning her attention to the boat, she noticed two things right off. First, there was a steering wheel. Good, she liked having some control. Second, there was no source of power. No on/off switch. No accelerator to step on. No throttle to pull. How was she supposed to get this boat moving? And why a steering wheel if she couldn’t control the boat? It didn’t make sense.

Amalia looked around for someone in charge, but of the few people she saw, no one looked like a park employee. There were a few other boats moving around. Maybe one of them could help her out. “Hey!” she called, hands curved around her mouth. “How do you get this boat to go?”  When no one answered, she stood up and yelled, “HEY! A LITTLE HELP, PLEASE!” Still, no one appeared to hear her.

She sat back down. Now what? She considered her options. She could continue to yell for help. She could just sit there and wait for the ride controller to show up. Or she could leave.

Fine. She didn’t want to go on this ride anyway. At least not without Jesus. This was not what she thought it would be. She should just get off this stupid boat, and walk around to the other side of the pool. It’s not that far.

Grumbling, she stood up. But before she could step out, a voice called to her. “What are you doing? You’re going to tip the boat over! Sit down!”

Looking down, she noticed the boat was indeed rocking. She looked back up at the man who was running towards her. “Where have you been? I wouldn’t have had to stand up if you had been here doing your job!”

“Sorry, I had an emergency,” he managed between gulps of air. “My …”

“I don’t care.” Amalia cut in as she flopped back on to the seat. “Just get this boat going.”

“Well, you have to do that.”

“Don’t you think I’ve tried that? There’s no power switch or accelerator!” She frowned at the man. “Hurry up, will you? I’m supposed to meet someone on the other side.”

“It doesn’t run on that kind of power. It…”

Amalia interrupted again. “I don’t care what kind of power it runs on. Get it moving!” She could feel the anger taking control inside her, but she didn’t care. He could have gotten someone to take his place before running off for his “emergency”. He probably just wanted some pizza.

The man’s voice became hard. “Like I was saying, it runs on…”

“And like I was saying, I don’t care.”

“Lady, you’d better quit interrupting me or I’m going to make you leave.” He pointed towards the center of the park. “There’s plenty of other rides to complain about.”

“I want this one. Make this boat move.”

Through a clenched mouth, he said, “You have to use the steering wheel.”

Amalia raised her eyebrows and glared at him. “Are you dumb? Steering wheels are for guiding, not for power.” She ignored the conviction of wrongdoing that was growing inside her. If this man wasn’t being so difficult, she wouldn’t have to act like this.

“Me? At least I’m smart enough to know how to make the boat go. Quit being a jerk long enough for me to tell you.” He pointed his finger at the wheel. “This steering wheel is different. All you have to do is…”

Frustrated, she hit the steering wheel. The boat gave a jerk, knocking her back in her seat.

“… push on the steering wheel.”

Still glaring, she tentatively pushed on the wheel. The boat moved forward.

“To move backwards, just…”

“I think I got it,” Amalia didn’t let him finish. “I’m not stupid.”

She pushed down more firmly, and felt gratified when the boat leapt forward. Finally!0627200525 (2)

Without looking back, she sped off towards the center of the pool. She was in no mood to enjoy the ride. She just wanted to get to the other side as quickly as she could.

You shouldn’t have acted like that. Go back and apologize.

The thought startled her, but she pushed it away. She liked the feeling of power her anger had given her. She had a right to it. That man had not been doing his job. Besides, he wasn’t so nice to her either. And he had ruined this ride for her. How was she supposed to enjoy a leisurely trip across the pool when she had to hurry to meet Jesus now?

But the thought wouldn’t stay away. Each time it returned, she countered it with excuses, allowing the anger to build inside. It was his fault because he broke a park rule by leaving a ride unattended. It wasn’t fair that the other boat riders got to ride before she did. There should have been a how-to sign posted. Besides that guy wasn’t important, he just a worker. He deserved to be treated like that for delaying her ride and treating her so disrespectfully. Maybe he would think twice before doing that to someone else. He sure wouldn’t have acted that way if Jesus had been there. Yeah, if Jesus had been there, everything would have been great. Jesus should never have left her.

A splash of cold water on her face broke through her self-justification. The pool no longer looked like an emerald mirror. It was rough and growing rougher by the minute. She struggled to control the wheel as the waves crashed into her again and again. Scared now, she tried to orientate herself. She could no longer see the far edge of the pool. In fact, she could not see any edges. All she could see was water. Rough, angry water. Giving up trying to control the wheel, she held on to the sides of the boat as it rocked violently from side to side. Waves began to break over her now, and she watched with horror as the bottom filled with water. She was going to sink!

“Jesus! Help me!”

Not getting a response, she called out again. “Jesus, please save me!”

Again, no response. Did Jesus abandon her? Surely not. He promised to always be with her. So where was He? What was keeping Him from helping her?

She called out over and over, thinking maybe He hadn’t heard her over the sound of the waves. But she was met with silence each time. Finally, exhausted and hoarse, she slumped in her seat. The water was now chest high. She closed her eyes. “Jesus, You said You’d be with me even if I couldn’t see You. I’m going to hold on to your promise, and wait for You to answer.”

You shouldn’t have acted like that. Go back and apologize.

That same thought again, but this time, she acknowledged her wrongdoing. “I’m sorry. I was wrong to get angry. I was wrong to treat that man like that. It doesn’t matter how he treated me, I did not act as You have taught me. I did not treat him as I would have wanted to be treated by him. I sinned against You, and I have no excuse. I’m sorry for that, and for my disobedience. Please forgive me. I will do as You say. I will apologize to him, if I don’t die out here first.”

BOOM!

She jumped as one word, one mighty majestic word, boomed like thunder across the waters. “PEACE!” Instantly the waves receded and the pool became as still as glass. Amalia looked around in wonder. He did it! Jesus had saved her!

Standing up, not caring that the boat rocked, she raised her arms high. “I can’t see You, but I know You’re here! Sin has no place with You, for you are a holy God! When I confessed my sin, You were quick to forgive me. You are powerful and glorious!”

After worshiping for a while longer, Amalia sat back down, and continued across the pool to where Jesus was waiting for her.

“So, how was your ride?” He asked as he helped her out of the boat.

She thought about it for a minute. So many adjectives came to mind: powerful, scary, wet, weird, unexpected, convicting, horrible… But she settled on one.

“Educational.”

“Educational?”

“I learned some things that I hope I never forget.” She started walking back towards the park employee to deliver her apology.

“Like what?”

“God and sin do not mix. God is incredibly more powerful than I had thought. And God is quick to forgive.”

Jesus smiled. “Then that was one amazing ride.”

 

 

 

Scriptures:

Psalm 69:1-3  Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.

Jonah 2:2-5a  saying, “I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. Then I said, I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.” The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me…

Psalm 32:1-5 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Psalm 29:2-4  Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

 

Amusement Park: Helicopter Ride

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

Amusement Park: Helicopter ride

“Ready to go higher?” Jesus asked.

“Higher? If we go any higher we’re going to…” Amalia froze. He didn’t really mean that, did He? This was supposed to be a restful ride, nothing scary. She stared at Him, unable to voice her fear. 0614202137 (2)

His eyes twinkled back at her. “Yup. And you’ll love it. So do you want to go higher with Me?”

Nodding slowly, she knew she’d go anywhere Jesus wanted to take her. She wasn’t sure if He meant the same thing she feared, but just in case, she held on tighter. If this helicopter broke free and went off into space, she wanted to be ready.

The small helicopter thus far had been moving in a slow, mechanical way. Although she controlled the up and down movements, the long metal bar to which it was attached kept it from going too high or too low as it revolved around a center column. It kept her safe from dangerous extremes. Now Jesus spoke of going higher. Heart beating faster, she waited to see what He meant.

He took the controls, and they began climbing.

At first nothing seemed to change.. She looked at Jesus and waited. When was He going to do His thing? Something totally unexpected and crazy and marvelous? But they just kept rising and revolving as they had been doing since they got on this ride. Should she ask Him about it? Or should she keep quiet? Maybe He’d forget and they could just finish the ride in a safe and ordinary way.

A few minutes passed. They were still rising.

She looked at Him again. The smile on His face was bigger, brighter, and more joyous than she had ever seen. Not just His smile – his whole body seemed to be brighter, reflecting the light that streamed down on Him.

No, not just on Him, on both of them.

Wait… the light was not streaming down on Him. It was streaming out from Him. He was the source of the light, which was growing more brilliant by the minute.

She was about to say something, but he stopped her.

“Shhh. Just take it in.” He whispered.

She sat back, noting that they were still rising, and let her eyes wander as she focused on the light’s sensation. The warmth she expected. But there was something else about it, something she couldn’t quite identify. Something good. Like she was being hugged from the inside out with the longest, most passionate hug she’d ever experienced. Tears filled her eyes as she surrendered to the embrace.

Too soon, she heard Jesus whisper. “Amy, Me beloved, look down.”

She did, and gasped. The amusement park looked the size of a flea circus.

“We’re so high! How…?” She shook her head. She didn’t’ need an explanation. Jesus had done His thing.

“This is how great My love for you is. And even greater. When you go through rough times, remember what you’ve experienced today. My love will be just as great then as it is now.”

The love, still flowing through her as she stared at the tiny rides below, filled her so completely that all she could do was nod. Slowly, as they descended, the light’s brilliancy dimmed to ordinary light. Disappointed, she tried to hang on to the inner embrace, but that feeling was also slowly fading away. By the time they joined the other helicopters, still revolving around the center column, it was all but a memory. A memory she was going to hang on to as long as she could.

 

 

Has anyone else experienced the loving embrace of God? What was it like for you?

 

Scriptures:

Psalm 103:11  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

Psalm 46:10  “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!”

1 John 4:16  So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

John 8:12 (I Am the Light of the World) Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

One is Not Like the Other

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parables2 Comments

0430201323

 

Although there are similarities:

Both are round.

Both are the color of silver.

Both are the same size.

They feel similar, and sound similar when dropped.

Both shine in the sun.

these small round disks are not the same.

 

The center of one disk contains a face, the right face. The face of Franklin Roosevelt. With any other face, it would have no value and be considered a counterfeit. But with the right face, it can be trusted as legal tender.

 

The center of the other disk is empty. It has no value for purchasing anything. If an attempt is made to use it for that purpose, it would be rejected, and the person trusting in it would end up empty handed.

 

 

Just like spiritual belief systems.

Some spiritual belief systems have a face in its center, others do not. The ones without a face are empty. Of the spiritual belief systems with a face – the ones promising a way to heaven – that face has to be the right face.

And that right face is Jesus. He is the only way to the Father. Any other face is a fake, a counterfeit, and those trusting in it will end up empty handed.

 

Whose face in the center of your disk?

 

Job 15:31 Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his payment.

John 14:6  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No no one comes to the Father except through me.”

Acts 4:12  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Amusement Park: Swinging Box

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parables2 Comments

Amusement Park: Swinging Box

“How about that ride?” Jesus pointed to a box hanging by four poles from a horizontal bar.  “I love riding this one!”

Amalia agreed, and they climbed in. “This swing is supposed to be able to go all the way around, right?”

“Yes, if you keep working at it.”

“I’m ready.”

Amalia waited. But nothing happened. No motor came on to move them. The box remained stationary.

“Is this ride broken? Why isn’t it swinging?”

“It’s waiting for you.”

“For me? What do I have to do? I’m already inside, standing up, holding on to the wall handles. I’m ready. So why doesn’t someone push the button to get this ride moving?” She leaned out the window. “Hey, anybody out there?”

“Amalia, You have to get it moving.”

“How do I do that?” She studied the walls, ceiling, and floor. “There are no buttons in here either.”

“The power comes from your body. You have to move, and then the box will move.”

“Oh, okay, if I have to.” She began hopping, jumping from foot to foot. The box jiggled, 0605202043 (2)but didn’t start swinging. She jumped harder, willing the box to swing, but it only jiggled more violently. “Come on, box! Why are you just jiggling? Start swinging!”  Frustrated at the lack of desired response, she looked at Jesus. He was laughing.

 

“Why are You laughing?”

“I’m laughing at the confusion this box must have, being jumped on like that. It’s reacting exactly as it should to what you are doing.”

“What do you mean? I’m trying as hard as I can to get it to swing, but it just bounces!”

“I know. But have you noticed that when you jump up and down, the box does the same?”

“How else am I supposed to get it to move?” Amalia frowned. “Besides, I like jumping.”

“Think about how a swing works. Specific movements are required. Any other movements won’t result in the swing moving in the direction it was made to move. You know, it’s kind of like when you do acts of service for people. You have to fit your actions to what they need. If you do only what you like or want, you won’t get worthwhile results.”

“What do you mean?”

“When you help people, you want to make their lives a little better, right? You want to bring them some happiness, share some love, or meet a need they have. But what if you only did what you wanted? What if someone needed their yard mowed, but you only liked to give food. If you went to them with food, they wouldn’t be very appreciative. They might be confused, or maybe even hurt that you weren’t really thinking about them.”

“Okay, I think I get it. “ She imagined sitting on a swing, and focused on which movements the swing needed her body to make into order to move. “Oh, I have to shift my weight frontwards and backwards.”

Amalia rocked back and forth. The box began to swing slightly. “It’s working!”

“Great! Keep going!”

After a while, sweaty from the effort, Amalia stopped moving. “Jesus, this is too hard. I’ve done my best, but I can only get halfway up. Can You help me?”

“I thought you’d never ask!”

He threw His weight with hers, and the box quickly climbed higher with each swing. Soon the momentum of the box’s movements added to their effort, and Amalia found that she didn’t have to work as hard at it as she had at the beginning.

“This is fantastic!” Amalia laughed aloud.

With Jesus grinning by her side, they continued shifting their weight, and the box climbed even higher. Higher and higher and higher, until they were directly above the horizontal bar. They lingered there just a moment, before swinging back down, and up the other side until they were above the horizontal bar again.

Amalia marveled. To be suspended up in the air like that had to be one of the most fascinating experiences she’s ever had.

And then it got better. On the next swing up, instead of lingering at the top, it kept moving. It continued down the back, then up and over again, making complete circles around the horizontal bar.

Amalia couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. “More! More!”

“That’s enough for now. Your body isn’t ready to maintain this for long. You need to take time to rest.”

Disappointed as the box slowly settled to a gentle swing, and then to a stop, Amalia realized her body was indeed spent. Jesus was right. She did need a rest.

And then, she reassured herself, she would get Him to take her up on this ride again.

 

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

How do you know what people need?

All comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

Scriptures:

Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Romans 12:10-11 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Mark 6:30-31a The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest for a while.

Amusement Park: Bumper Cars

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

Amusement Park: Bumper Cars

Amalia knew where she wanted to go next. The one ride she would have some control. She wanted to have her hands on the steering wheel for a change, instead of be driven by something she couldn’t see. Jesus agreed to give her that chance, and they made their way to the bumper cars.

“Hey, this is new.” Amalia pointed to a sign. “This ride has a prize. First one to it gets it. This is going to be even more fun than I thought.”

She picked out a red car, her favorite color, and climbed in. Jesus stood by the entrance gate.

“Jesus, aren’t You coming?”

“I thought you wanted to be in control.”

“I do, but I still want You with me. Please, come ride this with me.”

She smiled as He climbed in next to her. Seat belts fastened, foot on the pedal, and hands on the steering wheel, Amalia studied the arena. Cars were lined up all along the edges. As soon as the power was turned on, she knew they would all be heading for the prize, taking the shortest route possible. That meant they would all be heading across the center.

“Jesus,” she whispered, “I have a plan. If I can avoid the center, I can get past the massive gridlock the other cars will make in the center by going around the perimeter, and get to the prize first.”

“You think that will work?” He whispered back. “What if they all have the same idea?”

“I doubt it, but to make sure, I’ll wait a few minutes before starting off.”

“Okay, let’s see what happens.”

Sure enough, as soon as the power was on, fifteen cars headed for the center. A few other cars seem to be having trouble moving, or had the same idea as Amalia.

“See? I told You! Now watch as I sneak around and grab the prize.”

Amalia maneuvered the car slowly around the edge, only moving towards the center when going around cars still parked along the wall. As she passed them, she noticed that they were actually empty. No wonder they had not moved – easy obstacles to avoid.

As she turned the last corner, she saw victory right before her. Excited, she stepped on the peddle, and turned to Jesus, “See? My plan wor…”

BAM!

Thrown forward, Amalia jerked herself off the steering wheel.  0604202136 (2)

“Hey! I was here first!”

“So what? I’m here now!”

“Move out of my way!”

“You move!”

While Amalia argued with the driver of the brown car, a yellow car shot past them towards the prize.

“Hey!” Amalia threw her car in reverse, backed up as fast as she could, then took off full speed after the yellow car. “Oh, no you don’t!”

The yellow car came to a sudden halt as it crashed into a green car. Amalia whooped and rushed past both. Waving at the drivers furiously trying to untangle their cars, Amalia turned to Jesus. “This is fun! I can feel the prize in my hands already!”

“You think so? You might want…”

Amalia hit the steering wheel again as a pink car slammed into her from behind. Frowning, she turned slightly away from the prize to go around a stationary car, only to find her way blocked by purple car. Turned even further towards the center, Amalia grew frustrated. The prize was so close, and now she was being forced to move in a different direction. No longer confident she would get to the prize first, and not even remembering that Jesus was in the car with her, she began bumping into any car in her way, hoping the impact would remove them from her path. But it just made things worse.

“Turn to the left.”

The whisper was so quiet, she wasn’t sure she had heard it correctly. Turn left? But that would take her even further from the prize. It didn’t make sense. She decided to ignore it as she saw a way opening up to her right. Rushing towards it, she got there just as the brown car did. As the pink car crashed into her again, she was pushed into the brown car. A green car swooped up on her right at the same time as a blue car did the same on her left. She was blocked on all sides! Maybe turning right had not been the best decision. Maybe she should have listened to that whisper.

It took a few minutes for the cars to untangle, and then Amalia was free again. She looked around to orient herself. The prize was now behind her. Frowning, she watched the movement of the other cars for a moment. A few seemed to be heading towards the prize, but most were heading in other directions. That was a relief. She wasn’t competing against everyone. But the ones she was competing against were closer to the prize than she was. Time for a new strategy.

As she moved slowly along her newly planned route, things seemed to be working out just as she had hoped. She was closing in on the prize, and as the yellow car moved off to its right, the path opened and she had a straight shot towards the prize.

“Turn to the right.”

That whisper again. But why right? There was nothing in her way so turning aside made no sense. She decided to ignore it again, and floored the pedal under her foot.

Crash! A red car came careening around the yellow car and ran solidly into her left side. Amalia straightened up, yelled at the driver, and then tried to go forward only to be stopped by two cars bumping into each other right in front of her. She would have to back up again.

Totally frustrated, yet not willing to give up, Amalia backed only as far as she had to before turning to the right. Turn to the right? Isn’t that what the voice has whispered? Maybe she should have listened.

“Wait.”

The whisper yet again. This time Amalia decided to obey. What did she have to lose? None of her plans had worked out. She watched the other drivers disentangle and start off again, only to have new cars create another gridlock.

“Go right.”

She stepped on the pedal and turned right even though it looked like she was heading right into path of an oncoming orange car. Closing her eyes, she kept going, anticipating a crash, but trusting the whisper. Nothing. No crash. Not even a bump. Amalia opened her eyes. The orange car had turned off, and there was now only one thing in front of Amalia. And it wasn’t a car. The prize dangled from a rope an arm’s length away. Amalia quickly swooped in and grabbed it.

“I got it! I got it!”

She held it to her chest and looked around. No one was watching. No one seemed to care. Except maybe the driver of the brown car. But he looked like he had something in his arms too, and he was grinning from ear to ear. Then she remembered Jesus.

“I got it, Jesus!”

“I see.”

“But I’m a little confused. My plans – the ones that made sense – weren’t working out, but when I listened to the whisper, even though it didn’t make sense, I won.

“Yeah, about that. Your plans don’t always work out because you have limited sight, and can only see in the present. I see the whole picture, and I know the future. So I always know the best way to get anywhere.”

“That was You?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t I recognize Your voice?”

“You were too busy focusing on your own plans.”

“Then why didn’t You speak louder?”

“I didn’t need to. You heard Me. Either you were going to listen, or not. Speaking louder wouldn’t have changed that.”

Amalia’s face turned red. “’I’m sorry. I didn’t listen at first, and I even forgot You were with me.”

“I forgive you. You listened in the end, and that’s what counts.”

As they climbed out of the car, Amalia remembered something else. “What about that guy in the brown car? Why does he look so happy? He acts like he won.”

“He did. You both did. The prize is like heaven, and the rope is like Me. I hold out the prize to all who want it badly enough to go for it, and to persevere when things get crazy. There are others here who won also.”

Amalia danced to the exit, holding her prize in one hand, and Jesus’ hand in her other. This ride had not worked out like she expected. It had worked out even better.

 

    = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Does anyone besides me have a life that feels like a bumper car ride?

 

 

Scriptures:

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

Proverbs 12:15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 14:12 (also Proverbs 16:25) There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Philippians 3:15  I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Amusement Park: Train Ride

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parables4 Comments

Amusement Park: Train Ride

The sudden DING-DING-DINGs of an approaching train caused Amalia to pause in licking off the last of the sweet sticky residue from the now empty cotton candy cone. A train ride! The perfect thing after a sweet treat. She turned to Jesus, who was watching her with amusement.

“Let’s go ride the train next!” she said, pointing towards the train station about fifty yards away. “I wonder how far it goes.”

“I guess we’ll find out soon enough. Train rides can be very… interesting.”

Amalia raised her eyebrows at Jesus. “Do You know something I don’t?”

“I know a lot of things that you don’t” He laughed. “In this case, let’s just get on and see what happens.”

They walked the short distance and got to the station just as the train pulled in. They climbed into the last car, the one that usually provides the greatest view, and buckled in.

“Why the seat belt?” Amalia said as she heard the click of the secured belt. “This is a slow, easy ride. We don’t need seat belts for that.”

“It’s always good to be prepared,” was all Jesus said.

The train started off, blasting it’s warning horn as it left the station. There weren’t many people on the train, so Amalia had a great view of the amusement park as they passed several rides. Then they went through a gate, and everything changed.

Amalia was speechless. She had seen this done on TV but never in real life. How was this 0601201504 (2)even possible? It was like looking at a black and white movie. All the color was gone. Even the sunlight. Everything was dark and dingy. The trees, grass, flowers, clouds – even the train and everything on it that she could see, including herself, were shades of blacks and grays. She turned to Jesus, and was startled to see that He was still the bright, colorful Jesus He had always been.

“What happened?”

“Watch. This is one of my favorite rides.”

Confused, she watched the dreary landscape with dismay. There nothing beautiful here, but there was potential. She could see the many flowers and imagine how colorful they could be.

Suddenly everything went dark as they entered a tunnel. Amalia reached for Jesus’ hand. She felt a little foolish, because she knew He was there, but His quick reassuring squeeze comforted her. In just a few minutes they exited the tunnel into the dark world. But wait, was it her imagination? Or did it seem a bit brighter on this side of the tunnel? She continued watching.

Yes! She was right – it was getting brighter. She could just barely make out the first hint of a color other than gray. The sky was now gray-blue. Compared to a few minutes ago, it looked beautiful. She gazed at it with joy, then noticed the leaves, flowers, and grass were beginning to show some color. It was very faint, but it was definitely there.

“Do you see that, Jesus? Look how pretty everything is getting now that the color is returning? There’s not much, yet, but I know more will come.”

“So, are you seeing past what things look like right now, and looking instead to what they can be?”

“No, I’m seeing them as they are, not as they were. But I’m also anticipating what they can be.”

“Well said. Keep watching.”

The train went around a curve, and now Amalia could now easily see different colors. Most of the gray had been replaced with soft colors. She looked all around with wonder. If a hint of color was beautiful, this was spectacular! She enjoyed looking for as many colors as she could, which wasn’t easy since their light shades tended to blend into each other. She was so busy counting off the colors, that she didn’t notice the overhanging trees until they were underneath them. Then all she could see were branches and leaves. It was like being buried, in a way.

A few mintues later, they emerged into the sunshine. Sunshine? Yes, the sky appeared much brighter now, and the light brought out more colors throughout the landscape. Amalia sat back, stunned at the difference the light made.

As the train continued along its track, weaving between forests and fields, the landscape continued to grow brighter with each curve, until it was so bright everything seemed to glow as if each was lit from within. Unbidden tears fell as Amalia turned to Jesus.

“This is incredible. I can’t take it all in, it’s too beautiful.”

“This is how I see you,” He whispered as He held her close. “You were once dark, like the dreary landscape we started in. But as you traveled with me along the path I set for you, you were transformed by My light into one level of beauty to the next. Just as you delighted in each stage of the landscape’s transformation, I delight in each level you become. And you’re not finished yet. The best is yet to come.”

Amalia had no more words. She let His words soak into her as the train pulled up to the station. This ride had been incredible. More incredible than any other ride so far. Jesus had said it was His favorite. She thought maybe it had become her favorite, too.

 

 

What do you think of this Amusement Park series? Should Amalia and Jesus continue to ride? Or should I move on to something else? Please leave me a comment below. Thanks!

 

Scripture

2 Cor 3:17-18  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is Spirit.

Amusement Park: Water Ride

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

Amusement Park: Water Ride

It felt good to be back in the sunshine. Real sunshine, not the harsh artificial lights of the game booths. The air was clean and warm and full of life. Amalia and Jesus walked down the dirt path looking at the various rides she hadn’t been on yet. Suddenly, Jesus pointed.

“That one! It’s what you need right now.”

Amalia looked at the high ride. Another roller coaster?

“Um… I don’t think I’m ready for this one.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not near as high as the roller coaster we went on, nor is it the same. This one has a different focus.”

Letting Jesus lead her, they climbed up the stairs leading to the train cars. Only there weren’t any trains. There were just individual cars, each a different color, lined up waiting for their turns to carry passengers.

Jesus helped Amalia into the first car. “You’re going to love this!”

“If You say so,” Amalia said, eyebrows raised. “I’ll let you know when we get to the end.”

As the car started moving, Amalia checked her seat belt to make sure it was securely buckled, ignoring the humorous look Jesus gave her. Better to be safe than sorry.

The climb up was steep, but not nearly at high. When they got to the top, she sat back, relieved at the gentle downward slope on the other side. Jesus was right. This was not like that horrifying roller coaster. It was much more like a kiddie roller coaster. No death drops here.

She was enjoying the view as they moved steadily along the track, when she felt something wet on her face. Rain? No, not possible. Not on a day this sunny. Looking around, she noticed everything was wet and shiny from the mist in the air. Where was that mist coming from? Within minutes she found out.  A large waterfall rose up directly in front of them, and there was no way around it. They were going to get wet!

“Don’t worry so much, Amalia. This is just a thin waterfall. You’re just going to get sprinkled.”

He was right, as usual. The car moved too quickly through that falling water to drench them. The cool water droplets that fell on her head refreshed her mind seeping all the way down into her heart, and she felt more free than she had since coming out of that game booth area. She hadn’t realized how much hold those games, especially those stars, had had on her mind. Now all desire for them was gone.

“Will there be another waterfall? That one was awesome!”

“No, this one is enough. For now.”

Now fully relaxed, Amalia settled back in her seat. The car continued to follow the track as it went up and down gentle inclines, and around several curves.

“I love this ride,” she told Jesus. “You always know just what I need.”

“I hope you feel the same way when we…”

“Jesus! Where’s the track?” Amalia interrupted, leaning forward. “The track… it’s gone!” She stared at the spot where the track disappeared right into the sky.

“It’s still there. Once we get to the top, you’ll see it.”

Now Amalia noticed the steady rise they had been making. “You mean there is a drop?” She gripped the handlebar tighter. At least this time she was getting a warning.

Then they were over the top and flying almost straight down. Only this time, not only was the drop was much shorter, it ended in a pool of beautiful blue water. Almost before 0531202030 (2)she had time to think about it, the car hit the pool, and water drenched her. Amalia laughed as the car slowed down and floated through the pool. If the sprinkling she had gotten earlier was refreshing, this was absolutely exuberating. She felt so alive, so energized, so… clean!

“Wow, Jesus! This is amazing! Thank You for bringing on this ride!”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He winked at her. “And I’m glad you don’t smell like the game booths anymore.”

 

 

When was the last time you had a spiritual bath?

 

Scripture:

Hebrews 10:21-22  and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.

 

Amusement Park: Game Booths

On By LindaIn allegories, analogies, and parablesLeave a comment

Amusement Park: Game Booths

Legs still shaky from the roller coaster they had just exited, and not ready to chance another ride, Amalia asked Jesus if they could walk around for a little bit.

“Sounds like a great idea. I love watching people.”

Although there weren’t too many people, Amalia had to agree it was fun watching the ones that were there. Smiling couples, excited children, chatting seniors – everyone seemed to be happy to be there. The sun was bright and warm, filling the area with a sense of peace that could almost be touched. Amalia held Jesus’ hand and delighted in the pleasant fragrances of flowers and popcorn that drifted past her in the breeze.

Then they went turned a corner.

Things were different on this side. Gone were the peace and joy and light that Amalia had been enjoying. An ominous cloud seemed to hover over the various booths that lined the path, putting everything in its shadow. The booth attendees compensated by using a variety of artificial light sources. Amalia sniffed. What was that odor? It wasn’t very strong, but definitely unpleasant. However, she forgot about it as soon as she saw the first booth. A lady, dressed in a flowing purple and black robe, and wearing a matching turban, beckoned to Amalia.

“Come, let me tell you of your wondrous future! Would you like your palm read? Or would you prefer to gaze into my crystal ball?”

That sounded intriguing. Who doesn’t want to know their future? She started towards the lady, but Jesus held her back.

“No, Amalia. I hold your future. And I will reveal what is good for you to know. Don’t seek that knowledge from anyone else.”

“I know, Jesus. And I don’t believe she is for real. But what harm is there in playing along? It sounds fun.”

Before He could answer, her attention was drawn to the next booth filled with stars. Pinned on the walls, hanging from the ceiling, and piled on the counter, stars were everywhere. Even the man behind the counter was covered in stars. She loved stars!

“Come right over here, young lady! Come see the heavenly beings that are all around! Forget your future – think of your present! These stars have great power, and can do wondrous things for you.  Have a problem? There’s a star for that! Need more money? There’s a star for that! There are stars for protection, for finding lost things, for bringing you peace. Aren’t they beautiful? They would look great displayed in your home. And you can even share them with your friends. Come, let me find just the right stars for your needs.”

“Look, Jesus! Aren’t these stars glorious?”0530201531 (3)

“You don’t need any.”

“But they are real, right? I mean, I can see the stars in the sky at night, so I know they are real.”

“Stars do dwell in the heavens, but they don’t do what this guy is claiming. Don’t look to them for your needs. Look to Me. I am all that you need.”

Amalia nodded, took a few steps, and then stopped. Maybe she shouldn’t want any, but they sure were tempting.

“What if I took a few home just for decoration? That won’t hurt anything because I will still look to You. I just like looking at them.”

“Amalia, suppose you had a friend who got married. She loved her husband, but wanted to keep some pictures of other men she found attractive in her home. She would never do anything with these men because she was totally committed to her husband, but their photos pleased her eyes. How do you think her husband would react?”

“He’d hate those pictures. He’d want her to get rid of them.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Because he’d be jealous. He wouldn’t want share his home with other men. He’d want all of his wife’s affection. And it might hurt him to think she thought he wasn’t enough for her.”

“But they are just pictures.”

“It’s what they represent.”

“Just like the stars.”

Amalia got it. Just because something looked good didn’t make it good. And it made her feel good to know that Jesus loved her so much that He was jealous for her affection.

The passed the next booth, where a woman offered to contact Amalia’s “dearly departed loved ones” for her.

“Nope, keep walking.” Jesus said. “The only one who’s ever died that you’re allowed to contact is Me.”

“What’s wrong with hearing from someone else?”

“What do people seek from that communication?”

“A lot of people get comfort. Or maybe an answer to a question they have.” Amalia stopped. “Oh, I get where You’re going with this. It has to do with jealousy again, doesn’t it? You want us to go only to You for comfort and answers.”

“And, in this case, to protect you from things you can’t see.” He frowned at the woman. “Besides, most of the time, these people are just playing games. They get good at guessing, reading body language, and being vague enough to deceive you.”

The sound of guitar chords drew Amalia to the next booth. Several people were singing about God’s love. Hearts and flowers were displayed in tasteful ways throughout the booth. Amalia stopped. Finally a good, clean booth. One that Jesus would like, too.

“Hi, would you like to play?” asked the man with the guitar. “You can win some great joy and peace.”

Amalia nodded, but at the same time she noticed Jesus shaking His head. Confused, she turned to look at Him.

“What’s wrong with this booth? They are singing about God’s love. That’s good, isn’t it?”

Instead of answering her, Jesus addressed the man. “Who is God?”

“That depends, man, on who you want god to be. God takes many forms and has many names. It doesn’t really matter which one you choose. Come play our game – the grand prize is a free ride to paradise.”

Amalia shrunk back. Many gods? But their song had sounded so right, so beautiful.

Jesus smiled sadly at her. “Many people have been deceived. You have to look past the outside and see what’s at the core. Don’t let pleasant words deceive you also.”

They continued walking, passing booth after booth of people promising prizes – mighty wonders, or prosperity, or power to make you whatever you wanted to be – all with one catch: you had to pay to play. She tried to stop several times, but each time Jesus pulled her along with the words, “empty promises”. Finally she insisted on stopping at a plain booth where a sweet looking lady was reading the Bible.

“This one has to be okay, She’s reading a Bible!” Amalia told Jesus, and then greeted the woman.

The woman looked up, smiling at first, but then frowned. “If you want to play my game, you have to get rid of some things, like your earrings. And your colorful clothes. You’ll need to put on the ones I give you. Everything must be proper. We don’t want to displease God, do we?”

“But God likes colors…” Amalia began but was interrupted by the woman.

“We need to get rid of everything that might cause us to be prideful. See, it says here in the Bible that God opposes the prideful.”

“But…”

“And it says here,” she turned to another page, “not to be puffed up with pride.”

“But..”

“You do agree that these scriptures are in the Bible, and that the Bible is God’s Word, don’t you? So you have to obey them.”

“But there are many other scriptures. You have to read them all to get what God is saying. You can’t just take one or two out of context like that. When He said not to be prideful, He was talking about…” Again she was cut off.

“You can’t play my game if you don’t agree to follow my rules. And since my rules are from God’s Word, they are God’s rules. Anyone who chooses not to play my game is rebelling against God.” Her frown softened.  “I can see you love God. Come play my game, it’s the only one God approves.”

Amalia turned to Jesus. “Talk to her. Tell her the truth.”

“Come on, Amalia,” Jesus said, guiding her away. “Her mind is made up. She won’t listen to either of us.”

A few steps later, Amalia stopped again, shaking her head. “What is wrong with this place? I thought these games would be fun. But they’re not. And some of them are even scary.”

“Did you notice what they all had in common? They are all under a cloud of deception, so whether they meant to or not, deception was at the root of each. Once you walk under that cloud, it becomes easy to be deceived. And it’s not easy to walk away from it.”

“Unless we have You. You kept me safe from losing in those games. Why…?”

“Why don’t I do the same for everyone else? I try, but they aren’t listening like you are. And some, believe it or not, prefer the deception over the truth.”

“Well, I don’t want any part of deception. Let’s get out of here.”

This time when she started walking, she kept going.

 

What do you think is the greatest deception we face?

 

 

Scriptures:

Abominations (don’t do as the pagans)

Deut 18:10-14 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omen, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this.

Lev 19:31 Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.

Rom 12:2 Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

Jealousy

Deut 4:24  For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Ex 34:14  (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),

Is 42:8 I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I will give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.

James 4:4-5 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us?”

 

Deceit

Col 2:8  See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Col 2:18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind,

Col 2:23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

2 Cor 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

2 Peter 2”1-3a But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.

 

Aroma of God

2 Cor 2:15-16a For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.  (Personal note: if Christians have an aroma, then couldn’t those in the enemy’s camp also have their own aroma? Thus the smell Amalia noticed when she entered the game area.)