By The Seashore | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: By The Seashore | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sharon Eastman
11/03/10
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By The Seashore
Foam capped waves slapped against the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. Rolling grey clouds covered the sky and created an ominous feeling.
“Looks like a big storm is setting in,” trembled Joel.
“We’d better pick up our things and run for cover” replied Seth. “I wouldn’t want our fishing equipment to get windswept.” Joel and Seth were two prize fishermen in the area and experience taught them the cruelty of the sea.
“Remember Jesus of Nazareth?” asked Joel.
“Of course, how could I forget? He was crucified and died a couple of weeks ago.”
“He would save us. He would calm the sea like he did with his disciples sometime ago,” said Joel.
“Yes, there are a great many stories about Jesus.”
“Have you heard the latest? Rumor has it that Jesus rose from the dead. He’s alive!”
Seth dropped his net, and his brown eyes rolled in surprise. “Where’d you hear that? That’s impossible! Nobody can rise from the dead.”
“I heard it from a woman in Jerusalem. A small group had gathered, and the rumors about Jesus flowed.” His long hair whipped in the gusting wind.
“What? Tell me all about it!” Seth, astonished, dropped his tools.
“I went to Jerusalem on business, and a group had gathered outside the Temple. Curiosity got the best of me so I pushed my way into the group. A young woman with bright blue eyes stopped me and told me the news that was flying.”
Seth interrupted. “But did Jesus really rise from the dead?”
“Yes, I’m coming to that part. This woman said that Mary Magdalene and a few other women went to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body. When they got there, the tomb was open and Jesus’ body was gone.”
“Well, I wouldn’t believe Mary Magdalene; she’s insane. Jesus delivered her from demons. She was just having a spell.”
“At first that’s what the disciples thought, too, but Mary Magdalene really loved Jesus. She was limp with grief. The woman at the Temple explained that there were angels at the tomb. Praise God, Mary Magdalene saw the risen Christ there and spoke with him.”
Seth shook his head. “It’s hard to believe, but maybe it’s true.”
“His beloved disciple, Thomas, didn’t believe either. He asked to see the nail wounds in Jesus’ hands and feet. Then, he would believe Jesus was alive. The disciples were together one day, and the risen Jesus appeared. He showed Thomas his wounds, and doubting Thomas believed.”
“Incredible,” an intrigued Seth said.
“Back in Jerusalem all the people were talking about Jesus. I had an appointment so I reluctantly left.”
“What about the woman you met?”
“Oh, she was a follower of Jesus. She loved him and was thrilled by this news.”
“All that news amazes me, but we better run for cover. It’s starting to pour. Let’s just leave our equipment and hide under that big tree.” Seth pointed to an unusually large tree. Together they ran to this spot of safety.
“You know, I always thought Jesus was the Messiah,” Seth continued. “I thought he would rule in majesty, and he would save Israel from Rome’s tyranny.”
“I know. I did, too. The Romans have taxed us to death and enslaved us with oppressive laws. Besides that, their culture is crazy,” Joel replied.
“What’s going to happen now?”
“By shedding his precious blood on the cross, Jesus saved us from sin and gave us eternal life in heaven.”
“My sins are too many to count,” Seth said mournfully.
“So are mine. But, if you believe that Jesus is Lord and died for your sins, you will be saved.”
“I do, I certainly do. I always liked Jesus as a man, but now I love him as savior and Son of God. I wish I could see him, too.”
“I’d love to see his appearing, but we must believe, sight unseen. Someday we’ll be with our glorious Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ in heaven.”
As the wind blew and the rain showered down, Joel and Seth talked about Jesus.
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love . . . yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. KJV

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