Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Question (05/24/12)
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TITLE: Yes, I suppose It Really Is | Previous Challenge Entry
By Llewelyn Stevenson
05/30/12 -
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Ever pragmatic, I snorted, “How can that be the question? If you weren’t you wouldn’t be asking it.”
Of course, you’ve guessed it, I was not a student of Shakespeare; nor, in fact, had I heard of him. Even today I am, thankfully, most uneducated in the field of Shakespearean lore. It does, however highlight the fact that things spoken out of context can sound rather ridiculous, though I have discovered that the question is pertinent to each and every one of us when faced with the likelihood of eternity.
James considered himself a hardcore atheist, though he grew tired of the seesawing debate with Peter when it was evident that neither would change their position, being equally convinced in their own side of the argument.
Sighing, he said, “What if you’re wrong and this life is all there is? Won’t you be disappointed?”
Peter considered this a while, then replied, “Can a dead man be disappointed? Perhaps you should consider that question yourself, what if you’re wrong?”
“What do you mean?” James inquired.
“Well,” Peter explained, “You have the opportunity for life forever, but you will have missed it. Won’t that be disappointing?”
“It depends on what kind of life it is,” James was becoming defensive, “I wouldn’t want the miserable existence many have today; and I don’t think I’d want to be on a white cloud with a harp singing songs all day. Pretty boring.”
Peter smiled, “I needn’t think you should worry about some pitiful existence in eternity, we are expressly told it will not be so. As for the white cloud and the harp thing, there is a lot more to eternity than singing songs. The recording of the songs only reveals that it is a happy existence. You sing when you’re happy. Consider how industrious God was when he made the world, and he gave man the purpose of keeping it. I’m sure there will be plenty of business in Eternity, and the rewards for each individual will be limitless.”
As an observer I sat and pondered this discussion, thinking to myself, “To be, or not to be; that really is the question.”
If you are to be then you must believe. Should you decide you will not believe, then you have chosen not to be.
John wrote of Jesus, “To them he gave power... those who believed in his name.”
Jesus said, “I came that you may have life and that more abundantly.”
Yes, it is said, “God loved us so much that he gave his son that whoever would believe in him will have everlasting life.”
That is... they will be.
Perhaps this is not the Shakespearean intent of the question, yet it is far more important.
As you face the opportunities of eternal life or death, ask yourself, “To be, or not to be?”
The choice is entirely yours.
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My only problem was the sudden introduction of Peter and James. I first thought you might have been talking about the apostles. As I read on I realized you probably weren't but still had no idea who they were.
You did a nice job of bringing the article full-circle and I always enjoy when a writer does that. You also have left me with some things to ponder.