Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CONSPIRACY (01/21/21)
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TITLE: The Right Basket | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marlene Custer
01/28/21 -
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Jason looked up as the basket weaver approached, “May I help you? What are you searching for?”
Picking up the tightly woven basket, Jason solemnly answered, “I have found what I need.” He handed the weaver the amount marked on the basket, then maneuvered his purchase out the door and through the market crowd.
As he trudged toward his destination the events of the last 24 hours dominated his thoughts. Yesterday morning had begun with an encounter with his father. “You had best stay away from that trickster. He is up to no good. He’s most likely learning where all the Believers are, then he’ll strike.”
Jason shook his head, eyes downcast, “Saul has changed, father. He’s a different man.”
“Humph... you don’t know. He’s been gone for three years. What has he been doing? And who has he been seeing?
Jason shrugged, not knowing how to reply. He just knew that what Saul taught about Jesus resonated with his inner being.
Jason heard his father sigh, “I need you to pick up some supplies today.” He nodded as his father got up from the table.
With a heavy heart Jason had plodded to the market area. He was reaching to pick up one of the items on his list when he heard Saul’s name. Keeping his head down, as if searching, he moved closer to the voices. His ears tingled as he listened to someone sharing with the shop keeper that Saul was going to be arrested and killed. The authorities had guards at all the entrances in and out of Damascus.
Jason had dropped what he held in his hand and hurried out of the shop. He pushed through the crowded street towards the place where he knew some of the believers were gathered. He must warn Saul!
Now the young man was taking the basket he had just purchased back to Saul and the others. They had a plan.
That night Saul climbed into the durable basket, and those with him lowered it through an opening in the wall. The plan was successful, and he was able to escape those that were plotting to kill him.
* * * *
In the ensuing years Saul, who was also known as Paul, was the subject of a number of conspiracies. But he never wavered from his deep belief in Jesus Christ. Because of his steadfast commitment much of what we know as the New Testament came through him.
Thinking about this incident in Saul’s life, and how the early believers looked out for each other, I thought about conditions in our present world. There are many who believe this current pandemic is a conspiracy. Some have even suggested it is a multi-faceted plot in which one of the goals is to prevent believers from gathering together. We have been discouraged, and in some places, mandated from gathering in groups or enjoying a meal together. It is difficult to know who is hurting and who needs a helping hand. How do we share Christ and what He is doing in our lives? Hopefully, the insidious virus will soon be under control and we can meet together again without fear.
For now, I will resort to encouraging myself and others by writing, by prayer, and by savoring those writings that Saul/Paul penned while he faced adversity.
This story is based on Acts 9:19-30 NIV
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