Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: TRAIL (05/13/21)
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TITLE: A Walk In The Dark | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
05/19/21 -
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One of the observers, perched on a higher rock, stood to his feet and shielded his eyes against the glare on the water. “This one must bring urgent news,” he said to the large group huddled below. “Maybe he’s bringing a warning that they’ve found our sanctuary. Should we gather the children and get ready to move on?”
Settled on a stump in the middle of the motley group, the rugged leader waved him off. “This is where it all started. This is where we’ll stay. When it’s time to hit the trail, we’ll know it.”
The observer slumped back down on the rock and watched the traveler hurtle himself off the ferry in the shallows, splash to shore and race up toward the group. His urgency was no longer in question. Conversations hushed as every eye focused on the messenger. Even the children stood still up to their knees in the cool waters.
Trudging up the small hill to where the teacher sat, the travler fell to his knees a dozen strides away. “Teacher, the one you love is sick. I’ve raced here all day to tell you. Come quickly.”
The teacher handed a gourd for refreshment to a young man who took it to the newcomer. “Quench your thirst, my son,” the teacher said. “You have served the sisters well to bring this news.”
Two of those beside the teacher stood and lifted their packs. Another called out. “You’ve raced from Bethany on Olives to Bethany on the Jordan in a day? That’s more than a day’s journey. You must have risked your life in the dark.”
After guzzling the liquid, the traveler wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then rose and moved to the offered spot on a log near the teacher. “I did stumble a few times coming down the trail but I prayed to the Almighty to guard my life. I knew the teacher would want to know. Even now, I’m ready to rush back with you.”
The teacher nodded gently. “Don’t be afraid. This sickness won’t end in death. This is the time for God to gain glory.” Watching the children back at play, he stood in place and surveyed the group. “I have so much to tell you before we leave this place.”
The next morning, the messenger took the teacher aside. “I think we better go. The one you love did not look like he could last long. There still may be time.”
Placing a hand on the shoulder of the messenger and looking him in the eye, the teacher said, “Not yet. We’ll go when it’s time.” Turning away, he sat down with the children, mesmerizing them with story after story.
“I don’t understand that man,” the messenger said to another. “It’s like he’s lost in the dark. I know he’s not afraid but nothing makes sense anymore. I thought he loved these people.” He walked to the edge of the river. “Why did I even come all this way?”
The sun went down, slept, rose, and traveled the trail across the heavens, then slept again. Still, the teacher taught as the messenger paced. As the ferry approached the shores on the morning of the third day the teacher rose. “It’s time!” he announced. “From this Bethany to that Bethany.”
“What?” a follower objected. “They tried to kill you last time. We need you. Why would you go back there if he’s going to be okay?”
“If you walk in the day you won’t stumble,” the teacher replied. “If you walk in the dark you will. It’s time to hit the trail. My friend is sleeping.”
The world seemed upside down. “Leave him, he’ll get better.”
“He’s gone and I’m glad I wasn’t there so you can see. Let’s go.”
Thomas, the twin, turned to the others. “Let’s go. Let’s die together.” He turned toward the ferry.
“This walk in the light sometimes feels like it is a walk in the dark,” another said. “How do we not stumble?”
“Put your first foot on the trail and stay close to the Light.”
John 11
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