Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Meek (07/18/24)
-
TITLE: Uncertain Seas | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
07/18/24 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Reluctantly, John Mark pushed off his perch and leaned on the railing. “Uncle Barnabas, why would you let the apostle treat you like that just because of me? He’s right, you know? I had my chance and I failed you.”
Wrapping an arm around his nephew’s shoulder, Barnabas sighed. “It seems Paul has a strong urge to let everyone know what the council had to say to those formerly outside of Yahweh’s assemblies. James told us we shouldn’t make it hard for people to be welcomed into the family. Sometimes, those on the inside can forget that we shouldn’t make it hard for those who are already with us.”
“I know you joked that maybe one of those rocks hitting Paul’s head in Lystra may have changed him a bit but how can you let someone you stood up for against the leaders in the church, someone you mentored, someone you trained in his beliefs, how can you let him turn his back on you?”
“Remember, I told you that gentleness and self-control are the fruit of the Spirit. Meekness is not weakness. It’s strength under control.”
John Mark straightened his shoulders as he watched a gull float effortlessly on the breeze off the port side. “Don’t you wish sometimes that following Yeshua would be as simple as spreading our wings and getting carried to where we need to go? Why does it always have to be so hard?”
Barnabas chuckled. “What are you finding so hard? We’re a half-day’s sail from home, our bellies are full, and the sunshine is warming us to the core of our bones. We have a mandate from The Almighty and the prayers of the righteous all around us.”
“Yes, but think of all you’ve done for the cause,” John Mark said. “You sold your home near Jerusalem. You gave away all you had for the feeding of widows, orphans, and strangers. You gave up your business to teach as a prophet in the church at Antioch, and you traveled to places where people hated you.”
The encourager lifted his hands toward the bird. “The earth is the Lord and everything in it.”
“But you’ve sacrificed so much.”
“Our Messiah sacrificed everything.”
“What was it like to have people think of you as a god? I can’t imagine someone thinking I might be Zeus.”
An elbow nudged into Mark’s ribs. “Don’t you worry about that,” Barnabas chided. “There won’t be anyone in Cyprus thinking you might be a god. And don’t forget. The moment we reminded the people in Lystra that we were only men, they tried to kill us. Having people thinking you’re a god isn’t such a great thing.”
John Mark paced the deck and then leaned against the main mast. “Tell me what it was like to speak before all those in Jerusalem. Were the men who walked with the Messiah mesmerized by the words you shared? Are we free to push forward toward the frontiers because of your speeches, your great acts, your heart for charity?”
Barnabas ran long thick fingers through the mass of curls on his chin. His eyes narrowed and his brows knit together. “I’ll tell you what I told the men who thought I was a god. I am only human. I’m bringing good news to those who need it, telling them to turn from worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. In the past, he left nations in their ignorance to go their own way, but now, in addition to the evidence of rain and sun for everyone, he has sent us the only one worth listening to. When you learn this above all else, you will know the heart that drives a man like Paul.”
The young man returned to the coil of rope, scanning the clouds. “There’s darkness on the horizon. I guess I still have a lot to learn. Do you think that one day, if I keep learning from you, that the apostle will let me have another chance?”
“The only thing that matters right now is that The Almighty is giving you a chance today. Embrace it.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Your story was crafted well. I liked how John started out on the coil of rope and after their discussion he returned to it certainly to ponder.
Uncertain Seas held my interest from beginning to end.
Thank you for your story.
Blessings