The Prompt: Write a short story about, "The glory lifted from the temple."
The Levite High Priest walked solemnly through the doors of the temple, with an entourage of priests walking sanctimoniously behind him. No one could tell that the High Priest was terrified. After all, this was only his third time walking into the temple as High Priest, and now he had to trek into the Holy of Holies, alone. Plenty of priests had done it before, but that didn't stop him from being scared about coming face to face with the glory of God. It was practically seeing the face of God and being allowed to walk away alive. The very thought of it made him shiver.
The High Priest did all the initial tasks he was supposed to do at the temple. Then, it was time for him to enter the Holy of Holies. The priests, with their palms pressed together in front of them, gave a respectful nod of their heads before they turned around. The High Priest took a deep breath and shakily lifted the veil that separated the parts of the temple with his eyes squeezed shut. He expected the Holy of Holies to feel different, like the air being lighter or a particular sweet smell, but the room felt exactly the same. He slowly opened his eyes, expecting to find an apparition of God floating about. All that existed was the intricately designed Ark of the Covenant with the golden mercy seat. The High Priest smiled at its beauty. It was tempting to touch one of the cherubim's wings, but he refrained.
The High Priest thought it was proper to kneel down now and ask for the forgiveness of Israel. He thought back to all of the friends and family he had come to know and love over the decades he had been alive and thought about the struggles they were going through now. It broke his heart, and as he thought about their sins, he felt even more distressed. He whispered prayers about each person to God. As he prayed, he started to feel a rush of wind surround him. He paused his prayers for a moment and opened one eye, only to squeeze it shut again and fall face first on the ground. A white light shone, brighter than the sun. It did not feel hot, but it shone constantly. The High Priest felt a calmness descend on his heart, an experience unlike anything he had ever known. The peace gave him strength and joy. He didn't want to move but bask in this bliss forever. After a minute, he started praying again about Israel, but his words reflected a new confidence.
When he believed that he had finished praying, he felt the rushing wind again as the glory of God lifted from the temple. Then there was strong silence. The High Priest lifted his head and looked around. Everything was as it was when he had entered. With a final bow, The High Priest reluctantly left the room and walked through the veil. His spirit still felt light from experiencing God's glory. He felt certain he could lead the Israelites in the way God wanted him too. He was already looking forward to the next time he could enter into the inner sanctuary.
Showing posts with label Old Testament. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Old Testament. Show all posts
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Day 99: Dark Contemplations
The Prompt: Describe Jonah's experience in the whale. Be descriptive.
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| A Whale Shark, the possible fish that ate Jonah.
Jonah opened his eyes and tried to stop his body from shaking. He couldn't see a thing, but the smell of rotting fish was so pungent it made Jonah want to puke. He struggled to take some deep breaths to calm down without getting sick. The area that contained him was rather small. He was sitting on something firm yet pliable (kind of like a water bed in modern day terms), but he couldn't sit up all the way without hitting his head. He could barely turn around. He was sitting in water, and he could feel objects, probably half-eaten seafood, floating around.
"How I am I not dead?" He thought back about his voyage on the ship. God had been angry with him, and with good reason. He had disobeyed God, disregarding a direct order. He deserved death, and he had fully anticipated it. Being in this fish though, he wasn't sure how he would die. If he didn't, he had no idea how he could get out. Jonah didn't care to try escaping. He felt depressed and deeply ashamed.
"Forgive me, Lord. I know I could never be worthy enough to ask it from you. I don't know what I was thinking. I...I guess I hoped you would find someone else for the job. I didn't want to go to Nineveh. I thought they were going to attack me right on the spot. They hate ones who worship You. But I'm ready, Lord. If you release me from this belly, I will go straight to Nineveh to deliver Your message."
Jonah stared in front of him, expecting the mouth of the whale to open up. Nothing. Jonah didn't feel any better. He shivered from the cold water but didn't try to move. He had a lot more feelings to sort through before God would consider releasing him.
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Friday, April 5, 2013
Day 95: Lot's Wife
The Prompt: What was Lot's wife thinking as she looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah?
All that screaming and shouting sound terrible. Those are the cries of my neighbors, my friend Moriah. What horrible things are happening to them? Why don't the angels want us to look back? Is it bloody? Are there wild beasts? The sulfur stings my nose. How is it even on the city? And I smell...wood burning. There must be a fire. What part of the city could be burning? Has it reached my house yet? I worked so hard to make that house a home, and now everything we owned is going to be engulfed in brutal flames. I can feel the heat of the fire. The smell is so strong it's choking me. It must be nearing us. I'm so afraid. What if it catches up to us? Maybe we should run. Oh I just have to turn around for a quick moment, just to see if we're far enough away from danger.
All that screaming and shouting sound terrible. Those are the cries of my neighbors, my friend Moriah. What horrible things are happening to them? Why don't the angels want us to look back? Is it bloody? Are there wild beasts? The sulfur stings my nose. How is it even on the city? And I smell...wood burning. There must be a fire. What part of the city could be burning? Has it reached my house yet? I worked so hard to make that house a home, and now everything we owned is going to be engulfed in brutal flames. I can feel the heat of the fire. The smell is so strong it's choking me. It must be nearing us. I'm so afraid. What if it catches up to us? Maybe we should run. Oh I just have to turn around for a quick moment, just to see if we're far enough away from danger.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Day 45: Love at First Sight
Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of the holiday, I have saved this prompt. Just remember, Valentine's Day is for all kinds of love, not just the romantic sort. It's for mothers and children, brothers and sisters, friends, neighborly love, and of course God's precious love for us.
The Prompt: Write a short story on how the Shulamite and the Beloved from the Song of Solomon meet. (I am going by memory of the Song of Solomon, so please forgive any Biblical errors I make.)
The Shulamite woman with the long dark hair went into town several times a week, sometimes to run errands for her brothers, other times to buy groceries for dinner, and still other times to sell items in the market. Ever since her mother had died four years ago, the weight of the household affairs rested on her shoulders. Yet despite the fact that she worked hard, she still managed to maintain her beauty. A few men had approached her father for her hand in marriage, but he had refused them. The household needed her, and her father was not just going to give his only daughter away to anyone.
That morning, King Solomon was expected to visit the city in order to make sure his "mayors" were doing their duties and that his subjects were happy. Solomon enjoyed spending one-on-one time with them. Sometimes he asked them just to treat him as a normal person. He wanted to be approachable to them. At the time, Solomon was still a young king and only had three wives. He was growing even more handsome by the day, and all his female subjects felt their hearts race slightly when he was near.
Solomon had been on his donkey for well over three hours, and the sun was directly overheard now. He desired to get down and stretch his legs, so he instructed his guards to follow him at a distance while he walked around for a bit to find some water. The town was busy; the crops had just come in, and people wanted to have the first pick. Solomon draped his tunic over his face a little, in hopes to at least partially conceal his identity.
As he made his way through the swarming people around him, he stopped short when he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen at one of the stalls in front of him. She was weighing a bag of lentils in her hand to decide how many pounds to purchase. Solomon stared at her slender hands, her hair draped over her shoulders as it peeked through her headwrap, and watched her delicate mouth moved as she talked to the vendor. Solomon had to meet this woman. He began striding over towards her, but a man on his donkey walked right in front of him, with his family and their wagon trailing behind him. Solomon impatiently tried to see over them, but after they had moved, the woman was gone.
Solomon quickly strode over and asked the surprised older man where the young woman had gone. Flustered, the man gestured towards a tent to Solomon's right. Solomon followed the fingered and stared helplessly at the dozens of rows of tents mingled with thousands of shoppers. He quickly thanked the man and started on his quest.
Solomon searched for two hours down that road, staring into the sea of faces and asking each vendor if they had seen the young woman. It was an arduous task that proved fruitless. Solomon was so absorbed in his hunt that he did not think to ask his guards for help. Now he was exhausted and quite thirsty. He started asking around for a nearby well.
The Shulamite looked over the bags and baskets that were tied to her donkey to make sure they were all secure and double-checked her mental list to make sure she got everything. One quick stop at the well to water her donkey before she started back home would complete her errands for the day. As she was about to mount, she noticed a tired-looking man, wearing expensive white clothes, wandering from person to person like some beggar. Curious, she approached him and overheard him mention a well.
"Excuse me, sir!" she called.
His large brown eyes locked on hers and made her stomach flip. He walked quickly towards her.
"Yes?" Solomon asked softly. She was even more beautiful close-up.
"Are you looking for a well?"
"Yes, I am," he said in a friendly, rich tone.
"I happen to be going that way. I can escort you there, if you'd like." She shyly lowered her eyes.
"I would like that very much. Here." Solomon gently took her donkey's rope from her hands. "Let me help you with that."
They almost never took their eyes off each other as they walked to the well.
The Prompt: Write a short story on how the Shulamite and the Beloved from the Song of Solomon meet. (I am going by memory of the Song of Solomon, so please forgive any Biblical errors I make.)
The Shulamite woman with the long dark hair went into town several times a week, sometimes to run errands for her brothers, other times to buy groceries for dinner, and still other times to sell items in the market. Ever since her mother had died four years ago, the weight of the household affairs rested on her shoulders. Yet despite the fact that she worked hard, she still managed to maintain her beauty. A few men had approached her father for her hand in marriage, but he had refused them. The household needed her, and her father was not just going to give his only daughter away to anyone.
That morning, King Solomon was expected to visit the city in order to make sure his "mayors" were doing their duties and that his subjects were happy. Solomon enjoyed spending one-on-one time with them. Sometimes he asked them just to treat him as a normal person. He wanted to be approachable to them. At the time, Solomon was still a young king and only had three wives. He was growing even more handsome by the day, and all his female subjects felt their hearts race slightly when he was near.
Solomon had been on his donkey for well over three hours, and the sun was directly overheard now. He desired to get down and stretch his legs, so he instructed his guards to follow him at a distance while he walked around for a bit to find some water. The town was busy; the crops had just come in, and people wanted to have the first pick. Solomon draped his tunic over his face a little, in hopes to at least partially conceal his identity.
As he made his way through the swarming people around him, he stopped short when he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen at one of the stalls in front of him. She was weighing a bag of lentils in her hand to decide how many pounds to purchase. Solomon stared at her slender hands, her hair draped over her shoulders as it peeked through her headwrap, and watched her delicate mouth moved as she talked to the vendor. Solomon had to meet this woman. He began striding over towards her, but a man on his donkey walked right in front of him, with his family and their wagon trailing behind him. Solomon impatiently tried to see over them, but after they had moved, the woman was gone.
Solomon quickly strode over and asked the surprised older man where the young woman had gone. Flustered, the man gestured towards a tent to Solomon's right. Solomon followed the fingered and stared helplessly at the dozens of rows of tents mingled with thousands of shoppers. He quickly thanked the man and started on his quest.
Solomon searched for two hours down that road, staring into the sea of faces and asking each vendor if they had seen the young woman. It was an arduous task that proved fruitless. Solomon was so absorbed in his hunt that he did not think to ask his guards for help. Now he was exhausted and quite thirsty. He started asking around for a nearby well.
The Shulamite looked over the bags and baskets that were tied to her donkey to make sure they were all secure and double-checked her mental list to make sure she got everything. One quick stop at the well to water her donkey before she started back home would complete her errands for the day. As she was about to mount, she noticed a tired-looking man, wearing expensive white clothes, wandering from person to person like some beggar. Curious, she approached him and overheard him mention a well.
"Excuse me, sir!" she called.
His large brown eyes locked on hers and made her stomach flip. He walked quickly towards her.
"Yes?" Solomon asked softly. She was even more beautiful close-up.
"Are you looking for a well?"
"Yes, I am," he said in a friendly, rich tone.
"I happen to be going that way. I can escort you there, if you'd like." She shyly lowered her eyes.
"I would like that very much. Here." Solomon gently took her donkey's rope from her hands. "Let me help you with that."
They almost never took their eyes off each other as they walked to the well.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Day 27: God's Fingers
The Prompt: Describe the fear in Daniel 5:5 when God's fingers appeared and wrote on the wall.
Can you imagine seeing a hand- not a whole hand, mind you, a part of one- being suspended in midair and moving? Since this was God's fingers, I picture this to be a pretty big hand. I suspect a few people looked at their wine glasses and reconsidered taking that fifth drink. Maybe others were too drunk to care. Most people though, were probably filled with pure fear. The kind that clutches your heart and constricts your lungs. The kind that makes your heart beat so fast you can feel the blood pulsing in your body. The kind that churns your stomach. Verse 6 reads that, "The king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other." He was scared! If King Belshazzar had been like me, he probably thought the fingers were going to turn on him and strangle him. And what about after the fingers? Would other body parts appear and harm him? Would bewitched objects start to move around the room? Would ghosts from his defeated enemies appear for revenge? Would a fire suddenly rage?
I'm sure prayers were uttered to their gods, and people started second-guessing the choices they had made in life. What heinous crimes had they done that had angered the gods? He and his guests probably wanted to run, but their feet were planted into the floor. The floating partial hand was mesmerizing, and I'm sure they were curious to know what it was going to write. It probably disturbed them even more when they couldn't even understand the message the fingers were delivering.
Can you imagine seeing a hand- not a whole hand, mind you, a part of one- being suspended in midair and moving? Since this was God's fingers, I picture this to be a pretty big hand. I suspect a few people looked at their wine glasses and reconsidered taking that fifth drink. Maybe others were too drunk to care. Most people though, were probably filled with pure fear. The kind that clutches your heart and constricts your lungs. The kind that makes your heart beat so fast you can feel the blood pulsing in your body. The kind that churns your stomach. Verse 6 reads that, "The king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other." He was scared! If King Belshazzar had been like me, he probably thought the fingers were going to turn on him and strangle him. And what about after the fingers? Would other body parts appear and harm him? Would bewitched objects start to move around the room? Would ghosts from his defeated enemies appear for revenge? Would a fire suddenly rage?
I'm sure prayers were uttered to their gods, and people started second-guessing the choices they had made in life. What heinous crimes had they done that had angered the gods? He and his guests probably wanted to run, but their feet were planted into the floor. The floating partial hand was mesmerizing, and I'm sure they were curious to know what it was going to write. It probably disturbed them even more when they couldn't even understand the message the fingers were delivering.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Day 26: Saul's Agony
The Prompt: How did Saul feel before David played his harp and drove out the demons?
Some Biblical context: The event mentioned here can be found in 1 Samuel 16: 14-23. Prior to this moment, King Saul had disobeyed God's command and spared King Agag. God then regretted that he had made Saul king and had Samuel anoint David as king. Saul had no knowledge of this. He met David for the first time in this passage.
I feel something is wrong, but I can't tell what it is. Something feels...missing from me. I have no reason to feel this way. I am king! I have the best food, the best clothes, hundreds of men at my command. My people are happy. What is it that I should be worried about?
I feel restless. I want to go somewhere, but I don't know where. I want to do something, but I don't know what. I despise anyone laughing. I despise smiles and seeing any happiness. How dare they be happy when I am not?! But what can make me happy? I try to read about my past victories. I survey my palace grounds. I spend time with my wives and children. Nothing feels right. Nothing fills that emptiness in my soul. That deep, hollow pit in the middle of my stomach that churns my insides so I can't eat anything. That anxious feeling that has descended on my very existence and won't leave me. It's like a mosquito buzzing constantly by my ear.
It's mounting now. Even when I find the most serene spot at the palace, it still follows me. I can't escape it. It haunts me even in my dreams. I dream of falling into darkness. I dream of being killed in battle and my body disgraced. I dream of being destitute. I dream of emptiness.
Can't someone help me?! Can't someone have mercy on me and take away this feeling that has robbed me of every happiness?! I need it to go away!
Some Biblical context: The event mentioned here can be found in 1 Samuel 16: 14-23. Prior to this moment, King Saul had disobeyed God's command and spared King Agag. God then regretted that he had made Saul king and had Samuel anoint David as king. Saul had no knowledge of this. He met David for the first time in this passage.
I feel something is wrong, but I can't tell what it is. Something feels...missing from me. I have no reason to feel this way. I am king! I have the best food, the best clothes, hundreds of men at my command. My people are happy. What is it that I should be worried about?
I feel restless. I want to go somewhere, but I don't know where. I want to do something, but I don't know what. I despise anyone laughing. I despise smiles and seeing any happiness. How dare they be happy when I am not?! But what can make me happy? I try to read about my past victories. I survey my palace grounds. I spend time with my wives and children. Nothing feels right. Nothing fills that emptiness in my soul. That deep, hollow pit in the middle of my stomach that churns my insides so I can't eat anything. That anxious feeling that has descended on my very existence and won't leave me. It's like a mosquito buzzing constantly by my ear.
It's mounting now. Even when I find the most serene spot at the palace, it still follows me. I can't escape it. It haunts me even in my dreams. I dream of falling into darkness. I dream of being killed in battle and my body disgraced. I dream of being destitute. I dream of emptiness.
Can't someone help me?! Can't someone have mercy on me and take away this feeling that has robbed me of every happiness?! I need it to go away!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Day 25: When He Went Crazy
The Prompt: In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar went mad and ate grass like an ox. What happened to him? How did he live, think, and feel? Describe him after he went mad.
I would imagine his sanity left him gradually. He probably had the urge to eat grass every now and then and tried as hard as he could to suppress it. This probably only added to his insanity. When he wanted to eat the grass and act like an ox, his mind thought only like an animal's. He had no memories of his life as king.
When his subjects found out what was happening to Nebby, they probably put him away to hide the disgrace. Then, when he realized that he was locked away, in one of his lucid moments, he was outraged and probably tried his best to get out of the jail, cursing, pulling at the bars, and the like. He thought they had betrayed him. For months, he suffered fits of anger followed by his bovine urges, with fewer breaks in between the urges.
I always imagined that when he did go fully crazy, he lived out in the wilderness. No one recognized him, with his hair long and tangled and his clothes unkempt. He probably resembled the stereotypical caveman. I think at this point, Nebby hit his lowest point. He was barely human. His subjects mourned him and his lost glory. He was abandoned; no one visited him. I expect that at this point, Nebby sat in his filth and could remember everything about his past. I'm sure Daniel's words from God and his dream's interpretations especially rang in his ears. He felt angry, guilty, depressed, despicable, and finally humble. It was an awful feeling, realizing he had been wrong all these years and wishing he had the chance to relive his life. If God had given him that chance though, would Nebuchadnezzar had really acted any differently?
I would imagine his sanity left him gradually. He probably had the urge to eat grass every now and then and tried as hard as he could to suppress it. This probably only added to his insanity. When he wanted to eat the grass and act like an ox, his mind thought only like an animal's. He had no memories of his life as king.
When his subjects found out what was happening to Nebby, they probably put him away to hide the disgrace. Then, when he realized that he was locked away, in one of his lucid moments, he was outraged and probably tried his best to get out of the jail, cursing, pulling at the bars, and the like. He thought they had betrayed him. For months, he suffered fits of anger followed by his bovine urges, with fewer breaks in between the urges.
I always imagined that when he did go fully crazy, he lived out in the wilderness. No one recognized him, with his hair long and tangled and his clothes unkempt. He probably resembled the stereotypical caveman. I think at this point, Nebby hit his lowest point. He was barely human. His subjects mourned him and his lost glory. He was abandoned; no one visited him. I expect that at this point, Nebby sat in his filth and could remember everything about his past. I'm sure Daniel's words from God and his dream's interpretations especially rang in his ears. He felt angry, guilty, depressed, despicable, and finally humble. It was an awful feeling, realizing he had been wrong all these years and wishing he had the chance to relive his life. If God had given him that chance though, would Nebuchadnezzar had really acted any differently?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Day 15: The Lions' Den
The Prompt: What happened with Daniel when he was in the lions' den?
Just because this is a writing challenge does not mean I should feel obligated to always write a story, so today I will be writing a poem. I do not write them very often, so this one will be a little weak.
Just because this is a writing challenge does not mean I should feel obligated to always write a story, so today I will be writing a poem. I do not write them very often, so this one will be a little weak.
I hit the ground with a thud.
The earth was cold, hard, and covered by mud.
All I could see was darkness.
All I could feel was darkness, endless darkness.
A low rumble was heard from deep within
Sounding menacing, hungry, and as evil as sin.
I could hear the claws of these beasts on the ground
As they scraped against the gravel that was all around.
Their eyes how they glowed like yellow orbital disks,
Convincing me the owners had nothing to risk.
Slowly the creatures surrounded on all sides,
Leaving me nowhere in that pit to hide.
This is the end, I thought to myself.
Then I remembered the One who could help.
I took a deep breath and murmured a prayer,
Knowing that God had always been there.
Lord, You can hear, help me tonight.
It looks as though I'm losing the fight.
If this is the end you seem fit to give,
Then please calm me in my final minutes to live.
I could feel hot breath closing in on me.
I started to shut my eyes, although I still couldn't see.
Then suddenly light, glorious light, appeared.
It filled the whole pit 'til nothing could be feared.
Confused, the lions scuffled and started to roar.
Then there was silence, just as before.
My eyes located some light that shone through a crack
And found that my hand had landed on a soft furry back.
I was astounded to see that lions were around me
But lying beside me as docile as could be.
My Lord has saved me, He did not forget.
I am sure there is still hope for me yet.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Day 14: An Unlikely Meeting
The Prompt: Kind David meets Daniel. What happens?
King David was sitting in his throne room. It was another typical day for him. At the moment, it was his time to go through the letters of requests to see if he could meet the needs of his kingdom before his young sons would come in for their regular visits. David looked forward to that time. As much as he loved being king, those visits reminded him of normal life again.
Just then one of King David's servants appeared at the room's entrance, interrupting the king's thoughts. "Your majesty, there is a foreigner here who insists upon seeing you. He claims he is a Jew, but he looks like he has come from Babylon."
King David was intrigued by this man. "Show him in."
"As you wish." With a bow the servant left and moments later returned with a tall young man dressed in Babylonian attire. He looked confused and excited. "May I introduce His Royal Majesty King David of Bethlehem. Majesty, this is Daniel." The servant took another bow and left.
King David and Daniel stood fixed where they were, staring into each other's eyes. Each one saw something familiar in the other that made them motionless, perhaps it was the light of God. Daniel was the first one who broke the gaze. "It is an honor to be here, your Majesty," he stated in a strong, humble voice and finished with a gracious bow.
King David smiled. "To what do I owe the pleasure of you visiting our fine country and wishing to see me?"
Daniel explained that he was a Jew but had been taken captive by the Babylonians some years ago. That morning he had woken up and found himself back in his homeland. "I know it sounds far-fetched. I wouldn't even believe the story myself, but that is what happened. When I saw I was back, I explored the city and then wished I could see my king and tell him in person how impressed I am with all he has done."
"I am happy that you feel that way. Tell me, Daniel, what did you do in Babylon?"
Daniel then told King David how he and his three friends had stayed true to God's commands and refused to eat the rich food of Babylonians. He shared how God had been faithful to them and blessed them with good jobs in the king's court. King David was excited to hear that this guest was a man after his own heart- no, God's own heart, and he was amazed to hear how Daniel had been able to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. He, in turn, shared with Daniel how had God helped him in his life. The two men talked for hours, learning a great deal from each other and praising God for the miracles He had worked in their lives.
I was out of ideas for this one... Thank you for sticking with me and taking the time to read these posts!
King David was sitting in his throne room. It was another typical day for him. At the moment, it was his time to go through the letters of requests to see if he could meet the needs of his kingdom before his young sons would come in for their regular visits. David looked forward to that time. As much as he loved being king, those visits reminded him of normal life again.
Just then one of King David's servants appeared at the room's entrance, interrupting the king's thoughts. "Your majesty, there is a foreigner here who insists upon seeing you. He claims he is a Jew, but he looks like he has come from Babylon."
King David was intrigued by this man. "Show him in."
"As you wish." With a bow the servant left and moments later returned with a tall young man dressed in Babylonian attire. He looked confused and excited. "May I introduce His Royal Majesty King David of Bethlehem. Majesty, this is Daniel." The servant took another bow and left.
King David and Daniel stood fixed where they were, staring into each other's eyes. Each one saw something familiar in the other that made them motionless, perhaps it was the light of God. Daniel was the first one who broke the gaze. "It is an honor to be here, your Majesty," he stated in a strong, humble voice and finished with a gracious bow.
King David smiled. "To what do I owe the pleasure of you visiting our fine country and wishing to see me?"
Daniel explained that he was a Jew but had been taken captive by the Babylonians some years ago. That morning he had woken up and found himself back in his homeland. "I know it sounds far-fetched. I wouldn't even believe the story myself, but that is what happened. When I saw I was back, I explored the city and then wished I could see my king and tell him in person how impressed I am with all he has done."
"I am happy that you feel that way. Tell me, Daniel, what did you do in Babylon?"
Daniel then told King David how he and his three friends had stayed true to God's commands and refused to eat the rich food of Babylonians. He shared how God had been faithful to them and blessed them with good jobs in the king's court. King David was excited to hear that this guest was a man after his own heart- no, God's own heart, and he was amazed to hear how Daniel had been able to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. He, in turn, shared with Daniel how had God helped him in his life. The two men talked for hours, learning a great deal from each other and praising God for the miracles He had worked in their lives.
I was out of ideas for this one... Thank you for sticking with me and taking the time to read these posts!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Day 12: Sheep
The Prompt: Write from one of David's sheep's POV.
I didn't have much time on the computer today, so this is rather short. This is probably the worst one I've posted so far.
It's kind of cold out today. I'm glad I have my wool coat. Ooo, that tuft of grass looks tasty. *Munch munch. Who's that coming over here? Oh it's David. He's such a kind master. I remember when he saved me from a hole in the ground. I didn't know it was there. It was hidden in the underbrush. But David knew where it was. He goaded me away from it. I could have broken a leg. Even his hand feels kind on my back. It feels strong, yet warm. He's knows just where to itch me.
Now he's going over to his favorite tree to sit and watch us. Master normally talks to God or writes down something on his scroll. See? I hear him talking to his God now. He sounds troubled. He's pacing around too. I wonder what is bothering him. Who is Goliath? I've never heard Master mention that name before. Now he's walking over to the river. Getting a drink perhaps? What's in the water that has caught his attention. It's...small...stones. He's pulling them out. One, two, three, four, five stones. What could Master want to do with those?
I didn't have much time on the computer today, so this is rather short. This is probably the worst one I've posted so far.
It's kind of cold out today. I'm glad I have my wool coat. Ooo, that tuft of grass looks tasty. *Munch munch. Who's that coming over here? Oh it's David. He's such a kind master. I remember when he saved me from a hole in the ground. I didn't know it was there. It was hidden in the underbrush. But David knew where it was. He goaded me away from it. I could have broken a leg. Even his hand feels kind on my back. It feels strong, yet warm. He's knows just where to itch me.
Now he's going over to his favorite tree to sit and watch us. Master normally talks to God or writes down something on his scroll. See? I hear him talking to his God now. He sounds troubled. He's pacing around too. I wonder what is bothering him. Who is Goliath? I've never heard Master mention that name before. Now he's walking over to the river. Getting a drink perhaps? What's in the water that has caught his attention. It's...small...stones. He's pulling them out. One, two, three, four, five stones. What could Master want to do with those?
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Day 6: My Biblical Hero
The Prompt: You get to meet your hero from the Bible. What happens?
As I mentioned in the past, David is one of my favorite Bible characters. He was one of the few men the Bible refers to as having the heart of God. Plus he wrote the Psalms, one of my favorite books from the Bible. It would be amazing if I could even see what he looked like. Since he is likened to Jesus, I wonder if they shared some physical similarities. I suppose one of the first things I'd want to do is listen to him play one of his psalms or asked what inspired him to write a few of my favorites. Maybe I could even watch him compose one. Once you think about it, it's like meeting a modern Christian music singer.
David was not just a singer; he was a beloved king. Who doesn't want to meet a king? :) I'd want him to give me a tour around his palace, meet some of his advisers and family, and get a chance to see him working at some of his responsibilities as king. Getting a tour of the city would be fun too, especially if it was in a royal procession.
I'd also enjoy the opportunity to interview David. I'd like to hear some of the Biblical accounts from his point of view. How did he feel when Samuel anointed him as king while Saul still ruled? What was going through his head when he summed up the courage to defeat Goliath? I'd probably ask some other questions about when he was running from Saul, about his reign as king, and about his relationships with sons.
I'd certainly have an eventful day with David!
As I mentioned in the past, David is one of my favorite Bible characters. He was one of the few men the Bible refers to as having the heart of God. Plus he wrote the Psalms, one of my favorite books from the Bible. It would be amazing if I could even see what he looked like. Since he is likened to Jesus, I wonder if they shared some physical similarities. I suppose one of the first things I'd want to do is listen to him play one of his psalms or asked what inspired him to write a few of my favorites. Maybe I could even watch him compose one. Once you think about it, it's like meeting a modern Christian music singer.
David was not just a singer; he was a beloved king. Who doesn't want to meet a king? :) I'd want him to give me a tour around his palace, meet some of his advisers and family, and get a chance to see him working at some of his responsibilities as king. Getting a tour of the city would be fun too, especially if it was in a royal procession.
I'd also enjoy the opportunity to interview David. I'd like to hear some of the Biblical accounts from his point of view. How did he feel when Samuel anointed him as king while Saul still ruled? What was going through his head when he summed up the courage to defeat Goliath? I'd probably ask some other questions about when he was running from Saul, about his reign as king, and about his relationships with sons.
I'd certainly have an eventful day with David!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Day 1: Describe a Bible Character
Hello! I hope you are having a great first day of the year.
Day 1: Pick a character in the Bible and describe his/her day. What are his/her struggles, joys, frustrations, etc. Write at least 500 words. Can you make a story out of this?
King David is one of my favorite male characters from the Bible. This story takes place before David became king. It is inspired from 1 Samuel 27:1 and attempts to explain how David, a man who possessed some of the greatest faith in God, could have decided to give up on God saving him go live with His enemies. Prior to this, David had been running for his life from the current king, Saul, for many months (maybe even years). David has just had a second encounter with Saul and let his enemy go unharmed.
David tossed and turned in his tent. His encounter with Saul was still fresh in his mind. Saul had looked so scared when he saw David because he was sure David would kill him. David felt Saul had no right to be scared. He was the one who had been running for his life. He was the one who had to always keep all his senses alert in case Saul was nearby. He was the one who couldn't be alone for one minute for fear that Saul would use that moment to kill him with one swift stroke. Saul was taller than him, more muscular, more physically fit. Saul would not have any difficulty murdering him.
David groaned as he turned to his other side. His pillow, a rolled up cloak, was hardly doing its duty for his head. David's thoughts drifted back to Saul. This had not been the first time that David had spared Saul. The first time, they had been in a cave together. David had seen Saul standing a few feet ahead of him. It would have been so easy to murder Saul and end all that running and fear, but David remembered what God said about love and forgiveness and had shown mercy on Saul in the same way God had shown mercy on him. David grimaced as he turned again.
"Is this the reward I get for obeying you, Lord?" David thought. His thoughts often had a habit now of turning into conversations with God. "I did what You told me to. I forgave Saul and trusted You to save me, and what happens? Saul went back on his word to leave me in peace and sought to kill me again."
David opened his eyes. Sleep was pointless now. David rose from his mat, careful not to wake his wife Abigail, and slipped quietly out of his tent. Spending time with his wife did not comfort him, neither did the celebration feast he had shared with his family and friends the night before. The only thing left was to spend some time with God. No matter what he tried, communion with God always brought him peace.
The sky was still quite dark with just a hint of reddish pink on the horizon, giving David just enough light to see. He maneuvered around the other tents and equipment outside until he walked to the edge of the hill where they were camped. David stood and admired God's handiwork, although at the moment the beauty had no impact on him.
"God," he softly spoke aloud, "I know I should be happy right now. Saul has gone back to Israel. The time for fleeing from him is over. Yet I am still afraid. What is to stop him from going back on his word again? How do I know that he isn't going to try to kill me again?" David's voice rose as the passion built. "I am tired of running. I am tired of living in fear! Is there some way You can assure me? Some way that I know that You will keep me safe?"
David waited. Silence. The sky had grown a little lighter now. Usually a still, small voice inside him would remind him of a promise of God or give him a word of encouragement. This time, his mind and heart was empty. He continued staring at the valley in front of him when he noticed something moving down there. As he strained his eyes to see what it was, he was able to discern that he was watching an army move. His heart jumped, thinking it was saul again, and he anxiously scanned the group to see if he could recognize the Israelite armor. Instead, he realized that this was not the Israelites but a Philistine army, an enemy to all men of Israel.
David's eyes followed the army's journey. He noticed the band of men showed the might and intimidation that was typical of the Philistines. If David had been in the right frame of mind, he would have readied himself for an attack and asked God if He should destroy the idolaters or leave them alone. Instead, David made a rash decision, something someone should never make, especially if he is as mentally and physically exhausted and fearful as David was.
"This must be a sign from the Lord. I am to live with the Philistines! They can protect me from Saul!"
What do you? Why could David had abandoned God like he did?
Day 1: Pick a character in the Bible and describe his/her day. What are his/her struggles, joys, frustrations, etc. Write at least 500 words. Can you make a story out of this?
King David is one of my favorite male characters from the Bible. This story takes place before David became king. It is inspired from 1 Samuel 27:1 and attempts to explain how David, a man who possessed some of the greatest faith in God, could have decided to give up on God saving him go live with His enemies. Prior to this, David had been running for his life from the current king, Saul, for many months (maybe even years). David has just had a second encounter with Saul and let his enemy go unharmed.
David tossed and turned in his tent. His encounter with Saul was still fresh in his mind. Saul had looked so scared when he saw David because he was sure David would kill him. David felt Saul had no right to be scared. He was the one who had been running for his life. He was the one who had to always keep all his senses alert in case Saul was nearby. He was the one who couldn't be alone for one minute for fear that Saul would use that moment to kill him with one swift stroke. Saul was taller than him, more muscular, more physically fit. Saul would not have any difficulty murdering him.
David groaned as he turned to his other side. His pillow, a rolled up cloak, was hardly doing its duty for his head. David's thoughts drifted back to Saul. This had not been the first time that David had spared Saul. The first time, they had been in a cave together. David had seen Saul standing a few feet ahead of him. It would have been so easy to murder Saul and end all that running and fear, but David remembered what God said about love and forgiveness and had shown mercy on Saul in the same way God had shown mercy on him. David grimaced as he turned again.
"Is this the reward I get for obeying you, Lord?" David thought. His thoughts often had a habit now of turning into conversations with God. "I did what You told me to. I forgave Saul and trusted You to save me, and what happens? Saul went back on his word to leave me in peace and sought to kill me again."
David opened his eyes. Sleep was pointless now. David rose from his mat, careful not to wake his wife Abigail, and slipped quietly out of his tent. Spending time with his wife did not comfort him, neither did the celebration feast he had shared with his family and friends the night before. The only thing left was to spend some time with God. No matter what he tried, communion with God always brought him peace.
The sky was still quite dark with just a hint of reddish pink on the horizon, giving David just enough light to see. He maneuvered around the other tents and equipment outside until he walked to the edge of the hill where they were camped. David stood and admired God's handiwork, although at the moment the beauty had no impact on him.
"God," he softly spoke aloud, "I know I should be happy right now. Saul has gone back to Israel. The time for fleeing from him is over. Yet I am still afraid. What is to stop him from going back on his word again? How do I know that he isn't going to try to kill me again?" David's voice rose as the passion built. "I am tired of running. I am tired of living in fear! Is there some way You can assure me? Some way that I know that You will keep me safe?"
David waited. Silence. The sky had grown a little lighter now. Usually a still, small voice inside him would remind him of a promise of God or give him a word of encouragement. This time, his mind and heart was empty. He continued staring at the valley in front of him when he noticed something moving down there. As he strained his eyes to see what it was, he was able to discern that he was watching an army move. His heart jumped, thinking it was saul again, and he anxiously scanned the group to see if he could recognize the Israelite armor. Instead, he realized that this was not the Israelites but a Philistine army, an enemy to all men of Israel.
David's eyes followed the army's journey. He noticed the band of men showed the might and intimidation that was typical of the Philistines. If David had been in the right frame of mind, he would have readied himself for an attack and asked God if He should destroy the idolaters or leave them alone. Instead, David made a rash decision, something someone should never make, especially if he is as mentally and physically exhausted and fearful as David was.
"This must be a sign from the Lord. I am to live with the Philistines! They can protect me from Saul!"
What do you? Why could David had abandoned God like he did?
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