He Laughs

Note: Another in a unique look at Bible stories. Thanks for your indulgence. - Glenn

My name is Detective Meshech, I work the Admah district not far from the tent dwelling of Abraham, a local luminary. It seems the 99 year-old nomad recently received a trio of visitors, I was charged with determining the nature of their visit since we’d been advised that it had something to do with the downfall of two regional cities.

“They came and told me to change my name - and my wife’s name,” the man replied thoughtfully.

“Was this part of the Federal Protection Program?” I asked.

“What program? You receive a visit from God and He tells you change your name – you change your name already.” Abraham responded with a chuckle. “Have you ever received a visit from God?”

“Let’s see,” I pondered. “No, I don't think so. I'm sure I would have remembered.”

“This explains much,” Abraham said, slapping dust from his clothes. I wasn‘t quite sure I liked his tone. “Later, more visitors came and told me about two cities that were going to be destroyed and then they told me that Sarah was going to have a baby!” Abraham replied in a voice filled with awe.

“The cities in question would be Sodom and Gomorrah?” I queried.

“What? Do you know of other cities that were flattened already? Yes of course Sodom and Gomorrah” Abraham replied. He seemed saddened.

“Thank you for your time, Abraham. This will certainly help in our investigation.” I begin to roll up my scroll.

“What? They came, we talked, promised were made - they left,” Abraham responded.

“Promises? Describe the promises,” I asked as I unrolled my interrogation scroll once again.

“Just that my wife was going to have a baby,” Abraham replied with a broad smile.

“Sir, I do not find the humor in such tasteless jokes,” I replied with a rude look on my face.

“Who’s joking? I chuckled when the One said this to me,” Abraham said, not intimidated in the least by my tough guy persona. “I couldn’t help myself, even Sarah laughed. I don’t think God was so happy, though.”

“What makes you think that?” I asked.

“Probably when He said, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? About a year from now, just as I told you, I will return, and Sarah will have a son.’” Abraham replied.

“I suppose that would lead someone to suspect that He wasn’t ‘so happy’” I concurred.

“I will be a hundred soon and there’s a baby on the way,” Abraham beamed. 

“Congratulations from everyone down at headquarters,” I replied flippantly.

“Do you know of a good place for raising children?” Abraham asked.

“I’m not really sure, but I think I’d stay away from Sodom and Gomorrah,” I replied as I recalled the charred remains.

“There weren‘t even ten godly people,” Abraham spoke these words to himself with clenched fists remembering something unspoken.

I moved the conversation a different direction, “By the way, what will you call your son?”

“He will be Isaac,” Abraham relaxed a bit.

“Isaac? Seems like such a strange name,” I replied.

“Yes, so glad you noticed,” Abraham said as he adjusted the halter on one of his camels.

“He laughs?” I ask.

“He laughs - yes, you are right - that’s his name, ‘he laughs’. Does this help you in your indigestion?” the wanderer asked.

“That’s investigation, not - ah, never mind,” I replied wearily.

“Either way, my son will be born in laughter. What? Do you think we thought we would start a family at this time in life? No! Yet, God brought us laughter that began as disbelief and will end with the wails of new life and the joy of old men and ladies.” Abraham finished with a look of high expectation.

I write on my scroll when a certain word escapes me, “What emotion is it that you’re feeling right now. I can’t seem to think of the word.”

“Joy!“ Abraham replied. “The word is JOY! Have you never experienced this?”

“I think I have what I need.” I ignore his question completely. “Please don’t leave the region until this investigation is completed,”

“Where would I go? My family is here and soon I will have a son,” Abraham beamed.

As I walk away I wonder about the laughter and joy found in this dusty tent on the edge of nowhere desperately wishing I could find some of my own.

Tax Collector Has Change Of Heart

 Note: This story is a fictional news account of the story of Zacchaeus found in Luke 19:1-10. It is from the perspective of a skeptical news reporter and should not be viewed as an accurate depiction of what took place. We hope that you will read Luke 19 to get the real scoop. 

Jericho - A large crowd gathered today for the arrival of the man called Jesus. His followers walked with him down the city streets as young and old alike sought a word or touch from the former carpenter. 

Among the more interesting notes of the impromptu gathering was an incident involving our city's chief tax collector Zacchaeus. It will come as no surprise to any that know Zacchaeus that he is, to put it delicately, vertically challenged. 

“I just wanted to see Jesus, and the tree seemed to be the only way,” Zacchaeus said in reference to the location he chose to view the proceedings. 

It may have been that Zacchaeus intentionally wanted to avoid a crowd that have voiced opposition to his collection methods as well as the rates he has charged. However, Zacchaeus would not go unnoticed. 

“I was surprised and embarrassed when Jesus looked up at me. I am the chief tax collector. What would people think of me? Well, Jesus said that I should climb down the tree and go home to prepare a meal. He and his friends joined me for supper last night,” Zacchaeus said. 

This event did not go unnoticed by those who have felt cheated by Zacchaeus. 

“I have a much nicer home and could have provided lodging for Jesus,” Abner, the tanner, said. 

“Why would Jesus want to dine with such a crooked man as Zacchaeus. I thought he had better sense,” Jeremiah, the weaver, concluded. 

We may never know why Jesus invited himself to Zachaeus’s house. However, the visit has produced an unexpected result. 

This morning Zacchaeus told the Gazette that he would be offering tax refunds to all that have been defrauded by him by four times the original amount. 

Further, Zacchaeus has made a generous donation to The Jericho Families in Need fund. 

“Jesus told me that he came specifically for people like me,” Zacchaeus told us, “to seek and to save that which was lost. I guess that pretty much describes me.” The tax collector concluded with a chuckle. 

It is difficult to believe that Jesus came to Jericho specifically to see Zacchaeus, as they had never met before yesterday. 

While none of us can say for sure what caused the change of heart in a formerly ruthless tax collector, we can be grateful that a fairer rate of taxation appears to be at hand. 

What Jesus said to Zacchaeus to change his behavior is still somewhat unclear. However, anyone who helps put money back in our pocket deserves our undying gratitude. 

What Went Through The Mind?

Note: What Christ did for you isn't just a Christmas or Easter thing. Remember today - and discover gratitude. - Glenn

What went though the mind

Of Jesus on the cross?

Was it filled with second guessing

Sensing incredible loss?

No, I think ‘twas a thing much different

That touched the edges of His mind

For prior to Adam’s first defiance

Jesus planned to save mankind

So, what went through His mind

As He labored just to breathe?

Perhaps He considered His creation

Maybe He thought of you and me

Surely He was distraught

When His Father turned His back

He carried your every sin

In a sacrifice without lack

Perhaps He remembered His childhood

Or the men He came to teach

Those who’d witnessed a personal miracle

The multitudes that heard Him preach

Maybe, just maybe, He thought

Of all the wrong I’d do

And though crushed with grief

Spoke to all ‘fore He was through

"Father, forgive them,

They know not what they do."

He then became our advocate

In three days - rose anew

We may never know what

Jesus thought while dying on a tree

The point of suffering is made clear

When a lost child bows the knee

He endured sheer agony

On behalf of all mankind

He died once - and for all

Then rose again divine

What went though the mind

Of Jesus on the cross?

We are left to wonder

About the One who paid the cost

Local Persecutor Defects

Note: This story was written to show what biblical accounts may have looked like if they were to be reported by many of today's newspapers. Please note that the preceding was written as a fictional news account regarding the story of Paul's conversion found in Acts 9 from a skeptical reporters perspective and should not be relied upon as a 100% accurate picture of what occurred. I encourage you to read Acts 9 to get the real scoop. - Glenn

Damascus - Religious leaders have faced unusually trying times in recent days. 

Reports continue to circulate about the alleged resurrection of a regional carpenter turned religious zealot whose death was the result of crucifixion alongside two other criminals. 

If that were not enough, a local leader named Saul recently went public with his belief that the man Jesus was indeed God's Son. What makes his pronouncement problematic for religious leaders is that Saul had been one of the strongest voices of opposition to the sect now being referred to as Christians. He had provided support for the eradication of this growing group of fanatics. 

"I can't imagine what he is thinking," said Judah Ben Hassan, a local Rabbi, 

"He (Saul) has always had a level head in religious matters, and now this." Saul's defection also leaves "Christians" suspicious. 

"He held the cloaks of men who killed many of my family and friends," said one unidentified Christian, "if only it were true. If only we could be sure that he truly believes in the Messiah." 

Saul recently told us, "All I know is that Jesus came to me as I drew near to Damascus. I was blinded and he asked me why I was persecuting him. Then he told me to go into town and ask for a certain man who would pray for me. After he prayed I was able to see again." 

Saul further informed us that he has changed his name to Paul and wishes to send his apologies to the families and friends of those he hurt in his role as religious persecutor. 

Both sides in this issue remain skeptical that Saul/Paul has actually had a change of heart. 

"A new name does not make a new man," one Christian recently stated 

"If this is a joke we wish Saul would let us in on it," Ben Hassan told the Post. 

Paul indicates his plans now include spreading his belief that Jesus is the Messiah. 

From this writers perspective Paul will have a difficult time convincing nervous Christians that he can be trusted enough to share his story. Paul indicated that he will be leaving Damascus soon, traveling to Gentile nations to tell his story there. 

For now, both local religious leaders and many of the Christians seem to agree that they will be glad to see him go. Religious leaders have indicated that if they should happen to catch up to him he may be a victim of the same persecution he had helped to lead until this recent event. 

All that is left is for us to ponder is if Paul will have any impact in the future to compare with the impact he had as a stanch supporter of local religious law. Or, is it possible that this recent change of heart spells another step in the spiral of the almost assured defeat of this newly formed sect known as Christians?