A Story of young revolutionaries...
I had a conversation yesterday with a friend of mine who recently finished writing a book that has been in her heart for the last eight years. It is a simple, and yet profound story of "the ones who escaped" the evil kingdom of Laird, in search of the legendary "Golden pastures." They must journey out of the bronze hills, through the barren valley, up to the peak of the silver mountains, where they get their first glimpse of the golden pastures. They must choose to continue back down into the valley, up the final hill, and then, to continue on in to the promised land. The story is based allegorically on Joshua and Caleb's journey into the promised land, as well as John 10:10, that "I have come to bring life abundantly."
The simplicity of the story is one that children could read and understand, but the depth to which is challenges and draws out the moments of choice that we find ourselves in throughout our lives was deeply profound. There are the ones who choose to remain on various mountain peaks because, "it is enough for them." Some escape the kingdom, and settle just outside. Others make it all the way to the final mountain, but because they can't let go of the dream in order to see it fulfilled, they refuse to descend into the promised land. I found myself and my own temptations in every character.
I have listened to many voices this week. This one says the Bible isn't literal, that one says that a particular part of Ezekiel means Christ is coming back within the next 5 years. One says the "emerging church" is dangerous, another says the "traditional church" is a farce. Someone says John Piper is a heretic, and another says Rob Bell will lead to the destruction of the Church. And then there are the voices inside my head: You've not done enough...you question too much...you haven't rested enough...you've rested too much! Aaaaah!