I just finished reading the autobiography of Frank Sinatra, and some of the stories in the book created such an amazing image in my head that really drew me into the whole emotion of it.
But why cant I do that with the Bible? I often read scripture with a different mind set though. I dont let myself imagine the scenery and history of the the story and its characters. Instead, i read with a blank mind.
Thinking at work today (as i always tend to do) I tried to replay a Bible story to myself in the way that I do with a good book. I was reminded of the story of Jesus, when he approached Peter and some of the desciples fishing, weeks after he was crucified. The scripture, in its own way, describes Peter as feeling somewhat lost and challenged in his faith. But the way i like to understand it, i imagine him feeling absolutely disoriented. Thinking of the last several years of life following Christ and learning about his mission to create a different world. It had all come to an abrupt and painfull ending. He's probably asking a million questions in his head; Was it all true? What do I do now? Where do I go? What's my role? Why arent you here God?!
But in the midst of his work on the fishing boat, as he's tormenting himself with questions, a man calls from the shore.
"Hey!, have you caught anything yet today!". Peter replies "no, nothing" already feeling depressed enough. Then the man yells back "try the other side of the boat!". With some dispute and some hesitance im sure, the desciples try the other side, and sure enough, the nets are almost busting from the weight of the fish.
In an instant, I bet it clicks in Peters head...'Its Jesus!'. Without a second to even think about it, he drops the net and jumps off the boat into the water. I picture him half crying, and half choking on water trying to swim frantickly towards the shore. His best friend and his savior is in sight. He's so out of breath running up the beach soaking wet, but with no hesitation he falls into Jesus' arms.I know Jesus returns the hug with full force. Such a passionate moment!! I can almost see it being like an Italian father and son hugging each other after a long separation. Italian's just know how to show love. They hug and kiss with so much intensity and strength. Jesus must have had the biggest grin on his face.
He showed up just when Peter needed him the most, like a good friend does.
What I love most about this story, is how the Bible says, they all sat around the fire that night. I just picture them all laughing together and eating the fish they caught, just enjoying each others presence. So cool!
Not to mention the absolute assurance of Jesus' being who he said he was.
I Hope I can imagine every story like that, it makes the Bible that much more passionate. But who am I kidding really, I dont have the time or the motivation to read the Bible like that. Maybe one day?
-D
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