WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT...

Grief is like an underground river that periodically works its way to the surface.  It's reawakening can be startling and can elicit a powerful surge of sorrow and loneliness.  

The other day, Debbie and I went to a very small grocery store here in Hope Town to pick up a few necessities.  While checking out, we entered into dialogue with the islander woman who helped us.  When Deb asked her name, she realized that we were speaking to a woman whose 18 year-old son had been washed out to sea during the 2019 hurricane!  Debbie stepped to her side and whispered gently:

"My sister told me about you.  You lost your son in the hurricane, right?"

[Head down]  "Yes, mam."  

"My husband and I have prayed for you.  We lost our son five years ago and understand a little bit about the pain you are going through.  God will give you strength!"

Two women - one black, one white - embraced and wept over the loss of their sons.  

And the river goes underground again...

I'm sitting at the counter working on my next book - a devotional.  I'm reviewing old Facebook posts and blog articles to gather material.  I read a delightful blog I wrote in June of 2012.  [It was titled, "I Talk To Birds" - if you want to check it out.]  Before I closed the page, I noticed that two comments had been left on the blog.  One was anonymous and the other was from Travis:  "Haha, nice! I enjoy their chatter too! Helps me wake up in the mornings."

The water bursts through the surface and from my eyes!  How I miss him!  How I long to lift my phone and hear, "Hey Pops!"  

And the river goes underground again...

When it will surface next, I do not know;  but I know it will...

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us Travis for nearly forty years.

His joy was effervescent and his laugh made us smile.

He gave us SO MUCH to be proud of!

Bless the dear woman from the store,

and all others who know this pain of having lost children.

Wipe the tears from our eyes and give us hope!

For Jesus' sake, Amen

ANOTHER CHURCH VISIT

We're on vacation with quite a few family members.  Being Sunday morning, most of us attended the Hope Town St. James Methodist Church.  The service began at 11:00 AM with an organ call to worship by Mr. Barry Talley, who formerly played at the chapel on the campus of the United States Naval Academy (while Travis attended there).  

The church building is a lovely, white structure built so that the congregation looks out two windows at the aqua and azure blue Atlantic Ocean.  Remarkably, it was barely damaged by the hurricane in 2019.

Mrs. Suzanne Bethel stepped forward after the prelude to give greetings, recognize guests and share announcements.  She had a comfortable, relaxed, even humorous way about her and her island accent was a delight to listen to.  She asked guests to stand and identify themselves.  I went first, followed by our family members.  Then others followed suit.  The guests had the regular attenders outnumbered significantly.  There may have been ten (mostly elderly and all white) who were actually from the island of Elbow Cay.  

Mr. C. Vernon Malone serves as the Regional Lay Moderator and Lay Preacher.  He called us to worship with a responsive reading from Psalm 126, using the United Methodist Hymnal.  Then we sang "This Is My Father's World", followed by the pastoral prayer.  

Then came the singing of "More Love To Thee, O Christ" followed by two scripture lessons read by lay people:  Isaiah 21:1-13 and John 9:24-41.  This led to a time for prayers of intercession, following which we approached the altar one-at-a-time [due to COVID] to present our tithes and offerings.  Brother Malone offered a humble expression of gratitude to God for His faithfulness.

We sang "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me" before he gave the message based on the scripture readings.  He read a carefully prepared message that touched on both scripture lessons, reminding us that like the man born blind (in John), we too are sinners who need to be saved.  He then referenced Isaiah's vision of destruction in Babylon and Edom.  He told stories of the devastation experienced on the island.  He emphasized that our role as believers is to stand with and for Jesus and be helpers to those who have such great needs.

Mr. Malone is a humble layman who is 84 years of age.  He and his wife are islanders who run a bakery in Hope Town.  During the storm they decided to ride it out at their bakery.  It seems that God may have directed them to do so, since their home was leveled.  He has a gracious and humble manner that draws you to him.  

In closing, we sang "Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart" and were dismissed with a heartfelt benediction by Brother Malone.  Almost everyone lingered for a bit to greet one another through masks and no touching.  

All-in-all, it was a pleasant experience and I personally felt the presence of the Lord here.  

My sister-in-law, Janie (husband, Peter) apparently leaked that I will be here through next Sunday, so I will be the speaker next week.  You all are welcome to come!  :-)

WHERE'S JESUS?

I wrote a blog article two weeks ago titled, "Good Saturday" where I gave a biblical answer to where Jesus was on the Saturday following His crucifixion.  It was not read a lot, but those who did review it found it to be informative.  

According to the New Testament and the church year, we are currently in the period known as Eastertide.  

Eastertide is the period of 50 days, spanning from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday. It is celebrated as a single joyful feast, called the "great Lord's Day". Each Sunday of the season is treated as a Sunday of Easter.   [Wikipedia]

 Biblically, this was the period during which the resurrected Jesus appeared to His followers on selected occasions.  

...Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas [Peter], then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me [Apostle Paul - post Pentecost].    [I Corinthians 15:3b-8  ESV]

Pentecost will be celebrated on May 23, 2021.

But let's return to our primary question:  "Where's Jesus?"

Some would say that He's in Heaven with God, the Father.  And to a certain extent, they'd be right.  This can be shown by many scriptures;  none better than Jesus' own confession before the leaders in Luke 22:66-69.

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”  [ESV]

What is He doing there?  According to Romans 8:34-39,

Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 

“For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Others might respond that Jesus is in His Church.  And to a certain extent, they'd be right.  This can also be shown by scriptures such as Matthew 18:19-20.

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”  [ESV]

 Actually, this verse doesn't imply being in a church.  The emphasis isn't on a place, it is on the presence of two or three who are gathered in His name!  

_____________________________________

A PERSONAL WORD:

Thankfully, I've experienced the presence of Jesus (God) many times during worship in churches.  However, I've also endured services in churches that were dry, poorly planned and conducted, and seemed more leaned toward performance than participation.  These environments are too prevalent and very dissatisfying.  

                                            _______________________________________

Still others might say that Jesus is in their hearts.  And to a certain extent, they'd be right.  This is seemingly testified to in Revelation 3:19-20.

[the resurrected Jesus speaking from Heaven]:   “I correct and punish those whom I love. So be eager to do right, and change your hearts and lives. Here I am! I stand at the door [of your heart?] and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me.

Evangelical Christian faith has long emphasized accepting Jesus into your heart.  Many traditional hymns reference having Jesus in your heart.  

Finally, the Apostle John would report:  [Revelation 1:9-16]

I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.   [ESV]

Sounds like Jesus to me! 

This episode from John's life was from a period when he was exiled to live in isolation on an island.  I'm writing this from an island in the Atlantic.  I see the devastation of a massive hurricane a year and a half ago.  But I'm in a comfortable setting with family around me.  I'm certainly not suffering.  But, it gives me some perspective to consider John's situation.  How he must have cherished those moments of correspondence and assignment from Jesus!  Essentially, Jesus was saying, "Don't be discouraged and don't think I'm through with you!  I'm going to give you a tour of Heaven!  Write about it and send it to the churches!"  

So, where is Jesus?

1.  He's in Heaven praying for you!

2.  He's wherever two or three true believers gather in His name to respond to our prayers!

3.  He's in your heart through His Holy Spirit to comfort, strengthen and guide you!

4.  He's especially near to you in times of persecution or suffering to instruct you and clarify what He wants you to do!

Resurrected Lord,

Thank You for being with us in such significant ways!

There is no place that we can go where You are not available!

There is no situation in life that we can face where You will not hear our cry.

When we call to You in earnest, You answer!

Help us to live for Your glory and to expand Your Kingdom!

Amen!!!!!

CHURCH VISIT

 I visited a relatively large church in our area this morning for their worship service.  They advertise a 'Classic' service (with the message via live feed) in one part of the building with a 'Response Venue' in their main auditorium (which had very comfortable theater seats).  

I found the church easily and the primary entry was obvious.  I arrived a few minutes late (my bad) and entered a darkened auditorium.  I stood in back for the first song, waiting for my eyes to adjust so I could find a seat.  Every-other-row was roped off and most participants wore masks (even during worship).  From what I could see, the auditorium held about two hundred with a pleasant mix of ages.  

[They were scheduled to do this again at 10:45 AM.  They also have a Pittsburgh campus where the 'live feed' is presented.  Why did we adopt the term 'campus' for church property?]  

The platform was HUGE with approximately ten worship team members spread across it.  I appreciated that this space was not cluttered with tons of ugly equipment, stands, amps and other paraphernalia.  I did not know the songs that were being presented, but the words were right on!  The music was excellent - nearly professional.  The worship leader gave announcements, prayer and exhortations that were presented well.  

They made mention of placing offerings and information cards in a receptacle as we left the auditorium.  I didn't see it as I left.  I'm old-school enough that I missed the offering.  When did we begin this process of not taking offerings?  I assume that it is thought to create awkwardness for visitors?  I always felt strongly that giving our tithes and offerings was a vibrant and essential part of our worship participation.  But, that's just me...

Worship teams can be awkward.  Sometimes members can be distracting by their dress, movements and drama, but I've learned that I can remove those distractions by closing my eyes.  ;-)

At one point the worship leader encouraged us to stand and wave at our neighbors.  That was kind of weird, but a necessary adaptation to our COVID world.

The screen presentations were done extremely well.  Getting the words when we need them is OFTEN a problem in churches, but this team had someone very capable in charge!  I must say, however, that providing the words for the songs is becoming less and less necessary.  Even in this progressive church, I observed VERY FEW people singing along with the team.  To my personal distress, singing in worship is gradually being relegated to a very minor role.  

The pastor's message was excellent.  He (in this case) started with an engaging visual display and used it to get people's attention by having them participate in an exercise.  I don't remember how he tied it to his message, but it was effective in getting our attention.  The message was given without notes and was very well done.  It was biblical, thought provoking and challenging.  

I noticed an elderly couple arrived and sat near me just as the pastor began his message.  This happened some when I was still leading the church.  A few would deliberately come when they expected me to preach.  Something about that always bothered me.  I was amused when the pastor ended his message and led us in prayer;  this couple got up and slipped out again during the prayer.  I guess they didn't need the singing or the prayer.  :-)

When I was leading the church, I often mixed things up just to create change.  On a few occasions, I began the service by getting up and giving the message.  When people walked in and the message was ending, you could see the shock on their faces.  It was similar to what we occasionally saw during Daylight Savings Time Sundays!  :-)

After his prayer, I was surprised that he simply made a few announcements and then dismissed us.  I had expected the worship team to return for a closing song, but that didn't happen.  

I stayed in my seat a short while as people began to leave the auditorium.  What I observed made me sad.  People simply got up and walked out of the auditorium [I really liked the word 'sanctuary'], walked straight through the foyer and into the parking lot where they headed for their cars.  I saw no visiting taking place.  I got the distinct feeling that they didn't know one another (therefore, how could they effectively care for one another?)

Smaller, country churches typically break this pattern.  Often in the churches I served, people would stay and visit long enough that I left and went home - telling them to lock the door on their way out! 

So much was done right here.  Excellence characterized the entire hour and eight minutes!  Yet, worship is illusive.  You can't guarantee that it will take place.  The Spirit blows where it wills!  We can create an environment, but we can't make people worship!  

THE GROWTH OF ATHEISM

 "The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”  Psalm 14:1

You may not have noticed it, but the number of fools in America has been growing significantly over the past three decades.  

"Ryan Burge, a political scientist at Eastern Illinois University and a Baptist pastor, found that 23.1% of Americans now claim no religion...Catholics came in at 22%.  Evangelicals were at 22.5%...Mainline protestant denominations registered 11%...The same questions have been asked for forty-four years...The meteoric rise of religious nones began in the early 1990s and has grown 266% since 1991, he said."  [Excerpts from "There are now as many Americans who claim no religion as there are evangelicals and Catholics, a survey finds."  By Neil Monahan and Saeed Ahmed -Survey: As many Americans claim no religion as there are evangelicals, Catholics - CNN ]

You just read a credible report that the number of those reporting 'no religion' has grown 266% since 1991.  Does this bother you?  Does it cause you any concern?  What do you think this says about our culture?  About the Church?

I've attended two healthy churches since I retired in 2016.  Neither has seemed very passionate about connecting with, helping, or influencing spiritually lost people.  

It's so easy for churches to slip into a maintenance mode.  Enough money is coming in to keep things going.  Attendance is fairly stable.  Programs that seem essential are kept running.  Homeostasis feels good.  New people trickle in from time-to-time.  

Don't worry - be happy!

But outside the walls of our church, in the homes throughout our community, and in our nation in general people are craving answers to questions they can't yet formalize.  They're pursuing something, but they're not quite sure what it is yet.  Something is missing, but they don't know where to turn for answers.  And to be honest, the church is about the last place they would look for answers.

Have you ever gone to a church for the first time?  It's terrifying!  

• You don't know which door to go in.
• You don't know where to go once you're inside.
• You don't know what to expect.
• The readings and songs are foreign and meaningless to you.
• The pastor goes on for close to forty minutes - s/he seems really passionate, but you don't know what s/he's talking about.
• You notice there are very few youth or young families in the church.
• After church, everyone seems to enjoy talking, but they leave you alone.
• You breathe a sigh of relief when you get to your car and vow that you'll never do that again!

Dictionary.com defines ritual as "an established or prescribed procedure for a religious or other rite."

Why do churches rely so heavily on these prefabricated forms?  Why would we so consistently use forms that are only meaningful to those who possess the secret decoder ring?  What about those poor seekers who wander in hoping to hear the words of life?  Hoping to find something real and meaningful.  Hoping to find the resolve and strength to cope with the realities of their lives.  Who cares about them?

Are they likely to try another church?  No.

We serve a Christ who:

• came to seek and to save the lost.
• is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
• is pictured as a shepherd who leaves 99 safe in the fold while He goes out to seek the one that was lost.
• intentionally visited the pool of Bethesda in order to heal a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.
• gave time and attention to Zacchaeus, the hated tax collector and changed his heart.
• said to His disciples, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."\

You get the picture.  This is a man who was observed to be a friend of sinners.  

Some research I did years ago indicated that when a person becomes closely connected to a church, they will - within seven years - come to a place where they no longer have any non-Christian friends.  Yikes!  Could that be true?  Do we really flip a person's life so radically that we remove them from association with people who desperately need Christ and salvation?

HERE'S AN ASIDE:

Would you like to know the most difficult challenge I had during over forty years of leading churches?

Do I preach for the benefit of those who are established in their faith or those who need to be established in their faith?

I vacillated between these two roles constantly - by intention!  I would preach a series that was designed to minister to those who knew Jesus and were growing in their faith.  Then, I would do a series designed to be outreaching to those who were lost or struggling in their faith and needed to be grounded.  Here's the reality I had to deal with:  if I erred too much in either direction, attendance suffered!  That's the way it was...

I know that a variety of churches exist and some even seem to thrive.

• churches where the worship leaders shout and jump around and where musicians shine...
• churches where things are executed poorly with little planning and coherence...
• churches where liturgy reigns and people yawn...
• churches where the show is great, the videos excellent, the music semi-professional and the pastor uses Andy Stanley's sermons...
• churches where the platform is crowded with instruments and the sermon is spontaneous...

Where is sincerity?  genuineness?  spiritual sensitivity?  the leading of the Spirit?  the creativity that was at the core of Jesus' teaching?  the involvement of 'the body'?  the pooling of gifts and the sharing of the saints?  prayer for the lost?  the opportunity to respond to the message?  [Did altar prayer end with Billy Graham's death?]

Do we have the answer to people's questions?  Is Jesus' love big enough to see them through life's struggles?  Do we care enough to make our worship relevant to these lost souls?  

Right now the indicators are that we're not being very effective at reaching them.  Are we able to change, to adapt, to pursue, to care enough to meet them where they are?  Are we willing to admit that we've failed to get them to come to our buildings to 'get saved'?  If we're biblically astute, we'll know that Jesus told us to 'Go' to them;  He didn't tell us to have a great program so they will come to us.  

It is a PRIMARY role of the church to equip the saints for the work of ministry!  The Apostle Paul speaks specifically of the ministry of reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:18-20):

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them [PTL!].  And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.   We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ's behalf:  Be reconciled to God.

Can we turn this atheism trend around?  Do we want to?  Christ is still out seeking the lost.  Do we care enough to join Him?  

GOOD SATURDAY

 I know, you've never heard of 'Good Saturday'.  I just made it up.  :-)

But, I would like to defend my postulation:  that we have something significant to reflect on during this day.  A day of massive conversions.  A day unlike any that had ever occurred before!  A day when the gates of Heaven were rushed by throngs that surely numbered in the tens of thousands - if not more!  

But, I'm already ahead of myself.  Let me try to bring you along on this journey of discovery...

We know the truth of Good Friday.  Jesus died on the cross of Calvary to pay the penalty for all our sins before and after.  It was one sacrifice for all time!  He was the spotless Lamb of God!  He did what no one else could ever do.  The Son of God laid down His life for everyone who chooses to believe in Him.

I think you probably agree with me so far, right?  

But let's look at the word "everyone".  

First, it meant everyone who was alive at the time of Christ.

Second, it meant everyone who would ever live from the time of the crucifixion and for the rest of the existence of humanity.

Third, it meant everyone who had lived and died before Christ's crucifixion.

Wait a minute...what did you say, Hal?

"It meant everyone who had lived and died before Christ's crucifixion."

That's what I thought you said.  But how could they all be saved?

How does anyone get saved?  They hear (or become aware of) the 'good news' and place their faith in Christ as their Savior.

Well then, how could all the people who had lived and died hear the 'good news' and respond [or not respond] to it?

That's easy.  The answer is right there in scripture.  Upon His death, Christ went and preached to these dead souls and they were given an opportunity to place their faith in Him.  Those who did, He led in a joyful procession into the gates of Heaven!  

No!  Where is that in the Bible?

Let's look at the evidence:

I Peter 3:18-19

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.  He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago...

I Peter 4:6

For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

 Ephesians 4:8-10

This is why it says:

[taken from Psalm 68:8]  "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."

(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower earthly regions?  He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

Now, although we may not understand every implication of these passages, it seems to make it remarkably clear that upon His death, Jesus went to the place where all the dead had accumulated and preached to them.  Those who chose to believe in Him were then led from the place of the dead into the celestial city!   

 Even our Apostle's Creed gives a nod at this truth when it says, "He descended into hell" which is immediately followed by "the third day He rose again from the dead:  He ascended into heaven, and sittith on the right hand of God the Father Almighty."  [Apparently it was a three-day revival!]

We should note again here that this was a one time caveat!  Those who have died since the crucifixion will NOT be extended this privilege.  They, like us, have had the opportunity to hear and know the truth of the gospel.  Those who have responded in faith and obedience will be eternally saved.  Those who reject or ignore the gospel message (or fail to take it seriously) will be eternally lost.

So, today, we remember 'Good Saturday' when Adam and Eve, those who perished in Noah's flood, the wicked and oppressive Egyptians, the Philistines, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Romans, - literally EVERYONE who had lived and died before the crucifixion - heard the GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED from the very One who had paid the price for their redemption!  And many were saved!

This - perhaps more than anything else in scripture - shows us Christ's love and concern for lost people!  Do we mirror that love?  Do our churches?

If you needed a reason to say "HALLELUJAH" tomorrow morning, now you have it!

A TRIP TO THE CITY

 I'd like to tell you a little Good Friday story.  Part of it comes from my imagination, but part of it is factual - based on the Gospel of Mark, chapter 15.

Alexander (lets call him Alex) and his brother, Rufus, loved their father very much.  He was a very strong man who was capable of much hard work.  Once in a while, he hoisted them onto his shoulders and carried them around.  He never seemed to grow tired.  They were proud of their father.  He stood out in a crowd because he was a big man and also taller than most.  His very size seemed to command respect.  But inside, he was a gentle man and would never knowingly hurt anyone.  

He had to occasionally go to Jerusalem for supplies and would usually take his boys with him.  They loved these trips.  When they would come to the crowded marketplaces, he would hold each of them by their hands to keep them from getting separated and lost.  Their smaller hands got lost in his big, rough hands.  He worked in the fields and with the animals, so his hands had become calloused and brown from the sun.  He was not a famous man, but he was respected because he was honest, fair and a hard worker.  But most important, he loved their mother!  This fact gave the boys a wonderful sense of security.  They had good parents, and they knew it.  

Alex was a year older than his brother, Rufus, but age didn't really matter to them.  They played together every day and also had a few other friends on the farm where their father worked.  They played with a home-made ball that they kicked and threw around.  They climbed olive trees and hid from their father.  When he would walk below them, they would jump out and try to scare him.  He would catch them and rub their heads with his knuckles and then tickle them until they couldn't stand it any longer.    He occasionally would tickle their Mom too, but she didn't think it was funny and would pretend to get angry with him.  They would all end up laughing together...

Theirs was a poor but happy home.  Their father often told them, "All you need to be happy is the love of a family, enough food for the day and a safe, soft place to sleep."  They knew he was right and they never longed for things or for wealth.  Most of the time, their mother put them to bed at night, but once in a while their father would settle them down.  They would beg him for a story, and he would sometimes tell them about his own growing up years.  But then, he would wrap each of them up tightly in their blanket so that they could hardly move.  Then, he would kiss them on the forehead and pray over them.  When leaving their sides, he would stop in the dim light and say, "You boys must love God first, always bless your family and be kind even to strangers.  This will please God and you will live a long life!"  

One morning the boys had finished their breakfast and were wondering what to do when their father asked if they wanted to go to Jerusalem with him.  They burst to his side and off they went.  It was a long walk and their father always carried a sack with bread and grape juice.  Going to Jerusalem was all up hill, so it was a little hard-going.  The trip back was always more enjoyable.  

When they approached the marketplace, the crowd began to grow thicker, so their father took each boy by the hand to keep them together and safe.  Soon the crowd became so thick that they could hardly get through.  Their father was curious and pressed to the front to see what was going on.  This public road with merchants and vendors was always busy, but today the crowd was exceptional.  Soon, Roman soldiers stopped them from going any further.  As they looked up-and-down 'the way of suffering' they saw something that immediately shocked them all.

A man - nearly naked - was dragging a heavy cross-bar through the streets.  The soldiers were mocking Him and beating Him and spitting on Him.  He was clearly exhausted and had been beaten with a whip until His back was totally scarred and bloody.  He wore a crown of thorns that had been pressed cruelly on His head.  Many of the crowd were weeping at the sight of this man.  Others were jeering and seemed to be thrilled at this horrible sight.  Then they heard that His name was Jesus!  

They said to their father, "Dad, it's Jesus!"  They began to cry as they remembered the day He had pulled them up onto his lap and laid His hands on their heads.  "Why are they being so mean to Jesus?" the boys asked their father.  "I don't know, boys, but we must pray for Him."  They peeked between Roman soldiers as Jesus grew closer until He finally collapsed right in front of them.  The soldiers whipped Him in an attempt to get Him back on His feet, but He just laid in  the street.  

When the soldiers realized that Jesus couldn't carry His cross any farther, they began to look around.  One of them spied Simon - the boy's father.  He stood out from the crowd because of his size and height.  That soldier roughly called to their Dad, "Pick up His cross and carry it!"  Without a second thought, Simon turned to the boys and told them to keep him in sight.  Then, he stepped into the street and picked up the heavy cross-bar.  While lifting it to his shoulders, he reached down again and helped Jesus to His feet.  Together, Simon and Jesus followed the cruel soldiers out of the city and up to 'the place of the skull'.  

Once there, Simon was relieved of his responsibility and was able to rejoin his boys.  He took them by their hands and led them away.  From a distance, they sat and watched the grisly scene develop.  Finally, Simon took the boys away and they headed toward home.  The walk was quiet as they felt the sadness of what was happening to Jesus.  They had made a trip to see Him a year ago and heard Him teach.  That was the day that Jesus had called the children to come to Him so He could bless them.  Alex and Rufus had slipped from their mother's hand and had run to Jesus.  His tenderness was a moment they would never forget.  Their parents had been moved by His teaching.  

"Why were they being so mean to Jesus?" the boys asked their father.   "I don't know, boys," their father answered.  Then he said, "Jesus is a good man and a great teacher.  He has healed many who were sick and some say that He even raised some people from the dead.  He has performed miracles that are talked about all throughout Judea."  Just as he said this, the sun was quickly hidden from them and a night-like darkness fell over all the land - even though it was mid-day.  The boys were frightened.  Then the earth began to shake and they scrambled for high ground as they made their way home.  If the boys hadn't been with their father, they would have been terrified, but they knew that he would keep them safe.  

After three hours the darkness lifted and it was daylight again.  About then, they reached home and told their mother about everything they had seen that day in Jerusalem.  It was a day they'd never forget.  It was the day their Dad carried Jesus' cross!