Christ's Offering: a Dialogue
I once took an adult-education class in drawing. One student drew an exquisitely-hued bird sitting on a perfectly browned tree limb amongst a couple of delicate leaves the color of spring. The instructor, a Bob Ross wannabe, picked it up and, with eyes drooling, showed it to the class. It was a perfect drawing. I don’t do perfect, even if I could. My rebellious nature caused me to draw my retaliation, about which “Bob,” when he saw it on my desk, said nothing. It was a sublime composition of a green Dial bar of soap, a red and yellow hacky-sack, and a doggie bone. Drop the mic.
Today I’m going to draw for you a conversation to which I’ve been privy lately. This dialogue emerges from two books and one song/poem: The Langoliers by Stephen King, Remember Death, by Matthew McCullough, and “You Want It Darker,” by Leonard Cohen. Well, three books really, if you count The Bible, by God.
TB: My Son walks the earth you walk on, where shadows squirm and peel themselves up from the ground and flee. They see you now, clothed in the image of Me.
TL: But I’m afraid! I hear a distant sound chomping, chomping closer and closer, monstrous beings eating everything in sight… trees, the ground, the earth itself, literally devouring time past.
RD: You must recognize that anything you might accomplish or acquire in this world is already fading away.
TL: But it’s like the world is dead. No one is there, the air is still, sound doesn't echo, the food is tasteless.
RD: I argue that an honest awareness of death puts enemies of joy in their proper place, so that in turn the victory of Jesus can shine in its proper light.
TB: Yes! My laws I have put on your heart, and have written them on your mind. I remember your sins no more. Have confidence now, to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.
YWID: If you are the dealer, I’m out of the game. If you are the healer, it means I’m broken and lame. If thine is the glory then mine must be the shame.
TB: What did I tell you? My son offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, and then he sat down at My right hand.
YWID: Hineni, hineni - I’m ready, my lord.
TB: So now wait with us while you are being made holy. We are ready for you.
