Two disciples of Jesus entered a city. They quickly observed great discord in the city. Even so, a group of Christians within the city quickly came and greeted them, but of course wanting to test the spirits of these disciples. So they asked them to quickly give their testimony, and then even more swiftly moved into the important matters of politics, established traditions, getting things back to 'how they used to be' and other 'key' litmus tests. The two disciples of Jesus asked their hosts one question, "What does it mean to set the captives free?". The group, perceiving that the question was directed against their exceeding commitment to their traditions and other idols, burned with anger and so the disciples, sharing in their suffering, were set aflame too. The two disciples left.
Soon another group of Christians, having seen what happened quickly came and greeted the two disciples. They warmly welcomed the disciples because they too had been oppressed by this other group of Christians for many, many years. The two disciples quickly found themselves in a gay bar, with a round of shots and bowl of peanuts in front of them. This group was giving testimony and talking openly about how those other Christians just don't get it and how they had fought hard for their rights to be who they are and by God's grace they can do as they wish. The two disciples asked one question of them, "What does it mean to die to yourself and be conformed to the image of Christ?" The group, perceiving that the question was directed against their exceeding commitment to these other idols, burned with anger and so the disciples, sharing in their suffering, were set aflame too. The two disciples went right out of the gates of the city.
As they were leaving the city everything went back to business as usual. The two disciples, feeling defeated and going through a range of emotions and thoughts, one praying fervently while the other spoke scripture aloud came upon a kindly woman who lived just outside the gates of that city. She offered the young disciples a glass of water and they were refreshed. She gave them her testimony and they discovered that she had been following Jesus for a long time and was very wise. She asked the young disciples one question, 'What does it mean that they will know us by our love for one another?'
The two disciples repented and went back into that city.
Ouch and Amen.
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