Thoughts and Questions from Aramis Thorn: August 2021

31 August 2021

The Chosen ~ Judas is Coming

Greetings Dear Reader,

There will be spoilers. This is your only warning. This BLOG series will walk through each episode of the first two seasons of the amazing show The Chosen available free to watch at the link. If you have not seen it, I encourage you to do so. It is by far the best adaptation of the Gospels to film I have ever encountered.

Tomorrow we will start the analysis of season two. There are things to consider as we do. We are still waiting for some of the apostles to appear. We are seeing Jesus is running counter to the culture of his time. Season one closes with Jesus promising to cause some trouble.

Season two delivers. What I wish for us to see is the disciples still needing to appear. Whilst I take a different approach to Simon the Zealot and Judas in The Judas Scroll, they are still some of the controversial calls still today. As a setting for the two of them appearing, we hear Simon Peter, James, and John all express the desire for a violent Jesus to bring down the Romans.

There are ample voices from the disciples, Priests, and Rome concerned about revolution. In the back of my mind the entire season is the gnawing knowledge. You see, Jesus is doing a great job in the show explaining he is not about violence and war. He also insists his disciples leave behind the things they assume. Then, he promises to cause trouble. He announces publicly he is the Messiah.

Picking at my brain the entire time is the Zealot and the Iscariot. I know how I view this and am curious about how The Chosen will. Keep in mind as we enter season two analysis, Judas is coming and we know his story. Then again, do we? I know my view of him is quite different than most. My novel is due out before the Chosen will deliver all its answers about Judas. I am curious to see how this honest show deals with arguably the most-hated man in history. Keep walking with me, Dear Reader; we will see how things unfold.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”
(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:
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Getting used to different is meant to challenge all our presuppositions.

30 August 2021

The Chosen ~ Rewatching with Intent

Greetings Dear Reader,

There will be spoilers. This is your only warning. This BLOG series will walk through each episode of the first two seasons of the amazing show The Chosen; available free to watch at the link. If you have not seen it, I encourage you to do so. It is by far the best adaptation of the Gospels to film I have ever encountered.

Since many of you have commented on watching The Chosen multiple times, I wanted to share some of the ways I have used to rewatch the series for the most benefit. The story carries itself as will any honest telling of the Gospel. I think the impact of this is due to its efforts to stay true to the Gospels whilst filling in the things we would know if we were there. As a writer of historical fiction, this is my goal as well.

Here are some things I have done to enhance my ability to take something away from the series each time I watch it. I hope you can glean some methods amenable to your own journey. It is not my idea to claim this show as on equal footing with actually reading the Gospels. As I watch, I find I am driven back to the writings of the Bible to be certain I grasp the actual story as deeply as possible. These methods have helped me pay closer attention to what is happening in the life of Jesus.

The first time one watches The Chosen, one should take in the story. Jesus wants us all to find him and see him as he is. It is accomplished in this series in a way unique to everything I have ever seen on television or in film.

Then, there are ways to walk through the show again able to help us catch more of the character and intent of the Gospels. My second time through I paid attention to everything through the perspective of Jesus watching his followers. It helped me see my flaws in following and bolstered my determination not to judge others.

The third time I binged the entire show in a day but did so with my eyes closed. I paid close attention to the words being used. I listened to the many phrases I missed the first two times. I heard the compassion and humor in Jesus. I found the love and patience in him I need to have for others. I am sure I will repeat this method.

One time through, I focused on the backgrounds and secondary characters. There are things to catch there I will not spoil. Here is one clue, Dear Reader. In the background of one scene, there is the Hebrew letter Pe in the Sofit form. This is very rare in the Hebrew language. It is there, however, and not by accident.

I spoke at length yesterday about secondary characters as a way to watch as well. I am currently watching and taking notes on a single character. Each of them has something to say. You get the point. There are so many facets to understanding Jesus any honest story will contain layers of depth to teach us of him. Some of them may even be unintended and merely exist because Jesus is there.

It is the way of Christ to permeate all things focused on him. He invades the places where he is welcome. He enhances them making the whole greater than the sum of its parts. This is one of the reasons I watch. It is also why I write, Dear Reader. Please tell me what you see.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

“Come and see,” then tell me what you see.

29 August 2021

The Chosen ~ Between the Seasons

Greetings Dear Reader,

Before we dive into season two, I want to indulge in a couple of analytical items I believe will help my spiritual journey. Since the point of all of this is personal application, I feel the indulgences will be of benefit to me. Perhaps they will do so for you as well, Dear Reader.

Today, I wish to ponder some of the secondary characters. They play a vital role in establishing the genuine feeling the show carries. They also give Jesus space to show how he is distinct from his own people. There are no cardboard cutouts in The Chosen. Each character represents someone for me to understand and attempt to love as Jesus loves them.

First, I would consider the Romans. Unless one looks carefully at the Gospels, Roman soldiers are unidimensional. In the Gospels and in this show, the Romans are real people with varying degrees of evil, malice, and faith. We can feely Quintas’ malevolence and Gaius’ curiosity. The Urbanus may be on the path to faith. If we read the Gospels paying attention to the Romans, one finds the same degree of differences.

The Pharisees are a further consideration. They range from hating Jesus simply because he dares to usurp their authority to embracing faith with a level of timidity firmly in place. Joseph is subtle in his support and I long to see how it develops. Nicodemus seeks Jesus privately for “fear of the Jews.” We see the same in the Bible. There were Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essen who believed.

In my novels already published, I seek to make these “secondary characters” obtain center stage for a moment. In The Foster Father of God, Magi: The Gift Bearers, and The Praetor it is through these characters, I attempt to see the hand of God working at redemption. Christ is always central even in the stories of those who interact with him briefly.

The application here is clear to me. Every story I write and all I tales enjoy have a note of redemption in them. The Chosen does this as well. It tells us to look beyond what we have seen and understand Jesus is trying to draw all of us to himself. I must see every human story as one designed for me to observe the love of the Father and the opportunity to love him in return. We are all called to see how he works to redeem us no matter who we are.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

The hand of God moves in every moment to show his love for us.

28 August 2021

The Chosen ~ “I AM He” S01E08

Greetings Dear Reader,

I love the opening of this episode featuring Jacob and his sons digging the well. It foreshadows the later involvement of Photina but also sets the tone of the Father’s provision. When I wrote The Judas Scroll, I did not know The Chosen would include her story. She figures importantly in both my newest novel out this November and in A Thieves’ Tale slated for next year. This is not just shameless advertising. I think we underestimate the value of her story.

We are all Photina. We have all wandered too long in places barren of joy and peace. Our sins are what exile us from others. It is a different kind of isolation for each of us. My failures cost me a career, a family, and many friends. Jesus was kind and patient with me until I was ready to understand “all I had ever done.” Still, there are consequences even in the midst of forgiveness. The Father has no obligation to heal the consequences of our failures. This is why we also still ask for mercy.

The Samaritans, outcasts to the people of Judea, are loved by Jesus. He uses Photina’s story to launch his communication with them. He transforms her story into one of redemption. He does this for us all if we will let him. My life application is obvious here.

I want my failures and my successes to be used to help others see Jesus. Ask me and I will tell you what I have done needing redemption. I shared the story with some dear friends last night. It reminded me how much grace and mercy I have been given; how much I am obligated to give others.

We all need redemption, Dear Reader. Jesus simply asks us to have faith in what he offers. He has no desire to judge or condemn even though he would be right in doing so. Instead, he offers us living water, quenching our thirst forever. It is really about belief in the mind and the heart. It is about knowing what we have done and still finding grace, mercy, and forgiveness. As we close season one, we are left with hope our faith will make us whole even in light of everything we have ever done. It is not about theologies and doctrines. It is about love for the Father, redemption through the Son by faith, and being guided Home by the Spirit.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

“Soon it will be about the heart and the mind.”

27 August 2021

The Chosen ~ “Invitations” S01E07

Greetings Dear Reader,

The focus of this episode on those invited by Jesus to follow him breaks me. The way in which he gently asks people to have faith and follow him seems in such sharp contrast to most of what we hear about contemporary Christianity. Even the opening, with Moses fashioning the bronze serpent, so people can look in faith and live, foreshadows the faith necessary for us all to be born of the Spirit.

We get deeper views of who Matthew is and the conflict he has with his parents. We see how he is treated by strangers and those who are supposed to love him. His rejection by people for being a tax collector gives us a platform to understand why Jesus approaches him.

We also get to see the intimate conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. The Pharisee wishes so much to believe and to follow Jesus. His fear holds him back. Still, he understands and believes. Jesus makes it clear it is not about politics, taxes, or rebellion. It is about faith and following.

For me, it is the constant calling. It is the idea of Jesus words, “And when I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself.” When he stops at the tax booth and calls Matthew, the response is instant. Peter objects to Jesus including Matthew. The Roman Centurion, Gaius, thinks he is foolish. When Peter says, “I don’t get it,” Jesus responds with “You didn’t get it when I chose you either.”

Peter tries to object further with, “But this is different.” Jesus' response is one of the key lines for me of the entire series, “Get used to different.” The simplicity of this is what makes us all equal. The government wishes to tax us and rule us. Religion asks us to pay and obey. Jesus asks us to abandon everything else and follow in faith. He asks it of us all.

Faith demands us to simply believe. Following demands we leave behind everything and have Jesus as our only possession. Then we are free to give him away. The beauty is, Dear Reader, no matter how much we give him to others, we have no less of him for ourselves. I must always look to him in faith and use the faith to follow. There really is no cost because nothing else matters. This is the difference we must get used to.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

“Get used to different.”

26 August 2021

The Chosen ~ "Indescribable Compassion" S01E06

Greetings Dear Reader,

We are introduced to the leper who approaches Jesus for healing. This begins a chain of important events. This healing is obvious and cannot be the product of trickery or manipulation. In the same episode, Quintus tells Matthew he is a rube and was duped by the catch of fish by Simon and Andrew.

What catches me right away in this episode is the compassion of Jesus. The leper begs him not to turn away. The fear over leprosy in this time caused lepers to be outcasts hated by almost everyone. It is noteworthy to see the reactions of Jesus’ followers in contrast with Jesus’ response.

Mary screams. John pulls a knife and thunders for the leper to stay away. Jesus tells his followers to stop and he approaches the leper. When the man begs to be cleansed, Jesus holds him and heals him. The power of the contrast is a powerful as the healing. Compassion is love in action.

It is love and care for those in need defining service and love to the Father. The healing is a byproduct of the power of divine love. I do not want “the gift of healing,” if there is such a thing. I want to have love and compassion matching the Father’s for those who are in need. If the Spirit chooses to show his love by healing someone through me, it is my joy to be used in this way.

Please do not ask me theology questions over this, Dear Reader. This episode clearly shows the difference in this as well. The Pharisees opposing Jesus is more concerned about who has the right to represent the Father than about compassion. The lepers can rot and the paralytics can sit as long as the Law is obeyed according to their theological interpretation. When we put theology in front of our love and the compassion of Christ, we have lost our understanding of the two great commandments.

As the chain of events unfold leading to Jesus doing more healing, the Pharisees becoming more oppressive, and the Romans becoming suspicious, the constant in the chaos is the compassion of Jesus. No theology matters other than my love for the Father expressed through loving my neighbor. If I cannot get this right, I cannot follow the rest of the Law and the Prophets at all. Saying to someone that their sins are forgiven by God through Jesus is the compassion allowing them to rise up and walk.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

“And of some have compassion, making a difference:”

25 August 2021

Second Thoughts ~ Walking with Judas Part III Zealots

Greetings Dear Reader,

In case you have missed it, my next work of fiction, The Judas Scroll will be out on November 5, 2021. It is the next novel in The Jesus Cycle which includes, The Foster Father of God, Magi: The Gift Bearers, and The Praetor. What I wish to do is address some of the historical background leading up to it.

First one must understand what a Zealot is. The Zealots or Sicarii were the fourth philosophy of Jewish faith in the time of Christ. The Sadducees, the Pharisees, and the Essenes were the other three. Feel free to read about them all you wish. My focus is firmly on Judas for this writing. Iscariot contains the root for Sicarii. His father Simon, is even called Simon the Zealot. This identification as a militant conservative Jew goes far in building the argument for his actions.

Here is the history of Zealots in summary. They were founded by Judas of Galilee at the time of the same census causing Joseph to travel to Bethlehem. The Zealots held the biblical view that God was to be their only Ruler and Lord. Since Rome was claiming sovereignty over Judea, the Zealots were willing to kill them to oust the foreign rulers. The subset of the Sicarii were the most militant of the Zealots. They wanted to destroy Roman rule and anyone who sympathized with Rome.

Ponder with me how a Zealot would interpret all the freedom promises in the Prophets. Then look at the power Simon and Judas see in Jesus. He is healing, raising the dead, and escaping enemies through the power of God. He creates food. He commands the weather. The Messiah is supposed to destroy the enemies of the Chosen People. Here he is before them, keeping the law, living as a devout Jew, and challenging the corrupt Priests.

Judas wanting Jesus to act to free Israel is in line with both his philosophy and his actions. It is a primary argument as to why he would hand Jesus over to the Priests. He wanted Jesus to be the GOD, he believed him to be. He did not see or chose not to understand that this was not how Jesus would destroy his enemies.

So, we have a devout Jew who believed he found the Messiah who would free his occupied nation. He follows God around for three years waiting for him to give the word. When he does not do it, Judas is not disillusioned. He is impatient and tries to manipulate the situation. We will look at that a couple of posts down the path.

For now, Dear Reader, I leave you with a power-filled Zealot walking with God. In him is the longing to see the King of Kings on the throne that is only rightfully his. It is not evil to want this. It is how we get there that must be answered. Ponder with me and ask more questions until we talk about the Kingdom to Come.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:
#aramisthorn
Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn
Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon
Web Page: www.aramisthorn.com
Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com
Facebook      Twitter
Medium         Instagram
BLOG Archive: http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/

“Keep them yelling their devotion, but add a touch of hate at Rome.”

The Chosen ~ "The Wedding Gift" S01E05

Greetings Dear Reader,

The wedding at Cana is one of my favorite stories about Jesus. It opens here with remembering the story of Jesus as a boy at the Temple and his parents looking for him. Then it shifts to the mother of the groom, filled with joy, preparing for the wedding feast. Her love for the groom and bride is overflowing. Mary is there to help.

Then we see Simon telling his wife Eden about going to follow Jesus and telling her of his miracle with the fish. They rekindle their own romance as they talk about going to Cana for the wedding. Cana figures greatly in my novel, The Judas Scroll. Cana is situated about a half day’s journey away from Nazareth.

The huge part of this story is the wine. It is an embarrassment to run out at a wedding. Of course, they do. Mary, Jesus’ mother., prevails upon Jesus to rescue the wedding. Jesus acquiesces after reminding her “his time has not yet come.” Still, he is subtle about what he does. Using the jars reserved for purifying the dead, he orders them filled with water.

Once done he makes the best wine the banquet master has ever tasted. Against tradition, it is served last and this is seen as a great honor by all. Only the servants know what has happened. Only later do we see the import of the imagery.

Jesus turns water into wine to save the reputation of a family. The next time we see him interacting so personally with wine he is preparing to save us all. He says he will not drink it again until he does so with us in the Kingdom. The wedding of Cana is more than his first miracle for us. It is the foreshadowing of the wedding yet to come.

Another message rose in my mind this time around. The contrast between Mary looking for Jesus and not understanding who his “Father” was when he was twelve and clearly knowing what he can do at the wedding astounds me. There will be other times when her concern for her Son overrides her understanding of his being God. At this moment, however, she lives out what Jesus will say. She knows God can and will provide, not just our needs but what is needed to celebrate and have joy. Mary often seems to forget who Jesus is. In this instance, she counts on his being who he is.

I must count on the truth of who Jesus is in every instance, Dear Reader. I must do what he tells me even when it seems odd or foolish. In the episode, Thomas comments that Jesus’ instructions offer no logical solution. Jesus responds, ‘There will be times when it will be like that.” I must remember the instruction to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you to do.” In this obedience will I find the very best there is to have. Besides, what he creates in us is for the purification of the dead. We are the dead he purifies. We are then the wine of joy he uses to draw others to life.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

“Jesus turned the water to wine and for 2000 years Christians have tried to turn it back to water.”

24 August 2021

The Chosen ~ “The Rock on Which it is Built” S01E04

Greetings Dear Reader,

The tension of this episode is palpable. Simon Peter is at odds with Rome, his brother, his wife, and his God. He is misleading the Romans. He owes two years' worth of back taxes plus interest. He is about to be arrested by the very dangerous Quintus, the Praetor of the region. Simon’s life is entangled in a net of lies, betrayal, and lack of faith.

Some things to pay close attention to in this episode are the conversation between Simon and his wife Eden. Every husband should hear her words and take stock of his own life. Every wife should love her husband enough to be boldly honest and still good to her husband. Another vital thing to catch is the non-verbal communication in the episode. The interplay between Jesus and Simon is powerful. So is the face of Jesus as he regards the catch Simon and Andrew make, the reaction of Zebedee when he calls James and John to follow him, and Mary Magdalen’s reaction to the fish.

Pay attention as well to the character evolution between Matthew and Simon. There is some vital understanding to be gained in their escalating conflict. Matthew, rejected by so many, sees Jesus in a way really pleasing to me.

What I must take away from this episode for my life is the complete ability of Jesus to provide hope realized in the midst of hopelessness. I had some rough times over the last few days but there is Jesus in the midst of things reminding me of what matters. He says to Simon, “Fish do not matter. Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” The Father has made it clear I am to keep laying aside anything hindering me from loving him with all my heart. There are still more things to leave behind.

There is a message of unity running throughout the episode which is also vital to my life. Quintus says, “You Jews worship one God yet you are so divided.” Even this violent jaded Roman sees the need for us to be united in our faith. Jesus tells Simon to gather all kinds of fish (men) and that he (Jesus) will sort them out later. We cannot hope to catch men, Dear Reader, if we are not one in faith and Spirit. There is so much to be gained by leaving behind that which divides us.

The Things We Leave Behind – Michael Card

There sits Simon, so foolishly wise
Proudly he's tending his nets
Then Jesus calls and the boats drift away
And all that he owns he forgets

But more than the nets, he abandoned that day
He found that his pride was soon drifting away
And it's hard to imagine the freedom we find
From the things we leave behind

Matthew was mindful of taking the tax
And pressing the people to pay
Hearing the call, he responded in faith
And followed the light and the way

And leaving the people so puzzled he found
The greed in his heart was no longer around and
And it's hard to imagine the freedom we find
From the things we leave behind

Every heart needs to be set free
From possessions that hold it so tight
'Cause freedoms not found in the things that we own
It's the power to do what is right

With Jesus, our only possession
And giving becomes our delight
And we can't imagine the freedom we find
From the things we leave behind

We show a love for the world in our lives
By worshiping goods we possess
Jesus has laid all our treasures aside
And love God above all the rest

'Cause when we say no, to the things of the world
We open our hearts to the love of the Lord and
It's hard to imagine the freedom we find
From the things we leave behind

And when we say no, to the things of the world
We open our hearts to the love of the Lord and
It's hard to imagine the freedom we find
From the things we leave behind
Oh, and it's hard to imagine the freedom we find
From the things we leave behind

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

“We don’t need the Lamb; we need fish.”

23 August 2021

The Chosen ~ "Jesus Loves the Little Children" S01E03

Greetings Dear Reader,

This episode was my first favorite. It is where the series begins to jell. It is when we first get to spend time with Jesus. Better still, we get to see Jesus interact with children. Abigail, a young girl finds Jesus at his campsite making toys and items for sale. This time overlaps when he goes into Capernaum to help Mary.

The girl gathers her friends and they visit Jesus each day for a week. Jesus teaches them in the same way he teaches his disciples later. He asks them if they know the Shama. Every Jewish child would know this because it is a daily prayer taken from Deuteronomy 6.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

It is such a beautiful moment and yet there is something. Some have disagreed with me but I am sure whilst the children are reciting the prayer, Jesus looks sad. I have speculated on the sadness and have three thoughts.

First, it may be the sadness at the words not being in the hearts of men in the way he intends. Second, I thought how he knows the trials these children will face believing he is the Messiah. Third, and the one bringing me to tears, is missing the ever-present proximity to his Father as the prayer is recited. He knows where things are headed and this will always haunt his days until it arrives.

There will be a scene later driving this point home in a much finer way. Today, however, I want to be certain to understand a appreciate what Jesus knows. He knows there is a cross down the road. He knows he will die. He knows everyone will abandon him and reject what he offers on some level.

I want to live the Shama every day, Dear Reader. I also want to leave you with a final bit of knowledge. There is an interview available with the actor who portrays Jesus. It is called The Immense Weight of Playing Jesus. A frank discussion with Jonathan Roumie, the actor portraying Jesus reveals the humility and faith of the man behind the role. This too drives me to be more loving and faithful in my journey. I long to follow with the faith of a child and to bring you along with me.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

“He is a good man.”

22 August 2021

The Chosen ~ "Shabbat" S01E02

Greetings Dear Reader,

This episode holds a sea of contrasts. It shows the Jews preparing for Shabbat (The Sabbath). Nicodemus decries the commercial and political value of Shabbat his wife insists on promoting. Mary prepares to celebrate her first one in many years. We also get to see the deep differences between the Jews and the Romans. It becomes clear the Roman soldiers we see are going to be more than violent dangerous haters of Jews. They are real people with thoughts, fears, and needs.

We also see the evolution of Simon Peter’s story and the conflict he is in with Rome, debt, and his wife. It is clear he is not a good man even though he thinks he is. Keep in mind we have not really seen Jesus much yet. Peter too gives us a view into attitudes about Shabbat as he chooses to work. Worse, his work is spying for Rome on Jews fishing on Shabbat to avoid taxes. He and Matthew will figure later in the deeper understanding of who is and is not worthy.

When we see people gathering for the Shabbat meal there are two houses. One is Nicodemus and the other is Mary’s. Nicodemus has encountered the reclaimed Mary in the market and marvels at her change. To his credit, he is not offended when she says it was not his ministrations that changed her. She explains a man called her by name and freed her.

The two houses celebrate very differently. The contrast is so clear. In the house of a Pharisee, all but Nicodemus see Shabbat as political and social. In the house of Mary, there is humility, sincerity, and Jesus. He comes as a guest to her meal and insists she lead it when she offers the privilege to him. Even Matthew the tax collector is there, not knowing what life change is on his horizon, The episode ends with Peter standing by the Sea of Galilee with Romans about to embark on a sea of conflict.

I must remember the Shabbat and keep it holy. Humility and gratitude are to be my position and pose. Everything about the Shabbat is to remind us to love the Father, the Son, the Spirit, and their holiness. It is supposed to remind me of the value of family. We are to rest in the love of the Father. I am no longer under the Law but the veneration of this day goes back to creation, I do not have to keep the Law but there is nothing wrong with honoring the Father out of love.

I have so much to learn about the mind of the Father in creating things the way he did. A deeper understanding of Shabbat is helping. We too treat our worship as commercial and social far too often, Dear Reader.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

“So redeemed you are even celebrating Shabbat!”

21 August 2021

Second Thoughts ~ The Samaritan Snare

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am writing this from Central Florida where the temperature was 101 today. I have not been to Florida in five years and much has changed since then in my life. One of those changes is working hard at being lovingly unoffendable. It is not easy.

A friend from my twenties has been asking me for months to visit him the next time I drive through his area. This trip to Florida presented just such an opportunity. We greeted each other warmly and instantly fell into conversation resembling what we used to share almost daily in college. After dinner with his spouse and son, he asked if we could talk privately. Of course, I agreed.

For the next two hours, my friend explained what a failure he believed me to be and how wasted he believes my life is. He recounted the many sins I had from nearly forty years ago and how disappointed he considered God must be with me. He told he did not see any way for the Father to use me in the lives of others. He made it clear I was just a vessel of dishonor in his eyes.

As he spoke, so did the Spirit. The message was clear. Own your past sin. Ask for forgiveness. Do not get angry. Forgive his unkindness as he expresses. Do not let any of this rest on you. You see, I know the Father has forgiven me even if my friend has not. Do not think I am anything special here. I did fail him. I was in the wrong back then.

I also believe it is rare for the Father to refuse to use a repentant heart. I was deeply hurt but I do not wish the Father to chastise this man. What I do wish is for him to find peace. What I desire is for him to walk in faith, fully forgiven, and loving the Father will all he is. I do not know if this is the case for him, but it is my heart’s desire.

As I drove through North Florida today, I recalled how I pray for those who are in error or who have hurt me. I pray the Lord’s Prayer over them like this: Father in heaven, help him to hallow your name. Let your kingdom come into his life. Let your will be done in his life. Provide for him daily for all his needs. Forgive his trespasses and give him the power to forgive those who have trespassed against him. Lead him away from temptation. Deliver him from the evil one. Let him always acknowledge that yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever; amen.

There is so much peace in this, Dear Reader. I want to be a good Samaritan. The snare is to defend ourselves and think we should be offended. The snare is to worry about what others think. The way out is love, grace, and mercy. It is what we all need.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

You can be trapped even when trying to do good.

The Chosen ~ “I Have Called You by Name” (S01E01)

Greetings Dear Reader,

Whatever your preconceptions of Mary Magdalene are, lay them aside. Instead, let the story unfold in front of you. She is called Lilith until she encounters Jesus. This is important to the story. We begin the episode, however, know it is Mary if we pay attention.

A couple of notes to help you are these: Always read any introductory materials at the beginning of the episode. Also, note the quick flashes of dates and locations in the bottom left of the screen. The show does some time-hopping. I know at least one person who was confused because they were oblivious to this.

We immediately see Nicodemus pontificating on how the sinfulness of fishing on the Sabbath prevents Messiah from coming to free the people, As Dallas Jenkins, the executive producer has said, “The Pharisees are not a cardboard cutout Jesus haters.” We will learn this from all of them but especially Nicodemus.

So, back to Mary Magdalene. She was not a prostitute. You cannot cite a place in the Bible saying she was. It is vital to note the interplay between the characters of Mary and Nicodemus. He is portrayed as an honest Pharisee. When Mary is freed from her demon possession, he seeks her out to find out how long it happened after he ministered to her. He is not offended when Mary tells him his attentions did not work. But I am getting ahead.

The life lesson I see in this episode is to remember all of the people who will cross paths with Jesus have a story worth knowing. This is why I write the fiction I write. It is why I have been working for ten years to give Judas an honest look. I am thrilled someone else is as well. What must become part of me is seeing every human in the story as part of the process of redemption.

Approaching this story at the human level allows us to see the human side of Jesus in a way vital to following him. We must know he understands us so when he calls our name, we can hear him. When Mary, possessed of seven demons, nears the end of her hope, Jesus calls her by her given name and frees her. He tells her he needs her and shows his love for her. The adventure begins with a reminder. Jesus calls us by name, Dear Reader. He loves us and draws us all to himself. This is a great place to begin.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Knowing someone’s name gives you power over the person.

Thoughts and Questions from Aramis Thorn

31 August 2021

The Chosen ~ Judas is Coming

30 August 2021

The Chosen ~ Rewatching with Intent

29 August 2021

The Chosen ~ Between the Seasons

28 August 2021

The Chosen ~ “I AM He” S01E08

27 August 2021

The Chosen ~ “Invitations” S01E07

26 August 2021

The Chosen ~ "Indescribable Compassion" S01E06

25 August 2021

Second Thoughts ~ Walking with Judas Part III Zealots

The Chosen ~ "The Wedding Gift" S01E05

24 August 2021

The Chosen ~ “The Rock on Which it is Built” S01E04

23 August 2021

The Chosen ~ "Jesus Loves the Little Children" S01E03

22 August 2021

The Chosen ~ "Shabbat" S01E02

21 August 2021

Second Thoughts ~ The Samaritan Snare

The Chosen ~ “I Have Called You by Name” (S01E01)

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