Thoughts and Questions from Aramis Thorn: September 2021

27 September 2021

Blessed Are ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I was reading through the Sermon on the Mount, I found myself seeing the items in a different light. As I begin to prepare my heart for Advent, I wish to ponder the beatitudes in light of consistent application. It is in this attempt I hope to find a better way to love the Father by embracing the blessings inherent in this passage.

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ²and he began to teach them.

He said:

³“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for, in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Please walk with me for a bit as we learn how to follow in faith. As always, your thoughts and questions are welcome, Dear Reader.

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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Let us learn how to be.

26 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Closing Thoughts

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.

I do not wish to stop writing about this topic but I must move on to other things. Anything crafted this well yields layers of discussion and endless application to life. I see Jesus more clearly each time I view an episode. I also know there are other areas where the Father wishes my attention.

Your thoughts and questions along the way have been engaging and informative. Thank you for your efforts in engaging with me on this. I will likely return to this when season three comes online. For now, I will keep looking for ways to find life application in the stories we have.

As I approach the launch of my new novel The Judas Scroll, I hope you find some time to ponder Judas and how he will figure in the unfolding of the story. Until we return to this topic, enjoy my other adventures in pondering how to follow Christ more closely and relate it to my daily life. You are always a welcome companion on my journey, 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.

Good stories have infinite applications to our lives.

25 September 2021

The Chosen ~ A Fresh Look at Judas

Greetings Dear Reader,

When Judas is introduced in the final episode of season two, I became excited. We have all twelve disciples now. The reality of where we are headed is set. Knowing what Judas does allows me to enjoy how the show develops his character. Understanding who Judas is has been important to me for years.

I have been studying Judas for twenty years. I believe we do not have a clear picture of him because of the presumptions made about him through history. The deep truth is this man may have been more vigilant in his belief in Jesus as Messiah than any of the disciples. His belief allowed him to be twisted to a purpose necessary but tragic.

I wrote The Judas Scroll to put a story around my research on Judas. I have summarized the research in a series of posts titled Walking with Judas. I am excited to see how the series deals with him and hope you can gain some perspective on Judas. I believe we need to love him just as we do all other humans, 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.

Do you really know who Judas is?

24 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Pondering Jesus Fiction

Greetings Dear Reader,

Hopefully, this will turn out as lighthearted as I feel about the topic. I have heard objections to The Chosen saying it is generally wrong to write fiction about Jesus. This, however, is how I make my living, so we need to examine if the Father is displeased with Jesus fiction.

The first thing to do is distinguish between fiction based on Jesus, fiction about Jesus, and allegory. Allegory such as The Chronicles of Narnia is simple. They present the ideas of redemption and reclamation in ways gently leading to the Gospels. I find them marvelous.

Fiction about Jesus is the creation of events surrounding Jesus with no logical probability of truth. These are not always bad but one must have care not to violate the character of God in their creation. The Last Temptation of Christ for example ignores the character of Messiah in order to tell a story. This is not how we wish to represent Jesus.

Finally, there is fiction based on Jesus; who he is, his actions, and his ministry. This can be a valuable tool in helping others see the character, humanity, deity, and vitality of Jesus. It can give others a safe space to encounter Jesus and learn of his love for them. The value of fiction is clear. The necessity for stories leading us to Jesus rebounds with purpose and life.

When we see Jesus represented with humor, lightheartedness, and mirth, we get a better view of the God who loves us with all he is. We balance it against the more serious aspects of the Gospel and find the stories lead us to a better understanding of the written accounts concerning faith and following.

If we think about it, Dante’s Inferno, Paradise Lost, and Pilgrim’s Progress are just Jesus fan fiction. Still, we value them as literature. My novels such as The Judas Scroll attempt to represent the truth of the Gospels and fill in the stories around the Gospel events. I always strive to tell stories honoring who Jesus is and refusing to violate the integrity of Scripture. This new novel is admittedly the most controversial because it challenges millennia-old assumptions about Judas. In this challenge is the ability to see Jesus in a clearer light and perhaps gain a better understanding of redemption, 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.

I am certain the Gospels can withstand a little fiction around their truth. They have for centuries.

23 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Adoni El Roi

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the scenes I play repeatedly is the one with the conversation between Nicodemus and Zohara. They are discussing their life whilst Nicodemus considers the invitation from Jesus to follow him. I realize from a Bible perspective this is all fiction. Still, it encapsulates something we must all consider and something Jesus addressed.

This Pharisee and his wife have a very rich life. Nicodemus is an honest man who cares more for truth than tradition. We see his character evolve into someone who seeks Jesus and recognizes him as Messiah. History tells us he believed and so far, in the show we know he chose to remain in his comfortable life.

Their conversation, however, has some important things to teach me and I am trying to cement them into my thinking. The most important is the discussion about Hagar. Hagar refers to the Fathe as Adoni El Roi; The LORD, the God who sees me. Nicodemus and Zohara have two quite different views of what Hagar meant.

Zohara takes Hagar’s words to mean “When we stumble onto hard roads, he finds us and comforts us.” This is always true with the exception of the fact that the Father never loses us. God is with us even when we ignore him. When we are on a hard road, he is there to meet us if we seek him. He comforts us if we allow it. My road is difficult but not hard right now and the Father is constantly there for me.

I must also recognize the deep truth of Nicodemus’ response to Zohara: “Or does he call us to them?” This abiding constant truth can seem a contradiction to us. The one who promises an easy yoke and light burden also call us to carry our cross on a hard road. The comfort in the contrast is The LORD sees me, leads me, and comforts me in the way. He is with me at all times and all I need to do is seek him in every moment.

It is in the seeking with the heart we find God. We all face the choice Nicodemus faces. Are we willing to give up what we have to follow Jesus completely? I have seen the Father remove everything I allow to get between me and following the Son. It is not an easy road but it is filled with joy. Physical, mental, and emotional pain try to distract me from it. I must not allow it.

As I get closer to the release of this new novel, dedicated to loving the Father above all else by loving all my fellow humans, the road seems harder. Still, The Judas Scroll invites us to choose between to views of the Father. I ask you at the outset to really see Judas. It is in honest seeing we find the freedom to love those the Father loves.

I must embrace the road I am led to and walk it knowing Christ is with me. I must engage with the LORD, the God who sees me, and refuse to doubt he has my heart and mind in his hands when I allow it. He will guide me where I need to be so I may love him more deeply. It is all that matters, Dear Reader. It is all that will remain.

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 LORD, The God who sees me: “When we stumble onto hard roads, he finds us and comforts us. Or does he call us to them?”

22 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Empty Nets

Greetings Dear Reader,

I often wonder which episode of The Chosen captivates a person. There are scenes I can watch repeatedly and I do. The episode sealing my love of the show was season one, episode three with the children. The moment cementing my confidence in the show was the catching of the fish by Simon and Andrew.

I consistently find hope in this moment. As a writer, I often feel I am constantly casting my net and coming up empty. This year I stepped out in obedience to write full-time. Part of this is having the faith to manage my expectations. The Father is the one responsible to provide for me. I am supposed to do the work I am called to do. Still, the nets seem to be coming up empty.

I love in the episode when Eden says to Peter, “you have not been seeking the LORD lately.” It is the only thing to do when the Father allows the nets to come up empty. It is the only way to survive the assailants of doubt and despair. Yesterday I was reminded I have armor for this. I am armed against it. There is still the need to live in the moments when the net breaks the surface and they are empty.

As I have said so often, I must seek the presence of Christ in that moment and listen to him. Eden also says to Simon, “perhaps now God can get your attention.” I assure you, Dear Reader, the Father has my attention. It is what comes next. It is what happens when he has my attention I am seeking.

I identify with Simon’s frustration as he throws his nets over and over through the night. I feel his lonely solitude as he faces destruction alone. I feel his pain. I also refuse to give up. I talk to the Father in faith and not frustration. I realize where the true lesson lies. Pulling up empty nets over and over through the night prepared Simon, Andrew, James, and John for the miracle of the overflowing one in a way nothing else could.

With the launch of my new podcast in the weeks ahead and The Judas Scroll in November, I am casing my net yet again. It is not up to marketing or the loyalty of others determining my catch. It is the stranger on the shore who asked me to cast one more time in faith, Dear Reader. Others will promise and not follow through. What they see as a task I see as a vital step in filling my nets.

The truth is this; Jesus is the one who will fill my nets when he is ready. For now, I will follow in faith and work in love for the Father. I will do what I am called to do and live for the moment when faith becomes all it can become through belief and obedience. After all, Dear Reader, I need the Lamb much more than I need fish.

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.

I need the Lamb much more than I need fish.

21 September 2021

Second Thoughts ~ Walking with Judas Part VII – Satan’s Role

Greetings Dear Reader,

In case you have missed it, my next work of fiction, The Judas Scroll will be out November 5, 2021. You can email me to preorder a signed first edition at the link above until October 20^,2021 (aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com). 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.

One of the primary arguments used for the condemnation of Judas is the statement in Luke saying “Satan entered into Judas.” One can see on the surface how this would be condemning. The surface, however, is not what we wish to view. This is a deep dive into who Judas is so we can understand him and his motivations.

The key word here is “entered”. Most reasoning goes like this: Santan cannot abide in someone who is redeemed. The reason is because Satan cannot abide where the Holy Spirit abides. Whilst I agree with this reasoning I disagree about its application to Judas. I will return to this in a moment.

The translation of the word “entered” in the Greek can be either literal or figurative. A good argument cannot be made for either one on its own. If, however, we consider the other things we have seen about Judas without pre-judging him, it becomes difficult to accept this as a literal entering. Rather, it seems to me Judas was influenced to take things into his own hands.

Follow this logic with me. If Judas was controlled by Satan, he did not have a choice in his actions and, therefore, cannot be held accountable. I do not believe this. If he was influenced by Satan but not controlled, then it seems his influence was not simple avarice. I am not saying he did not misuse the money. I am saying it is too simple for the complex man Judas is as we look at his life.

It is reductive to write Judas off as a thief who handed over Jesus for coin. It is simplistic to think he was out of control or acted out of possession. If we are brave enough to see through the traditional interpretation of what the words indicate, we may find the case for Judas more redeemable than is comfortable for many. I want to be uncomfortable if I have not looked at someone so close to Jesus honestly, Dear Reader.

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
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BLOG Archive: http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/

It is reductive to write Judas off as a thief who handed over Jesus for coin.

The Chosen ~ Preparation and Humanity

Greetings Dear Reader,

As season two unfolds we see Jesus investing time in preparation for the Sermon on the Mount. There have been opinions expressed offering the idea of Jesus not needing to prepare. I do not care whether he did or not. He did tell his disciples when he sent them out in pairs not to consider what they would say because the Spirit would give it to them in the moment.

On the other hand, even though we see his omniscience in the Gospels he did not always use it. He was still all human as much as he is all God. It is conceivable to see him preparing something important so it would go well. It is understandable to have Jesus choose his words ahead of time.

The humanity of Jesus is what causes many to struggle and what we see in The Chosen so clearly. We have to allow Jesus his humanity so we can allow him to relate to us. It is the path to his ability to die for us. It is what allows him to be tempted as we are without sin. It is what provides the path to the resurrection. It is Jesus’ humanity drawing us to him because he loves us so fully.

The Father chose this path so we would be able to see an example of how to live a life of loving him. Jesus assured us we could do this. The humanity of Jesus connects us to God in a way nothing else can. We see his love and compassion at the human level being expressed by the Divine Son.

If we do not allow Jesus to be perfectly human without sin, then we deny a part of the Gospels vital to our redemption. I think Abraham understood this when he told Isaac, “God will provide himself a sacrifice.” The reflexive pronoun can mean both God will provide a sacrifice for himself and God will provide himself as a sacrifice. The beauty., Dear Reader, he did.

The human Jesus is the Son of God. He is also a man who dealt with all the things we have to endure. He chose not to sin. He chose to love and seek the Father in every moment. I was talking with my friend Mirinda last evening about our journey to become more like Christ. Like Jesus says of Tamar in The Chosen, her faith is beautiful. The simplicity is becoming disciplined in choosing each moment to find Christ and follow him out of love for the Father. In this, Dear Reader, we find how to be like Jesus. This is the way home.

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 see his love and compassion at the human level being expressed by the Divine Son.

20 September 2021

The Chosen ~ It Does Not Matter

Greetings Dear Reader,

It saddens me to see some of the arguments on social media regarding The Chosen. I have seen people angry over what the writers did or did not say. I have read opinions saying the only quotes allowable are from the King James translation. That, however, is a discussion for another time.

In the show, Jesus is careful to remind his disciples of what matters. He reminds them and us of the vital nature of loving the Father and loving other humans. The Gospel is based on love and compassion. It is the essence of grace and mercy given to man by a Father who loves us.

As the show unfolds, Jesus shows us what matters through interactions with the Pharisees, teaching his disciples, and his discussion with Photina at the well. It is not about temples and mountains. It is not about how or when we observe. It is always about the heart.

When Jesus begins to teach the disciples to pray, he explains it is about getting the heart and mind aligned with the heart of the Father. This is the essence of faith and following. Arguing over what the show should have done, shown, or said misses the point. We are getting to see Jesus as an honest representation of both God and man. We get to see the Gospel come to life and instead of treasuring it, we argue like the disciples over things of no consequence.

As I seek to follow Jesus with all I am, the ever-evolving arguments over practice and minor theology become less important. Showing the love of Christ to everyone in any way possible becomes paramount. It is the only way I have to live out my love for the Father. As I do this, my understanding of why Jesus proclaims love the primary commandments becomes clear, Dear Reader. At this point, I only care about others seeing the light of Jesus. The darkness will never overcome it even when the darkness is sourced by his own followers.

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 day is coming when it will be about the heart and nothing else.”

19 September 2021

The Chosen ~ A Discussion for Another Time

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the phrases often used by Jesus and others is “that is a discussion for another time.” I ponder how often we are required to wait for what we wish to know as opposed to what Jesus wants us to see. I have so many questions; all saddled on faith but still questions. I long to know the why’s and how’s that have gotten me into trouble since I was a wee lad. My mum often said I was the boy who would say the emperor had no clothes.

In the show, the writers masterfully ask the important questions but just as quickly point us to what really matters. It is not knowing what is next Jesus wants. He wants his followers to be present in what is happening now. He wishes for them to see what he is doing and embrace it. What comes next will unfold as it should when it should.

Even when he is detained by Quintus, he tells his followers to keep preparing for when he gets back. They argue and bicker over what he means by his clear statement. On the grander scale, he has asked us to keep preparing for his return and we are too busy speculating about what he means and when it will be. We miss the moments by counting the hours. We miss the questions by searching for the answers.

It is by faith we are commanded to do as Jesus asks. We instead search for signs and understand to make faith unnecessary. We ask for new revelation without obeying what we have already been told. We keep looking beyond the light we are given instead of walking in it.

This is the problem Judas has in The Judas Scroll. Like us all, he wishes to remake what Jesus asks into his image of what he wants. I do the same when I put my vision ahead of the Father’s design. Just today I heard someone say hurtful things about me to someone else. The Spirit asks me to see it as a blessing. I asked when I was going to finally be seen for my heart instead of other things. The gentle loving response was “that is a discussion for another time. For now, I need you to use your heart to love and forgive even when you are being hurt and reviled.”

If I am going to follow Christ, this has to be enough. I will get the answers eventually. I do not wish to miss the chances to be loving and good whilst looking for them, Dear Reader. Like all Christ-followers, I must count it a blessing to be what Jesus needs me to be in the moment. In this lies the way, the truth, and the life of a follower.

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 have left everything to follow you. When will we get our reward?”

18 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Healing Across the Series

Greetings Dear Reader,

From the freeing of Mary from demons to the episode in the tent where Jesus exhausts himself whilst his followers complain, the show has a unique approach to showing healings. It is not simply Jesus healing. It is Jesus connecting with people at their level of need. It is the personification of “God with us” at its finest. We see the living God humbly healing people without choirs of angels or lens flares. The Son of God needs only his power and authority to heal.

Remember, the disciples will be given this same power. It is part of my focus on Judas and Simon in The Judas Scroll. When they are sent out, they heal others. When they are given the power, they use it. We have this power but our faith is weak.

We do not use our faith to tap into this power as we should. I really do not care where others fall on the power to heal discussion. I know I was one way and now I am different. I have seen fake healing where instead of humble prayers of faith people put on a show. I have also had a man quietly pray for an injury I had that should have sent me to hospital. The injury was gone.

I have placed my hand on the shoulder of a sick friend whilst she was distracted and prayed for her illness. Her fever left, her aches were gone, and her congestion cleared. I did not call attention to it. A few minutes later she quietly asked, “What did you do to me?” My response was simply I asked the Holy Spirit to do something to you because I love you. I explained that the Holy Spirit did it because Jesus loves you. You may argue about this gift if you wish. My friend has deeper faith and so do I.

We need to understand the nature of the power we are given as Christ-followers. I do not wish anyone to think I am a “healer”. That is not how it works. I pray for people who are sick and injured. I ask for mercy for those enshrouded in darkness. I ask out of love, faith, and compassion. The Father then does as he wills. No matter how it unfolds, it is the Father who allows all things. My theology does not matter. My love and faith always matter, Dear Reader.

The journey home is one of faith. If I employ love and faith in all I do, then I can trust the Father to make things the way he wishes them. Prayer is getting the mind and heart in line with the Father. It is getting my attitudes and actions to be byproducts of my love for him. Anything can happen when this is the truth. It is how we find our way home.

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.

“Peter looking at a cripple holding out his cup. Peter don’t you be so foolish as to say stand up.”

17 September 2021

Second Thoughts ~ Walking with Judas Part VI Innocent Blood

Greetings Dear Reader,

As we approach this part of our discussion about Judas, there are two things to consider. The first is the question of Judas’ guilt and the second is the question of his repentance. If we consider both of these, we must decide what state we think Judas is in when he dies.

I hear all the time the question of the latter argument but will address the former first. Judas obviously hands Jesus over to the Priests and I have already argued what his purpose was. When he returns to the temple after learning Jesus is being sent to the Romans for condemnation, he states he is guilty of innocent blood. It becomes obvious Jesus is not going to use his power to destroy his tormentors. Judas thought he would.

Judas knows his guilt and returns the silver along with his confession to the Priests. They leave him in a state of guilt and, therefore, guilty of murder. The Priests deny him a way out. He is guilty and the penalty is death. Judas is told the crime is “on his head.” Judas must die under the law.

Let us stop the discussion of guilt for a moment and talk about his repentance. Choosing to return to the Priests under the confession concerning innocent blood is an act of repentance. Things were not unfolding as he hoped. The Messiah was not destroying his enemies. Judas returns before the crucifixion and confesses. He acts under the Law as he is required. The penalty is death so he takes his life when the crime is left on his head by the Priests.

It may be argued Judas was one of the last people required to act under the Law to repent. The summation is simple. He is guilty of handing Jesus over. There is no proof his act was one of unbelief. When his plan is not God’s plan he seeks to confess and make restitution. He is denied repentance but the Father knows he has done so. He takes his life because the Priests put the responsibility on his head. Judas acted as he was obligated to do. Again, a non-judgmental look at Judas is much different than what we have been taught to believe. As we draw closer to the release of the novel, we must consider all the evidence Dear Reader. We draw closer to my final argument but I would ask you to share your thoughts and questions on this one first.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

(͡° ͜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

“I have been spattered with innocent blood; I will be dragged through the slime and the mud.”

The Chosen ~ Cut Off By My Past

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the themes prevalent in the show is one of our past defining our present. As with Mary yesterday we saw how the past becomes informative but not determinate between then and now. Still, humans do not see it this way as often as required. No matter how deeply some repent and try to realign life with Christ, there are those who constantly use the past to determine the present.

Jesus makes it clear we are to forgive the trespasses of others in light of our need to be forgiven. Throughout the series, we see a lack of forgiveness among those following Christ. Peter vows to never forgive Matthew. Andrew blames Mary’s trouble for Jesus being detained. We constantly see the failures of people, sects, and nations used to reject people out of hand.

This causes me to ponder those in my past and make certain I have forgiven them. That, however, Is not enough. I must always leave the door open for peace. I must always make room for reconciliation. It is the heart of the Gospel to restore those who have enmity with God. In addition, it is vital to exemplify this through restoration of broken relationships. It is the prime purpose of the Father to restore all things to good. A key to this is making peace with the humans around us. We do not have the right to cut off others for our own purposes when the Father has told us to actively love others.

I realize this is not easy. Some have ceased following Christ so they do not have to forgive the people who have failed them or hurt them so deeply. I care about this; however, the hard truth is we must forgive, love, and reconcile. It has become too easy to label others as unworthy and never give them room to grow or change. This puts us at odds with the will of the Father.

The only way to live out reconciliation is to make it available for everyone, Dear Reader. Instead of dismissing others from our lives, we must look for ways to show them the love of the Father. No one is worse than us by his standards. No one is too far gone for Jesus to restore them. It is not my right to label them thus. I do not want the Father to use my past to determine my future. I cannot, therefore, dare to do so to anyone else.

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 culture of ghosting others does not align with the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven,

16 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Mary Magdalen’s Story Thus Far

Greetings Dear Reader,

As promised, here are some thoughts on Mary Magdalen in The Chosen thus far. First, let me thank Elizabeth Tabish for her amazing performance as the woman who seems to be as complex in reality as she is in the show. Mary has been represented as many things through the century and most of them are without foundation. I applaud The Chosen for portraying her strengths and flaws equally well.

No matter what any of us thinks of her, it is clear she is integral to the ministry of Jesus throughout its duration. It is not as important to consider her past as it is to see what she becomes. She evolves into a faithful follower of Jesus. In the show, she often has better insight into Jesus’ character and intent than the Apostles.

At one point Mary says, “He’s not waiting for us to be Holy. I think he’s here because we can’t be Holy without Him.” This alone gives me pause. It is a universally true thing concerning our reclamation. We cannot achieve our own holiness. We must become dependent upon Jesus.

For all my years of struggling to be righteous, I failed because I was trying to become something without seeing how I was. I tried to live righteously without allowing the Father to use the Spirit to work it out within me. I failed. Time and again, trying to hide the inner struggles caused me to control instead of being in the moment with Jesus. Repeatedly I chose to try to be right instead of letting the Father work out righteousness in me.

If I am to follow Christ, I must allow each moment to become one of holy evolution wherein I change because of Jesus. It is not a life change. It is a change wrought by yielding to the Spirit and meeting Christ in each moment so I may love the Father more deeply. Mary’s statement, "I was one way and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him,” must become the bridge between every instant of my life. We must live, and move, and have our being in Christ if we are to follow him with any success.

When Mary fails or succeeds, I am encouraged. I think we can all be, Dear Reader. It is enough to be willing to change. The Spirit will work out the rest and if necessary, even give us the will. As Mary’s story continues to unfold, I hope I can find more things to take away allowing me to love Jesus more deeply.

The Judas Scroll. - Preorder my new novel here.

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.

"I was one way and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him."

Thoughts and Questions from Aramis Thorn

27 September 2021

Blessed Are ~ Opening Thoughts

26 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Closing Thoughts

25 September 2021

The Chosen ~ A Fresh Look at Judas

24 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Pondering Jesus Fiction

23 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Adoni El Roi

22 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Empty Nets

21 September 2021

Second Thoughts ~ Walking with Judas Part VII – Satan’s Role

The Chosen ~ Preparation and Humanity

20 September 2021

The Chosen ~ It Does Not Matter

19 September 2021

The Chosen ~ A Discussion for Another Time

18 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Healing Across the Series

17 September 2021

Second Thoughts ~ Walking with Judas Part VI Innocent Blood

The Chosen ~ Cut Off By My Past

16 September 2021

The Chosen ~ Mary Magdalen’s Story Thus Far

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