The Chosen ~ But Wait; There Is More

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. 

As I mentioned a few days ago, there are things to consider transcending episodes.  These also hold life applications for me.  The show uses devices and story arcs to remind us of our condition and following Christ.  These are just as important. 

Today, though, I wish to address a few comments made along the way by you, Dear Reader.  A couple have written objecting to the show in toto because it fictionalizes stories about Jesus.  First, so do I.  It is not wrong to tell stories involving Jesus ministry as long as they stay with the history and character of Jesus.  Even the Apostle John tells us if all the things done by Jesus were written down, the entire world could not contain the books.  Historical fiction is a great way to capture the imagination in order to learn the truth. 

Some of you have said you do not trust “Christian” media to be quality.  I agree and I was skeptical at first.  I have found this series to render the Gospels honestly and to show the time of Christ with integrity and artistry.  It is different from anything I have seen.  It is worth your time, Dear Reader. 

I did receive a couple of comments claiming the show “goes too far.”  I am not certain what is meant by this but am willing to listen and address the comments.  Please continue to interact with me as we look at some themes vital to the truth of this show.  In doing this, I will address some larger theological issues I think are important to following Christ.   As always, your thoughts and questions move me homeward and I am grateful. 

The Judas Scroll.   This is the link to pre-order my new novel.

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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There are still things to say.

The Chosen ~ S02E08b "Beyond Mountains" Judas

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. 

At the beginning of this episode, I knew one of the men must be Judas.  I was not sure which one.  What I was certain of were two different characters; one already willing to cheat others and one who cared about right and wrong.  When the younger says he wishes to do something memorable and significant with his life, I am certain he is Judas. 

Judas in the show is not revealed until the last scene.  It is well done and quite the cliffhanger.  We know where the story leads and we like this young man presented to us.  I am thrilled the show chose to show Judas as likable. 

At the moment this episode aired I had just submitted the draft of my novel The Judas Scroll to my publisher.   I was instantly excited to see how The Chosen unfolds his story as I had spent five years in research and writing in building mine.  Since both the show and my novel are historical fiction, neither of us can be wrong in telling the story as long as we keep to the truths of Scripture.  In this is the challenge. 

On the surface, it seems Judas is not as good as the other disciples.  I choose to challenge this.  I must love Judas.  I must see him as Jesus sees him.  In preparation for the novel and to be certain my heart is loving and kind, I have written a series of Second Thoughts about Walking with Judas.   Yes, that is a link to it.  

What I must take away from any interaction with the followers of Christ is they were personally chosen by Jesus to walk with him and have a part in his story.  I will not deal with my arguments about Judas here.  They are in the blog and the novel.  What I do wish is to remember not to judge Judas as if I am better than him, Dear Reader.  Even if you believe Judas is the worst human who ever lived, you are required to love your enemies.  This is reason enough to remember my own sin and the grace and mercy I need every day. 

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/ 

And then there were twelve.

The Chosen ~ S02E08a "Beyond Mountains" Closing the Covenants

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. 

The man from whom they buy the land at the beginning of the episode pauses when they mention covenants.  He knew he was not supposed to sell his land.  He knew there were covenants with the Father in the Law.  One needs to list3en carefully to the episode to see this theme follow through it. 

When the disciples have their apples in the morning, they pay by rote and not from the heart.  The covenant of prayer is still mundane to them.  The discussion of Jesus among the Pharisees is more about intrigue and politics than it is about keeping the covenant the Father has made with Israel.  Like the church today, the people seem more about business than about faith in the Father based on love. 

Even Shmuel expresses doubt about the motives being forwarded concerning Jesus.  When we leave behind the agreements the Father has made with us, we cannot do what is good.  The command to love the Father and love all humans must be the foundation of all we do if we are to live the covenant involved in following Christ.  I realize they are commandments as well as an agreement.  Still, we enter into a covenant when we choose to follow Jesus.  

The covenant is not one to earn redemption.  That is a gift of God by faith.  The covenant is the choice to obey the Father because of the gift of our redemption.  It is our promise to follow and live out the covenant of love.  The idea of this is what we get in the beatitudes.  The covenants of blessing are found in being meek, mournful, and thirsty for righteousness.  Being a peacemaker is part of the covenant to see God. 

As my journey through life unfolds, the comfort, the kingdom, and the inheritance I yearn for are all there.  They are in the covenant blessing offered by Jesus, Dear Reader.  I do not need to riot or revolt.  I must express my love to the Father by obeying the Son.  No matter the circumstances, my portion of the covenant is to be salt and light.  It is to follow in faith living out the blessings available to me when I love as the Father commands and as Jesus prayed I would.  In this is the way home. 

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

I have entered into a covenant requiring me to love everyone.

The Chosen ~ S02E07c “Reckoning” Teach us to Pray

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 felt the aspect of prayer addressed in this episode had to be, well, addressed.  When Jesus is arrested, the disciples argue over what to do.  They doubt.  There is anger.  They ignore what Jesus clearly instructed them to do.  They even speculate about what Jesus does when he is alone. 

The subtle line of disobedience drives much of the episode.  Everything unfolds as Jesus said it would but at the end, they are still questioning him about his choices.  The theme of saying no to God is one we see in the followers often.   Still, they get around to asking him how they should pray. 

What Jesus says about praying is eternally profound.  He explains it is how we get the heart and mind in line with the Father.  He then begins to teach them the model prayer.  I have written before about this at length.  What I saw new was how personal this oft-recited prayer is.  I have begun the request and not just the prayer into my day. 

There are things about which I am uncertain how to pray.  I know the Spirit is there to hear and represent my heart to the Father.  It is more than just this.  When I ask Jesus to help me know how to pray about something, I am trying to get my heart and mind in line with the Father.  I want to care as he cares.  I long to have the mind of Chest in all things.  

Prayer is so much more than we allow it to be in our lives.  It is a constant conversation with the one who loves me about all I can imagine.  Prayer in this episode could have been used to handle every fear the disciples faces whilst Jesus was away.  The Father used their disobedience for good.  It is what he does, Dear Reader.  Still, I always wonder what the Father would have done had I simply obeyed. 

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

“Lord, teach us to pray.”

The Chosen ~ S02E07b “Reckoning” Joseph the Pharisee

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. 

Joseph the Pharisee remains an enigma for me.  I do not think he is Joseph of Arimathea.  He is too young and not on the Sanhedrin council.  Still, I find him worthy of deep study.  He figures importantly in this episode. 

He seems to be in charge of the Synagogue in Capernaum when Shmuel returns during his hunt for Jesus.  He tries to be a voice of reason.  We must look at his prior actions to understand why.  He was the first to notice the transformation in Mary in episode two of season one.  He is the one who suggests to Nicodemus the possibility of Galileans fishing on Shabbat is to feed their families.   In this episode, he warns the disciples, Tamar, and her friend they are being sought for questioning regarding healing and Jesus. 

What we have is a Pharisee who seeks the truth and cares for the people.  This is the perfect formula for finding Jesus and trusting him.  It also honors his teacher, Nicodemus.  Joseph has a long way to go yet, but he seems to be on the right path.  He is an example to me of how we must not discount someone because of the labels they willingly carry. 

Matthew and Zacchaeus both carry the label of Tax Collector.  Simon and Judas are Zealots.  In the eyes of some, the label Pharisee is just as bad in first-century Judea.   Still, in our day we see Pharisees as colored with the shades of those who hated Jesus.  It is clear this is not the only hue in our paint box when it comes to them.  Some believed.  Some were honest about their pursuit of truth.  

Just yesterday, my brother and I were discussing the needs of our small community on the edge of the Misty Mountains.  He said one of the key problems is the Pharisaical nature of many religious leaders here.  It brought to mind the need to see all humans as in need of a clear reminder and understanding of who Jesus is and what he asks us to do. 

I wrote The Judas Scroll to give Judas an honest look instead of maligning him as we have for fifteen hundred years.  Perhaps we need to also give the same honest look to the Pharisees in the Gospels and in our world today.  Perhaps we need to see all religious leaders as worthy of seeing through their own actions instead of through the lenses of their denominations and labels.  

Each human is unique to the Father and, therefore, worthy of being seen as he or she is rather than how our labels paint them.  If I am to see Christ honestly, I must see even modern-day Pharisees as those who need Jesus as much as I do.  I must love them, Dear Reader, and hope their knowledge turns into understanding and faith. 

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

I need to take a closer look at what I assume when I read a label.

Second Thoughts ~ Walking with Judas Part V Sending the Twelve

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. 

As I ponder this section of the Gospels and Judas, I wish to be clear I understand it does not prove his redemption.  It does, however, place him in the center of the discussion as to the level of power and authority he had as one of the twelve.  I deal with this extensively at the fictional level in The Judas Scroll.  Even in fiction, the philosophical and theological issues come through.  

The important thing to see here is Judas as a functional member of the twelve.  Matthew 10 goes as far as to list him even with the epithet.  

“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirit and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.  These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” 

It is vital to see how deeply all twelve apostles are included in the mission here.  Judas is seen as one of them receiving the power to drive out spirits and heal others.  He is given the authority to speak as a representative of Messiah.  No matter what your conclusions about him later, until Holy Week he is fully vested as one of the twelve original followers of Jesus.  This will matter greatly in our later considerations.  Until we get to them, we must all give Judas his rightful place as a working follower of Jesus with all the rights and duties associated with Peter, James, and John at this time. 

Of further importance in this passage, included in all four Gospels is to note the obedience of each of the disciples.  When they return, they have all participated in the task and used the power given them.  Imagine what this does to the heart and mind of a Zealot yearning for Messiah to establish his Kingdom and end all suffering of his people.  Put yourself in the sandals of one filled with the desire for the King to rule, experience his power, and live his journey through Judea using the authority given him by the living embodiment of all he has hoped for.  Then tell me he simply chose to give it all away one day for some money. 

We are all guilty of pushing God’s agenda for our own purposes.  I am merely asking you to be honest and look at Judas without the filters history asks us to adopt.  This discussion will intensify over the next couple of months.  I have had some harsh emails from some of you.  I understand your feelings but it is your filters and not the truth pushing you.  Take a moment to love the Father enough to love Judas as he does.  Keep asking questions and sharing your thoughts.  I promise to answer you as best I can, 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
Facebook      Twitter        
Medium         Instagram 
BLOG Archive:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/ 
Judas was given the power and authority Jesus gave to all twelve disciples.

The Chosen ~ S02E07a “Reckoning” Quintus

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 have mentioned Quintus before but now he is in the spotlight.  His character develops over conversations with Matthew and his fellow Romans.  In this episode, he has a pivotal interaction with Jesus.  Having Jesus arrested shows the real danger the throng following Jesus faces.  In his interactions, we see just how dangerous Quintus is. 

The first thing I noted about him is how jaded he is.  He mocks fealty to the Emperor to someone who outranks him.  He clearly respects no one.  Further, he comprehends no power in Galilee beyond his own.  Every Roman under him fears him in some way.  He imagines his power greater than it is. 

In his conversation with Jesus, he dismisses miracles, calls Jews odious, and does not grasp the power in his presence.  In contrast, we see Atticus does begin to get it.  To everything Quintus says, Jesus responds politely and truthfully.  Jesus respects the man’s office even though he is threatened and insulted.  Even when Jesus politely refuses to stop causing trouble, the Roman is drawn to him.   Quintus likes Jesus and concludes Jesus is not a threat. 

What burns in my mind is how other viewers feel about Quintus.  He clearly hates Jews.  He also sees the value of anyone who furthers his purposes.  Jesus is stirring up trouble and causing unrest in Quintus' district.  He will kill to avoid trouble or embarrassment.  I, therefore, come to the same question about Quintus, I have about Judas in The Judas Scroll.   Do you love him, Dear Reader? 

We have the advantage of having read the Gospels.  If I am to follow Christ and live his example, I must show respect to Quintus and his office. I must hope for him to see Jesus for who he is.  I am required to love Quintus. 

No matter what my enemy does, Jesus gave me a clear command to love my enemy.  Quintus is a political, social, and religious enemy.  None of these cause Jesus to insult or revile him.  I must take up the cross upon which Quintus would gladly fasten me and love the Roman as I carry it.  After all, Dear Reader, Jesus promised it is a blessing to be reviled and persecuted.  This is following and it is required.  We must fit this into our own politics, sociology, and religion or we are not following Christ. 

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

“Did I hail already?  How can I serve him today?”

The Chosen ~ S02E06 “Unlawful”

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. 

Even though Mary is a focal point of this episode, I mentioned she will get her own post later.  I promise I am learning much from her and will give her the attention she deserves.  There is something else catching my heart and mind in this episode. 

James and John are having a discussion about Simon the Zealot.  John offers an idea we all need to comprehend and apply.   They begin by talking about how difficult it will be for Simon to leave behind being a Zealot.  He is still going through the exercises of his daily combat training.  They look around the camp at others and ponder everyone’s place in following Jesus. 

John speculates about faith and following.  He ponders how it comes naturally for some people as if it is what they were born to do.   He then looks at Simon the Zealot and ponders how someone spending his life training to be one way might have difficulty learning a new and better way. 

Seemingly  unrelated is the issue of no food among the followers of Jesus.  This need leads to a visit to a small Synagogue where Jesus heals a man on Shabbat.  The Pharisees lose their minds.  Jesus declares it is lawful to do good on Shabbat.  They leave and his followers pluck grain from the ripe grain heads in a field.  The Pharisees enjoy further outrage over this.  Jesus declares he is “The Son of Man.” 

Again, we have people overlooking a miracle performed by Messiah because it does not fit their view of who God is.  Their faith has no room left for the object of their faith.  This is where I land, Dear Reader.  Faith comes easier for some than others.  I must see Christ in the moment and follow him.  I have to own the truth of his presence in every situation and see it unfold as part of his plan.  I must also give others time to get there.  

Jesus does not address everything at once in us.  He desires our hearts and then works on the rest.   The Father wants our hearts and minds.  The Spirit guides our hearts and minds.  It is followers who fail to see this and deny others the opportunity to grow and change.  Following Christ always requires loving those who follow as well no matter what our differences are.  

If we lock the lesser matters of faith behind iron gates to keep out those who reject them, we are really limiting our own ability to follow.  We are to understand Jesus wishes us to have grace, love, and mercy for everyone.  You must begin with where others are and love them, Dear Reader.  Then, they have someplace to stand whilst the Spirit speaks to them. 

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/ 

“I desire mercy not sacrifice.”

The Chosen ~ S02E05 “Spirit”

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. 

There is so much in this episode but I will cover some of it in my extra-episode posts.  I plan an entire post on Mary Magdaline and her story arc thus far.  What catches me in this episode is the confirmation to everyone of Jesus’ power and authority.  From the conversation with John the Baptizer to the four-word banishment of a demon, we see all eyes turning to the power carried in the human we have seen growing more visible as GOD. 

The idea of Jesus being Immanuel is so clear as the episode unfolds.  Even the Psalm being memorized reminds us of this.  “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Psalm 139:8.  The idea is clear.  Jesus wants his followers to know he is always with them.  He wants them to see his purpose and how it is being revealed.  He desires for his followers to do things his way. 

The Theme of impatience is here as well.   We get our longest interaction with John the Baptizer and it includes his conclusion, “I am just impatient for you to get to work.”   Almost every one of Jesus’ followers has expressed their desire for Messiah to get busy establishing his physical kingdom.  He makes it clear in his discussion with Simon the Zealot it is not like they think.  This theme has been present since season one episode three. 

In all the interactions of this episode, we are reminded of at least two applicable truths.  The first is the eternal truth of Jesus always being with us.  He is Immanuel.  He has come and is with us always.  It is our duty to see him in every moment.  It is my obligation to look for him as I take each step. 

The second vital truth is to understand how little we understand.  His followers do not get he comes in peace to take away the sin of the world.  In his meekness resides all the power of the universe.  Even the Holy Spirit takes on humility by residing in us.  God is with us.  We are the ones who fail to see him and live like it.  

Even the resistance I find in Christ-followers to The Chosen baffles me.   Others binge the latest season of their favorite show but will not invest time in watching an honest representation of Jesus as a man who is also God coming to ransom us.  I cannot say strongly enough; this show is different from any I have seen.  I challenge you to invest your time in it, Dear Reader.  Then I challenge you to share it with others as well.  Then again, we have the same challenge with the Gospel in general and do not do so well at it. 

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/ 

“Our people really need a better variety of names.”

The Chosen ~ S02E04c "The Perfect Opportunity" – Tabernacles and Crosses

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. 

As I mentioned, there was a third thing about this episode percolating in my brain.  This episode contains so much I could write at least two more but I will move on.  I may come back to a few things as I move forward after the list of episodes.  I realize outside of the annual Christmas series this is the longest I have written about a single topic.  It is because there is so much in the show urging me to follow Jesus more closely. 

The backdrop of this episode is the Feast of Tabernacles.  We know Jesus attended this.  It is our first look at Jerusalem with an adult Jesus and his followers.  It is also a harsh awakening from the joy of our journey with Jesus through his ministry.  The Feast of Tabernacles serves to remind us of the time Israel spent wandering the desert.  They were totally dependent upon the Father for their provision.  The Feast is an equalizer of the people reminding them to be humble before God. 

The awakening is the entry into Jerusalem.  First Simon the Zealot and then Jesus enter the city through a Roman checkpoint.  Just outside the gates are men being crucified.  Simon sees it and it gives him pause.  Jesus sees it and we are all given pause.  The levity of other moments is forgotten as Jesus looks up at the crosses and sadness is in his eyes.  We can no longer deny where we are headed.  It is to the cross. 

Long before he begins to speak of his death, Jesus says we must take up our cross to follow him.  Every aspect of the cost is seen in the moment where Jesus looks at the crucified men.  The entire idea of life is to shoulder the cross and follow Jesus.  I get a glimpse of this in Jesus headed to heal Jesse at the Pool of Bethesda.  

I cannot afford to forget the sober somberness of this moment.  Jesus is headed to the cross for me.  Every moment of joy and levity is punctuated by this truth.  Every trip to Jerusalem for him is a reminder to me of the truth of his suffering and my calling.  I must revel in the things bringing Jesus joy.  I must see the mirth in the interactions of Christ and his disciples.  I must sing and dance with him at the richness of a life devoted to the Father, Dear Reader.  I must, however, do it all with my cross firmly notched over my shoulder, reminding me of the true cost of my redemption.  It is the only way to follow Jesus home. 

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. 

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“You don’t need this pool; you only need me.  So, do you want to be healed?”