Journey to the cross- The Commotion

"Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves, and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, 'Is it not written 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers.' And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city" (Mark 11:15-19).

That is it, all my hard work over the last three days, gone to the drain, thanks to that joker on you left hand side standing next to the fig tree.

Then everyone is talking about pigeons? Pigeons are everywhere but why is everyone just talking about it like the British  people just won't stop complaining about the Weather. Apparently, some pigeons even flew to the Holy of Holies, and the priest was not in the best of spirit when they saw the pigeons flying and making a nuisance of themselves. I can tell you! It is gonna take ages to round them up.

Mind you, I am sure pigeons are homing birds. Aren't they? In that case, if I shake a bag of food, and back they all come. Though my coins that I worked hard for, won't do that. If it would, it would not help my circumstance as you know what all those beggars are like in the temple courts-one chink of a coin they would come running like chickens round the seed. When that madman turned the table over, half the money didn't even hit the floor before it was gone!

Poor Jedidiah, got told to get off the courtyard! What is the world coming too? He wasn't doing any trouble, I know those Ark of the Covenant models he sells are on a tacky side, but still the point is that Jedidiah doesn't deserve to get off the courtyard. Crucifixion's too good for guys like that. What do we pay the temple guards for, anyway? They should be making sure these luncatics don't even get-in-especially if they are armed.

You got to be careful around here, people spurting insults like there is no tomorrow, and no one wants that, especially in their little holy bubble. Can you hear, that? Absolutely quietness, I bet you, that they are planning on something.

But you see! We are smart enough not to say it to their face. As we don't want to cause a commotion, not on their home ground. So we are still going to be alive by the end of the week. Well that is my hope!

Journey to the cross: The Donkey

Now when they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. Right away you will find a donkey tied there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet. (Matthew 21: 1-11)

Jesus asked Matthew and Judas to go to the village and find a donkey in town. Of they went, trodding along  and bickering with each other on their way to town to find a donkey.

"Judas you haven't spoken since Jesus asked us to fetch a donkey, are you OK? As you never shut up? Oh, you are not steamed up about getting a donkey? After all, Jesus put us in charge because he relies on us, has complete trust and faith that we accomplish this task. Furthermore, if we couldn't he wouldn't put us in charge. Got that! Now please, would you just cheer up, even a minute, I don't think I can handle another second of your grumpy face."

"Just hold your horses please, a baby donkey is silly, its not an animal for a saviour of Jerusalem to ride on? I said to Jesus I knew a quy with a good horse, but oh no he wasn't having any of it. I tell you something, people would think  Jesus lose his marbles by riding on a flipping baby donkey?"

"Really, is that why you got your grumpiness face, over nothing. Did you not hear the crowds roaring-hosanna to the Son of David, and all the rest of it. If you didn't, something is definitely wrong with you, we were right in the middle of it! There was nowhere to hide. Mind you, I never thought a poor fisherman from Galilee would be able to say that!"

"You always think you a better than me, don't you. They might be cheering today, as you cannot boo to a king when he is standing near you? He might chop your head off! What he should off done, was to ride in with a horse and start a revolution. I told him if he waited. we would get somewhere. Though he wasn't listening, just gave me that funny look to say he has and if I was a little child being rebellious towards a parents or an adult. That was my que to get that annoying, ridiculous, ludicrous donkey."

"Ah poor little Judas! Cannot deal being wrong, can you? Is your pride hurt by going to find a donkey and not a horse? Were you born to better things?

"Would you just shut up, Peter!! You are doing my head in. I can deal being wrong, but you stepped over the boundary with pride. Just if Jesus wants to be king, he ought to start acting like one.  You know act your age than the shoe size. That's what I think, anyhow."

" Oh come on, it's only banter, don't be so stroppy! Maybe Jesus is finding his feet of being a king. It might be a lot of work that goes undercover that meets the eye. It reminded me of that bit from Zechariah, you know?  How does it go?  'Rejoice, daughter of Zion!  Here comes your king, triumphant and victorious; humble, and riding on a donkey."  Something like that, anyway.  Surely fulfilling ancient prophecy is pretty good for a messiah?

"Oh, Bartholomew the scholar.  Ancient prophecy's all very well, but it's not much use in the here and now, is it?  What we want is the new world Jesus was talking about, with us all on thrones and the Romans kicked out.  Isn't that what we're following him for?  Isn't it, James?  John?  You two were quick enough to try and bag yourselves the best seats for when Jesus is in charge."

"Hey, stop pressing people buttons, that was our mum, not us.  Anyway, you heard what Jesus said about that.  'The last will be first and the first will be last,' - which now I think about it, fits in pretty well with his king-riding-on-a-donkey act.  If you're looking for power and glory, Judas, I think you're following the wrong guy."

"Yes, and that's just what's so frustrating.  He could do anything, Jesus could. Anything!  He's got that spark, that... that.. charisma.  You've seen him!  He just has to crook a finger and people will do what he wants.  If anyone could save this wretched country he could - and I thought he was going to do it!  And then he sat on a donkey and threw it all away.  Just threw it all away."

What a run!

First time ever since a long time, on purpose I left my phone at home, took my fitbit off and run, with no plan, no destination, no maps. Just two feet and roads! In the end I run to Wylam and back via a massive hill. And something just hit me, O.K. first off don't worry I am not injured just has a light bulb moment. I haven't been doing any Christianity work, apart from going to church I tend to set aside ten minutes in the morning reading the bible and ten minutes in the evening. Recently, that came to a standstill. So as I was running and let my mind go off on one. I thought to myself, you know what I miss reading the bible and getting closer to God.

I like Lent, it gives us a chance to start new, with a new clean slate, though first of all you have confess any sins and receiving absolution. I have been taking part in Lent, again like last year I didn't give up something as I always found that my attention is not Jesus it's on that one particular thing that I gave up. Instead, I had the phrase 'What Would Jesus Do?' and do one thing for someone like sending them a card saying you miss them. Say hello to someone! Really simple things, but it can make a difference to that person who receives your kindness. In a way, it shows Jesus love.

Despite how it can often feel, Christianity is not about manufacturing suitable emotions.  Christianity is a statement of fact.  Christ reigns.  I do not.  However sinful I do or do not feel, Lent is a time of moving myself from a throne to a cross, in order that Christ may move from a cross to a throne.

We are now about to enter a week called, 'Holy Week,' we are reminded of what Jesus did for us and how His actions define Him. Because He rose from the grave, we know that Jesus is the author and perfecter of our lives. He is our security and significance.

I decided after I came back from my run, that I would be writing a series, called 'Journey to the cross.' I feel the name fit quite appropriately, since I am nowhere near the cross  and following Jesus. After all in holy week and easter as a whole we are reminded that Jesus died on the Cross for us, for our sins.

If you are interested in reading the 'Journey to the cross,' come back on the Sunday 25th March, I got a bit writing to do till then!!!!!!!!

Escape

Trees, trees, trees

Branches, sticks, leaves

Whipping, gashing, slashing at my arms

I can't get away no matter how fast I run

Tripping, falling, crawling on the floor

Ragged cuts, tattered clothes, jagged breathing as I start to slow

My eyes are heavy, my vision blurred

Distant images start to stir

He's right behind me, he's catching up

I have to keep moving, but my legs have had enough

Getting dizzy, about to pass out, a distant figure starts to stand out

A distant scream, a whispered plea, I can't believe it came from me

Pulse is racing, a feeling of hands, a gentle hush as I'm helped to stand

It's him, he's caught me, please strength don't leave me yet

Let me be anything but his sullied pet

I have to leave, I have to get away, I fall to my knees and let my head sway

Stopping, he stares at me and gives a mirrored laugh

Then he reaches for me as I start to move back

I'm to slow, he's to fast, I can't get away, he's taking me back

I can't let this happen, I must react

Head's too fuzzy, I'm getting too weak

I'm stumbling over my own feet

One chance, a pull, a twist, a pop and a moan

I'm not the one with a broken bone

I'm still running, he's still coming

My strength's about to give out

Dead end, cliffs end, water and rocks below

Tell me, if you had a choice which way would you go?

Anxiety got a big grasp of me, I was trying to walk away from it more like jogging. I decided to write a poem about what I am thinking and feeling. I just have to move forward, somehow-muster some strength.