{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:1-5.} It was a dreary but familiar rhythm. Peter cast out his net and heard it slap the surface and then hiss as it sunk. Hand over hand, Peter and John drew it back in scraping ropes over the hull. Slap. Hiss. Scrape. Nothing. Hour after hour. All night long. The motions had come back as naturally as breathing, but tonight he was waking muscles that had been sleeping for years. And they were angry. Three years … [Read more...]
Familiar Strangers of Holy Week
When it comes to the events of Holy Week and the Easter story, we sometimes find ourselves in the precarious place of overfamiliarity. On the one hand, familiarity is a gift. Knowing these parts of the Bible so well helps us understand other parts that are less celebrated. On the other hand, we live in a world that is constantly careening toward the next new thing. Continual news feed keeps us chasing the most current information. Breaking news and discoveries are only new for a matter of … [Read more...]
Who in the world is this?
{The framework of Scripture for this story is found in Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27, and Luke 8:22-25} Andrew peeled his fingers off the oar and examined his pruned and blistered hands. Why were we so afraid!? Wasn't it obvious? Because I thought we were going to die! Water quietly lapped against the boat and shut him up. It seemed silly now. There was no danger. The silvery moon relit the boat as the clouds dissipated. Peter untangled himself from the sail and dropped the … [Read more...]
Silent Worship
{This work of fiction is based on the framework of Scripture found in Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27, and Luke 8:22-25} Andrew couldn’t hear a thing over the howling wind and crashing waves. But he did see Jesus roll off the bench after Phillip shook him. Rain pounded the deck inside and collided with the waves outside. Andrew’s hands cramped from his failed attempts to steady the thrashing boat without breaking the oar Peter had abandoned to unrig the sail. As the boat rose on the … [Read more...]
Propelling Fear
{This work of fiction is based on the framework of Scripture found in Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27, and Luke 8:22-25} The wind ruffled the water and the sails began to flutter. Andrew, weary at the oars, cracked open one eye, and closed it again. There was little to see in the dark, but the moon lit up the white crests billowing across the lake. When a gust of wind lashed him with the tail of a loose rope he snapped awake. “Peter?” he called to his brother, half in warning, half in … [Read more...]