There is an old legend that takes us back in time and recounts the time when
Jesus slips back into heaven after He had died on the cross and rose from the
dead. According to the legend, the angel Gabriel met him. Gabriel frowned when
he saw the marks of Jesus’ scars of His tortuous years on earth, especially the
scars of His crucifixion.
Gabriel said: “Master, you suffered terribly for those down on earth.”
“Yes, I did,” was Jesus’ reply.
Gabriel continued: “Do they all know now about your live and your forgiveness?
Have they all heard about your death and resurrection?”
“No, not yet.” Said Jesus. “Right now only a handful knows. Only a handful of
people in Palestine know about my death and resurrection.”
Gabriel looked perplexed. “Then”, he asked, “Euh… How will everyone find out
about your wonderful life and your sacrificial death and triumphant
resurrection?”
“I have asked Peter, James, John and a handful of friends and followers to tell
other people about it. And when other people hear and believe, they in turn will
tell others. And Gabriel, by and by, the planet earth will hear the message.”
Still frowning, the angel responded: “But, hmmm, you know how people are on
earth. What if they… What if Peter, James and John get tired? What is they tell
the story and then the next generation gets all involved in other pursuits? What
if way down in the 18th or 20th century, people aren’t committed any longer to
your commission? Have you made other plans?”
The Lamb of God looked directly at the angel of God and said: “I have not made
any other plans. I am counting on them.”
As heard from Chuck Swindoll
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