Words That Are Nebulous

Five-Minute Friday and the Word SOON

There are words that are hard to pin down. Words like someday, almost, and soon come to mind. Someday every knee will bow. We are almost home. Soon all will be made new.

Last night we watched Season 3 Episode 2 of “The Chosen.” During this powerful segment, there is a very emotional interaction between the actor playing Jesus and the actor who is “Little James.” Jordan Walker Ross stars as Little James in “The Chosen.” What I did not realize is that Ross is disabled. When he auditioned for the role, the director and creator could see that he was disabled, but he did not notice the limp. Ross has severe scoliosis and minor cerebral palsy. Sadly, because of his physical limitations, he was not offered many roles and sometimes was cut from projects because of his limp.

Source: The Chosen Season 3 Episode 2

When You Are Limping

Although “The Chosen” is very loosely based on the Gospels, it often tastefully deals with the real-life problems, sins, failures, disappointments, struggles, and “unfair” circumstances of life. What I liked about this scene, which is entirely fiction, is the reminder that not everyone who prays for healing will be healed. The Apostle Paul knew that reality. But he knew that soon he would be. He also learned that his weakness was really his strength in God’s hands.

The little James scene in episode two discusses the question: “why doesn’t God heal everyone?” I can relate. My appendix ruptured in my twenties. I almost died. But God spared me, and others have died from this deadly physical abnormality. For years my skin was an absolute disaster. Today my skin is completely healed. But I know others who have not received relief. It isn’t because of my faith or the lack of faith in others. It is the Lord’s plan. Jesus quotes Job in this scene: “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” The solution isn’t necessarily healing, but confidence in and trust in the Lord.

The Soon Long-Term Perspective

When little James asks Jesus why he hasn’t been healed, because he knows Jesus can heal him, there is a powerful interaction that creatively explains the Father’s purposes for each of us. Then Jesus tells little James he will “leap like a deer.” “Your reward will be great.” “So hold on a little longer.” “You will be healed. It’s only a matter of time.”

If you want to watch this portion of the interaction, here is a link: The Chosen

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

The follower of Jesus knows that the main enemy will be destroyed soon.

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Romans 16:20

“And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’” Job 1:21

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.