Could He Be (Part 4)

(This fictional story based on the gospel narratives began on blog post 3-5-18).

  Gil traveled almost an entire day before he reached the town where Jesus was preaching.   Everyone was gathering on the hilly side of the mountain to hear Jesus preach. So many people had gathered there. Gil wondered if he would even be able to hear Jesus speak.  Surprisingly, once Jesus began preaching, Gil heard every word.  Jesus began describing the Kingdom of Heaven. He made it sound as if it were so close. The Kingdom wasn’t just for a few, but for all those who were willing to love.  Love God.  Love their neighbor. And not just their neighbors, but enemies as well.  Love your enemies? Who has ever desired to do this? Gil made a mental note to think about that later.  It made sense the way Jesus explained it, but. . . that would be very difficult to do.  
 Jesus spoke of God's great love for each and every person. Jesus said that each of us is blessed more than we realize.  God blesses us when we are mourning, when we are being persecuted, when we extend peace and mercy to others. As Gil listened as began to realize that God is continually calling each of us to draw close to Him.  As Jesus spoke, Gil felt as if he truly was in the Presence of God.  
 Jesus spoke of remaining humble and pure of heart.  Jesus didn’t just give a list of rules to follow, he spoke of change. Each person needs to change their hearts and minds to imitate how God loves.  In the kingdom, everyone will love as God loves.  
 Gil longed for this kingdom of which Jesus spoke.  He realized he could be doing so much more than what he was currently doing.  Gil spent hours and hours discerning how he could change.  Gil decided it was no longer enough for him to recite prayers, he had to become the prayer. No longer would he offer up words, he wanted to offer up his heart. This desire to draw closer to God burned fiercely within him.  Gil knew the secret to drawing close to God was Jesus.  Gil continued to wonder if Jesus could be the One. He felt a deep desire to  spend the rest of his life following him.  

(to be continued.....)