Barabbas - Part Three

Part Three - Story of the Overflowing Spirit


(Barabbas is an old man living in Bethlehem)

 

My grandson is sitting on the ground looking up at me. I want to impress into his little mind what Jesus had done for me. My spirit is simply overflowing with the goodness of God. How much of my story can I tell him? Looking back over my life is like seeing two different people. The first half of my life as a no-good robber was just miserable. But the second half as a born again Christian I have enjoyed like I never thought possible. I never want to let my Savior down. Paul wrote in the letter; And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own.  4:30 It is very easy to grieve the Spirit of Jesus because He is living in me. I pray He will help me now as I explain what is in my scroll to my grandson.

The afternoon that Jesus died on the cross for me is literally the most vivid memory that I have. Why would I ever hurt Him or bring shame to His name? If there were only some way to tell my little admirer that nothing in this life compares with a life in Jesus Christ. Paul’s letter talks about this when he says; Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.  6:18 I know it doesn’t seem like much when you read it but after experiencing it, you can see it in large letters. The fact that I talk all day long to the Spirit inside of me sounds a little odd but it works. This is why I know my grandson Benjamin will understand what I tell him.

After our visit, Benjamin gives me a hug and runs after his pet lamb. Looking toward heaven I begin to think about the new life that Jesus has given me. During the last few years the friends in my life know very well that I am now a righteous guy. All these people will vouch for me. Some of them even identify with me because they were also rescued from a terrible life of one kind or another. I am sensitive to the Spirit of Jesus and have experienced what Paul wrote about when he said; For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth  5:9 It took me a while to learn that if I do not cooperate with the Spirit He cannot produce the righteousness that God wants to see in my life. I started life without a father but I want to keep this one who really cares for me.

Thinking back to my old robber days I remember that drinking was sometimes a problem. Even if I were sober, which was seldom, it was still very difficult to convince my helpers to keep control of themselves. You see it is usually easy for the law to catch drunks because our decisions are faulty. I only mention this because I understand why Paul said; Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. 5:18 Everything is about who or what controls our life. It is obvious that when we give our life to Jesus his Spirit should be in control. Drink is not the only thing that robs us of a dedicated life. Avoid anything that wants to rule your life.

There is a Shepherd bringing his sheep in for the night and I think of the freedom that he enjoys. I have spiritual freedom in my life because of the power of the Spirit in my daily life. Some people ask how to do this. I simply ask for God to lead me and I quit trying to help. The Spirit suggests the actions I should follow and I do exactly what He advises. If you are thinking this will take a totally new and different attitude you are right. I am continually learning about this new life from my copy of the letter. Paul recommends that we;  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  6:17  I stand up and lift my scroll over head. I know that this sword will carry me to victory until my time comes to an end. 

I am aware that some of you do not want to believe that I was ever saved at all. But if my name Barabbas bothers you then just take it out and replace it with your own. Don’t tell me you would not like to be the child of our God and Almighty Father.

                                                THE END

Barabbas - Part Two

Part Two - The Story of the Letter

(Barabbas is now middle aged and owns a successful caravan business.)

 

Let me explain that the entire Jerusalem church was supportive of my new life as a Christian and some of them helped me start my business. By working hard and being honest I was now able to support the church which had some hard times because of the religious Jews. It is a real joy to support the ones who have forgiven me and are the family I never had before. The Lord even gave me a wonderful wife and one son. My son now lives in Bethlehem with his new wife. I have time to tell you these things because I am on a ship returning from a trip to Ephesus.

It was a joyous trip and I now possess a copy of a letter written by Paul. Many times I have listened to stories about this godly man named Paul. I have not met him but his letters are revolutionizing the Christian community. A friend of mine lives in Ephesus and he insisted that I come to visit him. I did not feel I had the time until he promised I could make my own copy of a letter Paul has written to the Church at Ephesus. I am standing at the railing with my new scroll and thinking of the change in my life since I sat beneath the cross. It still seems unreal to me that this old robber has changed so much and that Bar-abbas is really a son of our Father in Heaven.

I had a great time visiting the church in Ephesus and I read my new scroll all the way back to Jerusalem. Along with the writings of my friend John this letter is my most precious possession. Paul’s letter is more than I had hoped for. It explains what happened to me on the day 120 of us had the Spirit of Jesus enter our body’s while the flames danced above us. For example the letter says; when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit.  1:13  I now know that when Jesus died that afternoon on the cross He paid the price for my soul and I belong to Him. And I learned that when His Spirit came down 50 days afterward it was to live inside me. This odd story has become the most real thing in my life.

I could hardly wait to arrive home and tell the Jerusalem church about my trip and encourage them in the Lord. You know the original Barabbas had been a dumb thief. But today I understand so many things about life that I can hardly believe it. As I read my copy of the letter again I notice that another great gift was given to me. It says; I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom 1:16 How can any believer think that they understand God if the Spirit of Jesus in not giving them wisdom? Oh how I love to read about what God has done for His children.

When I arrived home and was allowed to address the Church I felt very important. I told them that I had  never spoken to Jesus but that He had told the Disciples He “must” leave this earth so that 50 days after His death, His spirit could come back to earth and live inside of people. This is important because; Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit  2:18 Yes, now each of us can approach the Almighty Father through the Spirit of Jesus. In the old times of the Priests no one ever thought it would be possible that individuals could have access to the great “I am”. Believe it or not, we have continual, 24/7, access to the Almighty so that we are never without Him.

The church listened as I told that when John found me sitting in the dark at the foot of the cross, there was not one person in the world that I could trust. Boy how things have changed. I can trust every friend in my church today. One time while reading the letter I noticed this line; In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. 2:22  This must mean that every Christian person is being shaped as a part of something much greater. We are all part of the great body of Christ. And today the temple of God is completely godly which certainly makes every member of Christ trustworthy and full of honor. I am not just an individual.

On the way home from church I passed an old religious man on the street. He made me remember how the old Barabbas used to laugh at the silly routines that religious people were following. But now I only feel sorry for them because they do not have the Spirit of Jesus to show them the way. The letter from Paul explains it this way; As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it.  3:3-5 The apostles writings reveal the plan of God because the Spirit of Jesus lives in us and interprets everything to believers. I love being a Christian.

After I first became a believer there were times when I did not think I would have the mental or moral strength to live as a Christian. Later I learned that it did not require my strength at all. The secret was to trust God; I pray that from his ( the Father) glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.  3:16-17 As an ex-criminal there were many times that I almost went back to my old deeds but the Lord always sent something along to remind me that His power was in me.
 

When Paul wrote this letter I wonder if he had any idea how many times it would be read? Anyway, even as different as we all are with many different failings in our past life, the Spirit continues to try and unite us into one family. Our part is to be willing; Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.  4:3 When I was a robber there was no way I would bind myself to any other. It was every man for himself but now that I am a Christian everything has been reversed. I am glad that the letter says a lot about how we have become part of a great family.