Captive To Love
Drama
Women In The Wings
20 Biblical Monologues
Making It Preach
Distilling the essence of the gospel into truth that makes sense to the hearer is a challenge and gift. It is a challenge because a person coming back for more may depend upon that short explanation resonating with the hearer's heartfelt needs. It is also a gift in that each time we tell it, we continue to define what it means for us. Since the treasury official, unfortunately remembered as the Ethiopian eunuch, is credited by many with bringing the gospel to Eastern Africa, he had plenty of opportunity to tell the story. Perhaps, if those of us who are afraid to speak of our faith could remember how good the news is and that others have searched long and hard to discover its freedom and salvation, our love for Christ and compassion for others might open our lips -- and our spirits.
Making It Play
There is a music and gentle rhythm in the way English is spoken by people from many African countries. Let that creep into your speech, or at least speak slowly and deliberately enough for the words to suggest it. This serving woman may not be a native of the southeastern Nile region, but it is her home. There were many queens with the title Candace (pronounced can-duh-see), and they were expected to eat much and lounge much in order to achieve an impressive girth. Thus, our storyteller is placed in an overwhelming position, sitting before this impressive leader and trying to put a newly discovered faith into words. Her body language should show nervousness as she sits and reenacts that conversation, but as God's Spirit provides her with the words, she becomes more confident and relaxed. A simple, lightweight garment without sleeves and quiet sandals or slippers would be appropriate, perhaps along with a thin bracelet or two.
The Ethiopian Official's Servant Details His Spiritual Quest
"He's acting strange, that one. You were with him. Tell me ... tell me what happened to make my man of numbers and measures become a poet. You must know, my girl. Now, sit and tell me the story."
Those were the words that bid me, an ordinary serving girl, to sit in the presence of the great Candace of the Nile and explain something I barely understood myself. I glanced at those eyes that understood a thousand mysteries and knew not what to say. This queen, my queen, was so ... intoxicating and intimidating in her grand beauty and size, seated upon her throne of gold and ivory, her dark skin sparkling like the jewels embedded in the cup from which her lips drank. I was paralyzed, maybe even hypnotized, not only by her presence, but by the story -- no, it was more than a story -- by the transformation of a soul to which I was not only a witness, but was now bound. And, yet that story burned in my heart in such a way that I knew it would be no good to plead ignorance. "Yes, Your Majesty," was all I could muster.
I nervously sat upon the cushion indicated by the Candace; so stiff was I that she laughed, her voiced filled with the rich tones of the ages. "My, my, girl. Relax. I did not get to be this size by eating my people. I am not asking you to explain the mysteries of the gods. Just tell me what you saw and heard."
"But, that's just it, Your Majesty. What I saw and heard revealed a great mystery, one of heaven and earth and the consummation of their marriage. It is the joy and peace of having become part of that consummation that has filled your advisor with greater treasure than all of the wealth you have assigned to his care. I cannot presume to tell you about the mysteries, since your knowledge is that of many generations. But, if you wish, I will try to put into words what it is we experienced in Israel."
"Yes. That is what I wish." The intensity of her eyes unnerved me, and my mouth went dry. But, I knew I had to continue, not just out of duty to my queen, but out of the divine love to which even my spirit had been taken captive, gladly captive. And, thus I began, as it had begun, several moons ago.
"When you agreed to Master Menelik's trade pilgrimage, as he called it, he immediately told me to begin preparations. He told me that I would be visiting my homeland, that I would be seeing people who look like me and that I should be grateful for this opportunity. I was. Though I barely remember my parents, I did not remember anything of my homeland. But, I must say, Your Majesty, that I soon learned as we journeyed closer to Israel, that I was traveling farther and farther from my home. No more did I see the lush green of the land along the Nile and hear the calls of our beautiful flying friends. The ground was hard beneath my feet, rock was everywhere, and it was so dry. I do not know how they can survive trying to work earth that unyielding. But, it was on just such a hard, barren road that the miracle happened."
"I suppose it should not have surprised me. I should have seen how Master Menelik's heart was open, searching the heavens for answers that could not be deduced from the figures in his ledgers. Though he is usually a quiet man, not given to lengthy conversations, and though I am not of his station, not one in whom he might confide, those desert skies seemed to draw him out of himself. Because I was not strong enough to walk as many miles as the men, he occasionally invited me into his chariot. He shared the reason he was so eager to go to Jerusalem, that it was more than increasing trade between our two nations." The knowing smile and nod of the Candace prompted me to add, "I believe you were aware of his true intentions, and my master knows that he owes you a debt of gratitude for blessing his spiritual pilgrimage."
"I am sure you were able to surmise much from his name, though I was not aware of its significance until he mentioned it on our journey. 'So, you have now come home,' he began. 'But, did you know that I have, too? There is Israelite blood that runs in my veins, as well, although you might not guess by my appearance.' I must have looked startled, because he smiled and assured me, 'Ah, there is not as much of it as yours, my dear, but my parents always taught me to honor the spirit of my ancestors. Though we do not have records dating that far back, I am said to have descended from King Menelik, son of our beautiful Queen Makeda and the wisest and most prosperous king of Israel called Solomon. It is even said that one of the greatest treasures of the Jewish faith is hidden somewhere in our land. Another of my ancestors was said to have betrayed the royal house, and that is why my family is no longer considered royalty. That is also why I had to give up my masculinity to once again receive a position in the palace. It was the ultimate test of my loyalty.' " I stopped, wondering if I had said too much before a queen. I could not forget the tear that gently ran down his cheek as he spoke of it.
But, the Candace just nodded with understanding, and she offered me, a servant, one of her fresh figs, perhaps to give me time to reign in my thoughts and emotions. It was almost as if she could sense that my sadness for my master's chaste state was more than polite sympathy. As I mentioned before, my queen understands many great mysteries, the least of which would be a woman's heart.
When she motioned with glittering hands for me to continue, I did. " 'Thus,' my master told me, 'I have long been fascinated with the God of the Israelites called the Lord, and the jealousy with which the Lord always guarded them, despite the many times their leaders ignored their God's commands. It is even said that the Lord will send one to be called the Messiah, who will restore their nation to the prosperity it enjoyed under Solomon, and then proceed to bring other nations under the divine truth of this one, true God.' Well, of course I had not heard of this, since I do not have access to the news of other nations, but the idea greatly appealed to me. The desire in his eyes to mingle his different bloodlines in harmony with one universal Creator resembled my wish to blend my home, your kingdom, with my past."
"I was pondering that possibility, as I walked along the road heading away from Jerusalem. What I had seen of the temple and the priests was fascinating, but those serving the temple did not seem very receptive to strangers from another land, even one as important as my master, your honored servant. Therefore, as we began our journey back to you, I could tell Master Menelik was disappointed and frustrated because, though he had been able to purchase scrolls with the sacred writings of that people, no one had been willing to explain the many mysteries that lie within them. And, that is why Master Menelik allowed a commoner, an unrefined teacher who was traveling along that same road, to approach his greatness without the proper manner of respect. He asked my master if he understood what he was reading, to which Master Menelik replied, 'How can I unless someone explains it to me?' A few of us could not help glancing at one another when the man told our master that he had been sent by God to do just that. But, Master Menelik did not seem startled at all and invited the man, covered with dirt from the road, to join him in his chariot. I am sure now that my master regarded this as an answer to his many prayers. And, it was."
I hesitated, choosing my words carefully, wanting to make sure my queen, the grand Candace, truly understood the importance of what she was about to hear. I silently said a prayer and felt fortunate that my queen was looking at me with interest, but also patience. "My master had been reading about this Messiah, though he did not realize it because the words from a prophet named Isaiah spoke of one who suffers and dies at the hands of his people. It was an odd mystery, indeed, to hear from this man that the Messiah would be part of God in human form, sent to suffer so that he might become king and save his people in the heavenly realms. His sorrow and death on earth were to bring joy and life for eternity to all, from any nation, who would accept his path to truth."
"And, when will this man come?" The question startled me, so urgent it was, coming from the Candace's perfectly serene, languishing form.
"That is the revelation, my Queen, the supreme knowledge that your man of numbers cannot hide. You see ... he has come." She waited in absolute stillness for more. "His name was Jesus. He was born in humble circumstances that he might know the hearts of all of his people. He taught them the truth of the one, true God and that they all belong to God and are accepted and loved no matter who or what they are. Also, he told them that God's authority and love are to be above any on earth, and that God's Spirit can fill and enhance all that is part of the pattern of life. He told them that if they believe in him and turn back to God, they will be saved for eternity. Then, Jesus was killed by men who were jealous of his power over their people's hearts and the way he led people to God through means their religion had not been able to do. But, that is not all. No, Your Highness, that was only the beginning because on the third day, just as he'd promised, God raised Jesus from the dead; many witnessed it. And, then he was first to rise to an eternal life that only he could provide. It's not the resurrection to deity reserved for royalty, my Queen, but an eternal existence in glory for people of all stations who will accept his divine gift."
I waited, not sure of what she would say or do. Finally, "I need time to ponder this revelation. I will call Menelik to me in due course, but I wanted to hear it first in the heart wisdom of a woman. You may go." As I rose, I was surprised to feel the sureness of my steps, the trembling replaced by a graceful confidence. "One more question, girl." I turned just before the archway that marked the opening of that audience chamber. "Have you accepted this gift of ... what would you call it?"
"Love, Your Majesty, and life. Yes, I have, my Queen. And, now I know who I am." I turned and walked away without once more being dismissed, but I sensed that it was all right. I knew that I, too, was all right ... as right as I could ever be.
As I pray for my queen, I will pray that you, too, might accept that gift.
Distilling the essence of the gospel into truth that makes sense to the hearer is a challenge and gift. It is a challenge because a person coming back for more may depend upon that short explanation resonating with the hearer's heartfelt needs. It is also a gift in that each time we tell it, we continue to define what it means for us. Since the treasury official, unfortunately remembered as the Ethiopian eunuch, is credited by many with bringing the gospel to Eastern Africa, he had plenty of opportunity to tell the story. Perhaps, if those of us who are afraid to speak of our faith could remember how good the news is and that others have searched long and hard to discover its freedom and salvation, our love for Christ and compassion for others might open our lips -- and our spirits.
Making It Play
There is a music and gentle rhythm in the way English is spoken by people from many African countries. Let that creep into your speech, or at least speak slowly and deliberately enough for the words to suggest it. This serving woman may not be a native of the southeastern Nile region, but it is her home. There were many queens with the title Candace (pronounced can-duh-see), and they were expected to eat much and lounge much in order to achieve an impressive girth. Thus, our storyteller is placed in an overwhelming position, sitting before this impressive leader and trying to put a newly discovered faith into words. Her body language should show nervousness as she sits and reenacts that conversation, but as God's Spirit provides her with the words, she becomes more confident and relaxed. A simple, lightweight garment without sleeves and quiet sandals or slippers would be appropriate, perhaps along with a thin bracelet or two.
The Ethiopian Official's Servant Details His Spiritual Quest
"He's acting strange, that one. You were with him. Tell me ... tell me what happened to make my man of numbers and measures become a poet. You must know, my girl. Now, sit and tell me the story."
Those were the words that bid me, an ordinary serving girl, to sit in the presence of the great Candace of the Nile and explain something I barely understood myself. I glanced at those eyes that understood a thousand mysteries and knew not what to say. This queen, my queen, was so ... intoxicating and intimidating in her grand beauty and size, seated upon her throne of gold and ivory, her dark skin sparkling like the jewels embedded in the cup from which her lips drank. I was paralyzed, maybe even hypnotized, not only by her presence, but by the story -- no, it was more than a story -- by the transformation of a soul to which I was not only a witness, but was now bound. And, yet that story burned in my heart in such a way that I knew it would be no good to plead ignorance. "Yes, Your Majesty," was all I could muster.
I nervously sat upon the cushion indicated by the Candace; so stiff was I that she laughed, her voiced filled with the rich tones of the ages. "My, my, girl. Relax. I did not get to be this size by eating my people. I am not asking you to explain the mysteries of the gods. Just tell me what you saw and heard."
"But, that's just it, Your Majesty. What I saw and heard revealed a great mystery, one of heaven and earth and the consummation of their marriage. It is the joy and peace of having become part of that consummation that has filled your advisor with greater treasure than all of the wealth you have assigned to his care. I cannot presume to tell you about the mysteries, since your knowledge is that of many generations. But, if you wish, I will try to put into words what it is we experienced in Israel."
"Yes. That is what I wish." The intensity of her eyes unnerved me, and my mouth went dry. But, I knew I had to continue, not just out of duty to my queen, but out of the divine love to which even my spirit had been taken captive, gladly captive. And, thus I began, as it had begun, several moons ago.
"When you agreed to Master Menelik's trade pilgrimage, as he called it, he immediately told me to begin preparations. He told me that I would be visiting my homeland, that I would be seeing people who look like me and that I should be grateful for this opportunity. I was. Though I barely remember my parents, I did not remember anything of my homeland. But, I must say, Your Majesty, that I soon learned as we journeyed closer to Israel, that I was traveling farther and farther from my home. No more did I see the lush green of the land along the Nile and hear the calls of our beautiful flying friends. The ground was hard beneath my feet, rock was everywhere, and it was so dry. I do not know how they can survive trying to work earth that unyielding. But, it was on just such a hard, barren road that the miracle happened."
"I suppose it should not have surprised me. I should have seen how Master Menelik's heart was open, searching the heavens for answers that could not be deduced from the figures in his ledgers. Though he is usually a quiet man, not given to lengthy conversations, and though I am not of his station, not one in whom he might confide, those desert skies seemed to draw him out of himself. Because I was not strong enough to walk as many miles as the men, he occasionally invited me into his chariot. He shared the reason he was so eager to go to Jerusalem, that it was more than increasing trade between our two nations." The knowing smile and nod of the Candace prompted me to add, "I believe you were aware of his true intentions, and my master knows that he owes you a debt of gratitude for blessing his spiritual pilgrimage."
"I am sure you were able to surmise much from his name, though I was not aware of its significance until he mentioned it on our journey. 'So, you have now come home,' he began. 'But, did you know that I have, too? There is Israelite blood that runs in my veins, as well, although you might not guess by my appearance.' I must have looked startled, because he smiled and assured me, 'Ah, there is not as much of it as yours, my dear, but my parents always taught me to honor the spirit of my ancestors. Though we do not have records dating that far back, I am said to have descended from King Menelik, son of our beautiful Queen Makeda and the wisest and most prosperous king of Israel called Solomon. It is even said that one of the greatest treasures of the Jewish faith is hidden somewhere in our land. Another of my ancestors was said to have betrayed the royal house, and that is why my family is no longer considered royalty. That is also why I had to give up my masculinity to once again receive a position in the palace. It was the ultimate test of my loyalty.' " I stopped, wondering if I had said too much before a queen. I could not forget the tear that gently ran down his cheek as he spoke of it.
But, the Candace just nodded with understanding, and she offered me, a servant, one of her fresh figs, perhaps to give me time to reign in my thoughts and emotions. It was almost as if she could sense that my sadness for my master's chaste state was more than polite sympathy. As I mentioned before, my queen understands many great mysteries, the least of which would be a woman's heart.
When she motioned with glittering hands for me to continue, I did. " 'Thus,' my master told me, 'I have long been fascinated with the God of the Israelites called the Lord, and the jealousy with which the Lord always guarded them, despite the many times their leaders ignored their God's commands. It is even said that the Lord will send one to be called the Messiah, who will restore their nation to the prosperity it enjoyed under Solomon, and then proceed to bring other nations under the divine truth of this one, true God.' Well, of course I had not heard of this, since I do not have access to the news of other nations, but the idea greatly appealed to me. The desire in his eyes to mingle his different bloodlines in harmony with one universal Creator resembled my wish to blend my home, your kingdom, with my past."
"I was pondering that possibility, as I walked along the road heading away from Jerusalem. What I had seen of the temple and the priests was fascinating, but those serving the temple did not seem very receptive to strangers from another land, even one as important as my master, your honored servant. Therefore, as we began our journey back to you, I could tell Master Menelik was disappointed and frustrated because, though he had been able to purchase scrolls with the sacred writings of that people, no one had been willing to explain the many mysteries that lie within them. And, that is why Master Menelik allowed a commoner, an unrefined teacher who was traveling along that same road, to approach his greatness without the proper manner of respect. He asked my master if he understood what he was reading, to which Master Menelik replied, 'How can I unless someone explains it to me?' A few of us could not help glancing at one another when the man told our master that he had been sent by God to do just that. But, Master Menelik did not seem startled at all and invited the man, covered with dirt from the road, to join him in his chariot. I am sure now that my master regarded this as an answer to his many prayers. And, it was."
I hesitated, choosing my words carefully, wanting to make sure my queen, the grand Candace, truly understood the importance of what she was about to hear. I silently said a prayer and felt fortunate that my queen was looking at me with interest, but also patience. "My master had been reading about this Messiah, though he did not realize it because the words from a prophet named Isaiah spoke of one who suffers and dies at the hands of his people. It was an odd mystery, indeed, to hear from this man that the Messiah would be part of God in human form, sent to suffer so that he might become king and save his people in the heavenly realms. His sorrow and death on earth were to bring joy and life for eternity to all, from any nation, who would accept his path to truth."
"And, when will this man come?" The question startled me, so urgent it was, coming from the Candace's perfectly serene, languishing form.
"That is the revelation, my Queen, the supreme knowledge that your man of numbers cannot hide. You see ... he has come." She waited in absolute stillness for more. "His name was Jesus. He was born in humble circumstances that he might know the hearts of all of his people. He taught them the truth of the one, true God and that they all belong to God and are accepted and loved no matter who or what they are. Also, he told them that God's authority and love are to be above any on earth, and that God's Spirit can fill and enhance all that is part of the pattern of life. He told them that if they believe in him and turn back to God, they will be saved for eternity. Then, Jesus was killed by men who were jealous of his power over their people's hearts and the way he led people to God through means their religion had not been able to do. But, that is not all. No, Your Highness, that was only the beginning because on the third day, just as he'd promised, God raised Jesus from the dead; many witnessed it. And, then he was first to rise to an eternal life that only he could provide. It's not the resurrection to deity reserved for royalty, my Queen, but an eternal existence in glory for people of all stations who will accept his divine gift."
I waited, not sure of what she would say or do. Finally, "I need time to ponder this revelation. I will call Menelik to me in due course, but I wanted to hear it first in the heart wisdom of a woman. You may go." As I rose, I was surprised to feel the sureness of my steps, the trembling replaced by a graceful confidence. "One more question, girl." I turned just before the archway that marked the opening of that audience chamber. "Have you accepted this gift of ... what would you call it?"
"Love, Your Majesty, and life. Yes, I have, my Queen. And, now I know who I am." I turned and walked away without once more being dismissed, but I sensed that it was all right. I knew that I, too, was all right ... as right as I could ever be.
As I pray for my queen, I will pray that you, too, might accept that gift.
