From "These Strange Ashes" by Elisabeth Elliot

From These Strange Ashes by Elisabeth Elliot

(Commonly referred to as the “The Rock Parable” Keep in mind, this is completely fictional. It is not in the Bible. :P)

One day Jesus said to his disciples: “I’d like you to carry a stone for me.” He didn’t give any explanation. So the disciples looked around for a stone to carry, and Peter, being the practical sort, sought out the smallest stone he could possibly find. After all, Jesus didn’t give any regulation for weight and size! So he put it in his pocket.  Jesus then said: “Follow Me.” He led them on a journey. About noontime Jesus had everyone sit down. He waved his hands and all the stones turned to bread. He said, “Now it’s time for lunch.” In a few seconds, Peter’s lunch was over.  When lunch was done Jesus told them to stand up. He said again, “I’d like you to carry a stone for me.” This time Peter said, “Aha! Now I get it!” So he looked around and saw a small boulder. He hoisted it on his back and it was painful, it made him stagger. But he said, “I can’t wait for supper.” Jesus then said: “Follow Me.” He led them on a journey, with Peter barely being able to keep up. Around supper time Jesus led them to the side of a river. He said, “Now everyone throw your stones into the water.” They did. Then he said, “Follow Me,” and began to walk. Peter and the others looked at him dumbfounded.  Jesus sighed and said, “Don’t you remember what I asked you to do?  Who were you carrying the stone for?”

(Cute video adaptation online! https://vimeo.com/86833849)

I came upon this story while listening to a sermon by Tim Keller. The message was about the parable of the narrow and wide gates in Matthew 7. Although there are many explanations on the parable, Tim Keller had explained that the wide gate, unlike popular opinions, is not living an evil life. Rather, the wide gate was about living not for God. Naturally, the narrow gate would be a life devoted wholly to God.

How are you living your life?