Am I on the Right Bus- Creative Writing Exercise

                                                       Am I on the Right Bus?

 

             Andrew was successful.  Most of the time, he was happy and fortunate to have lived a decent life so far.  He was well traveled, educated, and by most standards a person of good moral character.  He was respected by his family and friends.  According to his family though, he needed to slow down and take a vacation.  He decided it might not be a bad idea.

He boarded the tour bus taking notice of all the people onboard. How odd that no one seemed to smile or greet him, yet the bus was full of people.  He watched out the window as Main St faded into the distance, then Cherry St and Park Avenue.

A sign up ahead stated, “Bridge out, 5 miles ahead,” which made him nervous.

“Driver, the bridge is out!”

“Don’t worry about the sign. The bridge was repaired a long time ago.”

Andrew nudged the arm of the older man seated next to him. After a couple of tries, the man turned to face him saying,” You have lived on the Earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.” Hebrews 5:5.

Andrew sat in silence wondering what he meant. He had plenty of possessions, but how was that wrong?

Another sign came into view, “Bridge out, 3 miles.”

With a loud voice a middle aged woman yelled, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have unwittingly entertained Angels.” Hebrews 13:2.

Andrew didn’t believe in Angels. Surely she couldn’t mean the unkempt man standing outside the grocery store last week that was asking for a handout. He had told the man to get a job.  He didn’t see the man walk away with tears in his eyes as he grabbed the little hand of his hungry child and then simply vanish.

A scripture popped into his head, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:6.  He had been a fool and listened to unbelievers. He felt that he had everything he needed out of life.  A closeness with God brought accountability and obedience.  He did remember the closeness.  He had read something about once you accept Christ, you are HIS forever, but wasn’t sure he believed it.  

He didn’t notice the next sign. “Beware, bridge out 2 miles ahead.”

“Driver, how long until we get to our destination?” he asked.

No answer.

Andrew got out of his seat and made his way to the front of the bus. About half way there he felt a small hand slip inside of his.  Startled, he pulled his hand away.

“Don’t be afraid, I want to help you.  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” I John 4:1.  And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God and is the spirit of the Antichrist which you have heard is coming and is already in the world.” I John 4:3.

Andrew’s eyes filled with tears.  What if this bus was for the lost, the unsaved? He didn’t belong on this bus.  He prayed with all his might for forgiveness for not putting God first, for not spending more time with his family and for not caring about his fellow man.  A warm feeling began to fill him and he heard a voice telling him, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you!”

He continued the rest of the way to the front of the bus until he was almost at the drivers back and said in a loud confident voice, “Do you confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh?”

A throaty laugh escaped from the driver.

Andrew replied with, “The Lord rebuke you!”

“Please take your seat. We’re here.” replied the driver.

As Andrew made his way to his seat he noticed the sign, “Freeport City Limits.”  He was indeed on the right bus.  He was free at last.  All of his doubts had vanished and he knew he had really been forgiven.