THE VOICE

We recently got yet another translation of the New Testament. This one is called The Voice and is written in story form. I found it easy to read and I decided I would share just a little of it on my blog. Since last Sunday was Easter, the resurrection is still on many people's minds. As it should be - not only on Easter, but every Sunday and actually not even just on Sundays.

We pick up after Jesus had appeared to the two men on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection.  Luke 24:33.

33So they get up immediately and rush back to Jerusalem―all seven miles―where they find the eleven gathered together―the eleven plus a number of others. 34Before Cleopas and his companion can tell their story, the others have their own story to tell.

Other Disciple: The Lord has risen indeed! It's true! He appeared to Simon!

35 Then the two men report their own experience―their conversations along the road, their moment of realization and recognition as He broke the bread. 26At that very instant, as they're still telling the story, Jesus is there, standing among them!

Jesus: May you have peace!

     You might expect them to be overjoyed, but they aren't.

37They're startled and terrified, they think they're seeing a ghost.

Jesus: 38Why are you upset? Why are your hearts churning with questions? 39Look―look at My hands and My feet. See that it's me. Come on; touch me; see for yourselves. A ghost doesn't have flesh and bones, as you can see that I have!

[40Then He shows them His hands and His feet.]

41Now their fear gives way to joy; but it seems too good to be true, and they're still unsure.

Jesus: Do you have anything here to eat?

42They hand Him a piece of broiled fish, 43and He takes it and eats it in front of them.

Jesus: 44I've been telling you this all along, that everything written about Me in the Hebrew scriptures must be fulfilled―everything from the law of Moses to the prophets to the psalms.

45Then He opens their minds so they can comprehend meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Jesus: 46This is what the Scriptures said: that the promised Anointed One should suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47that in His name a radical change of thought and life should be preached, and that in His name forgiveness of sins should be preached, beginning in Jerusalem and extending to all nations. 48You have witnessed the fulfillment of these things. 49So I am sending my Father's promise to you. Stay in the city until you receive it―until power from heaven comes upon you.

50Then He leads them out to Bethany. He lifts up His hands and blesses them, 51and at that moment, with His hands raised in blessing, He leaves them and is carried up into heaven. 52They worship Him, then they return to Jerusalem, filled with intense joy, 53and they return again and again to the temple to celebrate God.

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I like the way this new translation of the New Testament reads almost like the script for a play. It is inexpensive too. The paperback edition which we have is only $6.99. 

Thank you for letting me share this with you. You will find links to lots of inspiring posts by clicking HERE. That's the Spiritual Sundays blog, of course.