Sharks

The value of this short Christian story: Thou Shall not Kill

Everyone on the fishing trawler knew about the dangers of sharks. When they brought their nets in, they saw the big dangerous beasts in the water feeding off of what got loose form their catch. Oliver’s uncle Nemo often talked to him about the dangers before he agreed to let him work as cabin boy on the ship for a summer. Oliver was the only kid on the boat but the sailors liked him and he learned a lot about fishing from them.

photo credit: maessive

The day the ship sank was like any other day. But everybody heard the explosion in the engine room and what it meant when the boat began to tilt because water was filling it from below. They had done drills on this often. Oliver was put in a small life raft boat first since he was the youngest. He held the rope that tied his raft to the ship hoping that soon his uncle and some of the men would join him. But suddenly there was a jolt as the sinking ship jerked in the water. The rope broke and Oliver’s raft began to drift.

He called out to the ship as the rest of the men got into boats and they were yelling back that they would catch up to him. It looked like everybody got off and would be safe but the waves took him further and further away until Oliver couldn’t see anyone any more. He was alone on the open sea in a tiny life raft.

Oliver knew to conserve his energies and he found the supplies and sun block to keep himself safe and healthy while he waited for rescue. That was when he saw the large fin in the water circling his raft. He knew what it was. The great white shark circled and circled as though thinking about what it was going to do. All of a sudden, there was a pop at the back of the inflatable raft. It had sprung a leak. At first, Oliver thought the shark had rammed him but then he saw the big fish several yards in front of the boat watching him so he knew it wasn’t the shark’s fault.

The boat filled with water and Oliver held on as long as he could. He knew his life vest could keep him afloat but he also knew that in the water, he would certainly become lunch for that big hungry shark. Finally, the boat collapsed and sank and Oliver floated in the sea watching the big fin not far from him. It slowly started moving toward him. About two yards away though, suddenly its head rose out of the water and Oliver could see its eyes and mouth.

“Don’t be afraid!” It suddenly said. Oliver gasped and sucked in seawater hearing the killer shark speak but before he could react, it went under and came up between his legs so Oliver naturally became a rider on the big sharks back.

In moments, he was gliding along the ocean surface riding the huge shark like a horse. The ride went on for a long time but soon Oliver made out a small island. The shark swam to the island very quickly and found a shallow cove where he delivered Oliver to dry land.

“Who are you?” Oliver said to the big fish as it turned circles in the cove.

“I am Feratu, the great white shark.” It answered rising up and then going back down when his answer was done.

“I am Oliver, why didn’t you kill me?” He asked urgently.

“I could see you are a child and were in trouble. I cherish my children as much as your parents do so I felt compassion to help you. Sharks are not evil killers like you humans sometimes like to think. We gather from nature what we need to eat and raise our families, just like you do.”   photo credit: Sam Ilić

“But I thought Sharks lived to kill. My uncle calls you a killing machine.” Oliver said confused.

“Well the machines man uses to gather fish from the ocean are as much killing machines as a shark is with his teeth.” Feratu observed. “Your uncle gathers fish to sell so you and your family can live well and have things to eat. That is not evil and that is all I do when I hunt. But when I saw you, I knew you were a youth of your kind and that you would grow and become a great man of God. To kill you would be murder. God has told all of creation clearly in his commandments, “Thou shalt not kill.”

Oliver was surprised to hear the fearsome shark speaking of the laws of God. “We have that same law in our Bible. You know the laws of God?” He asked Feratu curiously.

“God made the heavens and the earth to serve him and live by his laws.” Feratu observed. “Sharks live in the balance that the creator placed in the world. We respect our environment just as you should do as land living creatures Oliver. We serve the same god. And I serve the same great master of all creation that you do.”

Oliver thought Feratu was referring to some fish religion. “Who is your great master of creation, Feratu?” He wondered.

“The same as you, Jesus Christ the Messiah commands the sharks, the oceans and all of nature as well as all of mankind. He created us and put us in our place to serve him and make his kingdom great.” The shark answered.

“I know Jesus,” Oliver answered, “I pray to him every day.”

“I do too.” Feratu said. “And it was Jesus who told me who you were and that my mission was to save you. The laws of God were put in place by him to make this world as much like heaven as it can be. I work to obey all of God’s rules and if you do that too, we both will be serving the Lord we love.”

“I promise I will Feratu. And I will pray for you every day and please pray for me.” Oliver said no longer feeling odd asking a great white shark for its prayers.

“I will Oliver.” He shark answered. “You are safe here. I will go find your Uncle and the sailors and guide them here and then me and my friends will guide a rescue ship here to take you home.” And with that, the huge fish disappeared under the sea. And Oliver spent his time waiting in prayer and reflecting on his new brother in Christ, the killing machine Feratu, the ferocious great white who saved him from death in service to Jesus that day.

Rubik’s Cube

The value of this short Christian story : Missions

Paul did not want to go on the mission trip to Ghana. He was absolutely terrified of going. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Olson had gone on many such trips and knew the joys that came from the hardships and especially the joys of sharing Jesus with people who wanted to know him so very much. So they made him go even though he pouted and looked very afraid all the way over on the plane no matter what mommy and daddy said to comfort him.

When they arrived and got settled, everything Paul was afraid of turned out to be true. He hated it all. They didn’t have a nice hotel room to stay in. They had a hut. The food was weird and hard to eat and made of things American kids don’t eat. The people looked funny, didn’t speak English and they even smelled strange to Paul. None of the events or work assignments they got were fun to Paul and he felt sick a lot because he didn’t like the food and didn’t sleep well. Noises in the night there were so different from home.

So Paul just stayed in his hut every day as his parents went out and ministered to the people of the village. No matter how many wonderful stories he heard of God’s miracles and the fun they were having getting to know the people, Paul was stubborn and he would not leave his hut. He just sat there day in and day out and played with his Rubik’s cube. He loved that toy. It was very good for keeping his mind off of his surroundings and trying to solve it which he never did.

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The Good Talker

The value of this short Christian story : Spiritual Gifts

“Who needs him, he’s such a loser.” Roger responded to his friend Steven when the subject of Danny came up.

“That’s a pretty harsh thing to say about your brother.” Steven responded. Roger knew it was harsh. He thought back when he and Danny were kids. Danny, the older by a year and a half, was always the guy who could “fix anything”. Oh, how mom and dad bragged on Danny when he fixed the washing machine or the lawnmower of unclogged a drain in the kitchen. At first, Roger tried to learn to do what Danny did but it never worked out.

Finally, in high school, Roger found his gift and like his own dad, it was the gift of gab. He won competition after competition in speech, debate and other forms of speech giving. He seemed to have a natural ability to talk to people, give speeches or just get people to see things his way or rally to his cause. It served him well as he moved into a sales career whereas Danny built a very successful auto mechanics business around his skill.

But sadly, for all the success the brothers had their dislike of each other kept them apart. Danny never understood by talking was a good skill and Roger thought being able to tinker with machines or pipes or wires was a geeky way to be. They fought about it endlessly until Danny moved out but holidays were always tense except when they went to see Grandma. Everything stopped at Grandma’s house because she saw them as her sweet baby boys and for a while when they visited her, they were sweet and children again, innocent and always ready to play.

Steven left his friend Roger in his office thinking about his brother. Roger wondered if there ever be a way to make things ok between them. He didn’t know that over I his garage, while fixing a car, Danny was wondering the same thing. Roger’s thoughts were broken by the phone ringing. He answered it. The sound of urgency in the voice was frightening.

“Roger, the floods have his Pilger.” Steven informed him. Pilger was not far from the large city where his family grew up. “The water is rising there and people are becoming trapped in their second floors. The Red Cross is going in to try to get people out.”

At first, Roger didn’t get too alarmed but then he remembered, Pilger was where Grandma lived. He picked up the phones and called her but no answer. He knew she lived alone in that big house and probably could not get to the phone. The thought of her alone facing that terror was more than he could stand. Moving almost on instinct, Roger got moving. He organized a rescue mission for the town of Pilger using his huge network of contacts at church, work, his clubs and his business contacts. Within hours, Roger had an army of men and machinery gathered in the parking lot of the Church. They were ready to invade Pilger and save those people. photo credit: Roger B.

“Folks,” he announced to the crowd of rescuers from his bullhorn. “We need to pray. My grandma is down there and you all have relatives there too. Let’s pray that God help them until we can get there.” And then he bowed his head and led them in prayer.

“Roger we have another area to pray about.” Steve shouted out. “Lots of these boats are broken. We need mechanical help or getting all of us down there will be no good. We need someone who can fix anything.” Roger felt his face go hot with emotion because it was like God was telling him, “Get Danny.” He had no time to wallow in self-pity or resentment at Danny. He picked up his cell phone and called his brother’s number.

All he had to say to Danny was “Danny, its Roger, grandma’s in danger. Get down here.” And he knew Danny would fly to the scene. And that is what happened. Danny brought his tools and workers and in no time, they had the machines in tiptop shape. Side by side, the brothers loaded the boats and together they got to Pilger and got every citizen out. As the brothers sat side by side on the boat heading to grandma’s house they both suddenly knew why they were so different. Danny knew that he could have never gotten such a huge response and organized the rescue so beautifully. And Roger knew that Danny’s gift for fixing things was crucial to their success.

As they got grandma into the boat, she hugged them both and kissed them and then she said what they both were thinking. “God has given each of you boys a wonderful spiritual gift. Working together you are a powerful tool for him.” They knew it was right because that is how God blesses the church. By giving everyone unique and wonderful gifts, we all can work together to do what God has for us to do. Separate we are incomplete but together we are powerful tools for God to use for good.

Willie the Billy Goat

The value of this short Christian story : Peace

The animals in the petting zoo loved the times when the children came to see them. So when Mr. Henderson, the owner of the petting zoo, brought them Willie the Billy Goat to join them, every one of the animals tried to help him learn how to get the children to like him. At first, Willie didn’t understand why the children ran away from him.

“Yesterday that little blond haired girl started crying when I came to see her.” Willie complained to Chelsea the Chicken. “All I wanted to do is be her friend.”

“So when she came over to pet you, was she smiling?” Chelsea tried to help her friend.

“Yes and I did my very best Billy Goat things to make friends with her.” Willie complained. “I ran in circles. I butted into fence posts and rose up on my hind legs and brayed and then to really let her know I was her friend, I ate her dolly.” He said sadly having no idea why a little human girl wouldn’t like that.

“Why don’t you do what I do?” Chelsea advised her new friend. “Just cluck around and peck the ground but don’t peck their shoes. They hate that. Then if its time go to your nest and lay an egg.” She said proudly.

But Willie was pretty sure he could never lay an egg so he sought more advice.

“Well I think they are afraid you might butt them. Little girls are easily frightened.” Said Peter the Puppy. “But here is what always works for me. Next time we are all out there, join me and my brothers and sisters and yip and jump up and down and pant with your tongue out and then when the children throw sticks, run and fetch them and then roll over and show your tummy. They love that.”

This seemed like very silly advice but Willie was new so he was willing to give it a try. Things started going wrong right away though. When the Children threw sticks, Willie outran all the puppies and ate the sticks which made the other puppies angry. Panting with his tongue out made the children scream the word “GROSS” which he didn’t understand. Then when it was time for all the puppies to play together, Willie started butting them which is how Billy Goats play and the puppies all ran away and hid and so did the children.

Willie was very sad and pouted all the next day. Finally, he was walking in the field where Mr. Henderson put the animals to rest from being petting and he saw Mr. Henderson sitting near the creek reading something. Willie walked up.

“Oh hello Willie. Are you having fun being a petting zoo goat?” He asked. Willie just shook his head because humans can’t understand animal talk.

“I see. Is it because the boys and girls run from you when you butt them and eat their toys?” Mr. Henderson guessed. Willie nodded.

“Willie, do you know what this book I am reading is?” He asked. Willie shook his head although it looked like it might be good to eat. “Its called The Bible and it has words from God who created us all. It has words to help you to Willie. See the Bible says that if we think about God, our creator and praise him, that His peace will live inside you and guard your heart. You want peace with the children don’t you Willie?” Mr. Henderson asked and Willie nodded his head very enthusiastically.

“It also says that you should make it your job to be at peace with all creatures. You can do that Willie. When you are with the children, find out what they like. If they don’t like butting, don’t do that then. Wait until you are in private. If they don’t like for you to eat things they own, try not to. But all children like touch animals and if you try to like them and find ways to get them to smile, they will love you. That’s the secret of being a very popular petting zoo goat Willie.”

And Willie learned his lesson well. Before long, he was the most popular animal in the zoo and the children called his name and begged for him to come to them to pet him and love him. Willie always made sure the children had smiles on their faces when he was with them and what he found out is that he began to love them from the inside. That peace and love of God that Mr. Henderson was talking about was really coming out. Willie decided to sit with Mr. Henderson when he read that book more and to never ever ever try to eat it.

Horace the Hippo

The value of this short Christian story : Envy

“What do you mean you aren’t pretty?” Terrance asked his friend Horace. Terrance was a toucan and since he was pretty sure he was very pretty, he felt sure everybody thought that they were pretty. But in his private thoughts, he did think Horace was pretty awful looking. Horace was a hippo.

“Well my mom always said I was pretty but then again, she was a hippo too. Terrance, hippos are just not pretty. Not like giraffes or peacocks at least.” He said jealously.

photo credit: Stig Nygaard

“Ok, well if you could pick one thing about a giraffe that you would want, what would it be?” Terrance said. Terrance, like all toucans, could cause wishes to come true for the people who they love or like a lot. That’s why people like having toucans for pets. It isn’t because they are nice birds. It's the dream granting thing that makes them great.

“Well if my neck was long and elegant, why all the pretty giraffes would love me and I would have tons of friends then.” Horace said his voice full of envy.

“Ok, it’s yours.” Terrance said, he flapped his wings wide and then said ‘BAKKAH!” which is the spell.

“Hey, HEY what’s happening?” Horace said in a panic as he felt his big hippo head begin to shoot high into the sky under the most beautiful giraffe neck that was growing from his hippo body. When stopped, Horace stood there not really knowing what to do with this much neck. Then, slowly at first and then faster, his head began to sway back and forth like an out of control carnival ride. His big hippo head was too heavy for that tiny neck. All of a sudden, it toppled downward. All around the jungle, the animals heard Horace yelling for help as the ground grew closer and closer and then WUMP! It hit the ground.

“Murmph mr murtle mu” Terrance heard his friend say.

“Just a moment, let me get your head out of the sand.” The toucan said and he pulled Horace’s head back until it popped back into the air and he laid it on its side with that big giraffe neck just winding everywhere back to his body.

“This isn’t working Terrance. Not only is it dangerous, I think I look foolish with this huge neck attacked to my big fat head.

“BAKKAH” Terrance squawked and Horace was himself again.

“I still want to be pretty. Like the Pelican with those beautiful long legs. They can even sleep on just one leg. I wish I could do that,” he said lifting one of his squatty hippo legs and then putting down before he fell.

“Ok, let’s try that.” Terrance said and out went his wings “BAKKAH”. Said the bird and the spell took effect.

“Here we go again.” Horace said gasping as he shot into the air with his legs growing long and skinny under him. When he stopped, he was standing tall enough to see over the grass. He peered down at his four pelican legs quivering trying to hold up his massive hippo weight. “Wow, Terrance, my legs are so pretty.” Horace said with admiration and he started to walk toward the marshes where the other pelicans stayed. But the pelicans didn’t see Horace as pretty because of his long legs.

“Yikes!” many screamed and took flight thinking it was some kind of monster. Other’s laughed thinking Horace had come up with a strange costume. Others ran to him with Band-Aids thinking he was the scene of a terrible collision between a bird and a hippo.

“Oh Terrance, nothing is working.” Horace said bitterly.

“BAKKAH” Terrance said flapping his wings and Horace was back to normal.

“How will I ever stop being ugly?” He said with great sadness in his heart.

“Horace I told you before, you are already pretty. When you say you are ugly, you insult God our creator. Way back in the beginning of time he made hippos. He made toucans and pelicans and giraffes and even humans and each of them was perfectly made for what God wanted them to be. We are not made to look pretty to each other. Look to your friends, the hippos and be at peace that you are what God made you to be. Envy is a way of saying ‘God you did a bad job’ and that makes God very sad indeed.” The wise bird counseled his friend.

“Well I don’t want God to be sad. I want to be all He made me to be, not what he made someone else to be. I want to be the best Horace the Hippo he ever made.” Horace said his big hippo chest sticking out proudly.

“Oh Horace?” Horace and Terrance both heard a melodic female voice sing out. Just then, Henrietta Hippo stepped from behind the grasses. “Will you take me to the waterfall today?” she said looking at him with big eyes that were full of admiration.

“Wow, she is pretty.” Horace said to Terrance and then he waddled her way doing a dance to make himself more pretty to her. Off they went as Terrance looked on in amazement.

“Those are two ugly hippos,” he said to himself. Then he flew back to his tree to see if there was a pretty toucan there who might like a trip to the waterfall too.

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