You gingerly open the manuscript and quickly discover that this is an enormous discovery! You pass it on to the appropriate experts and they enthusiastically confirm that this is a Shakespeare play that has never before been seen!Immediately you read through it, contemplating the future possibilities. The first act is incredible as it sets the stage – it’s a Shakespeare tragedy. The second act thickens the plot and interlaces the humorous side characters as only Shakespeare knows how to do. And then you begin the fourth act…
The fourth act?
It appears that the third act is missing! So… What now?
Once again, you discuss the dilemma with the literary experts. They agree: just as a student of Mozart finished his Requiem, so also will the best students of Shakespeare literature piece together a Third Act.
However, due to the fact that this was your discovery, you insist on being a contributor to the Third Act. While there is some hesitation, the literary experts give consent.
The question is this: How will you write it? Will it be exciting to read? Will you stay in tune with the original Author, the original Creator? Or will you try to simply write your own story, a story oblivious to the context and style of the overall play?How will you write your Third Act?
I borrowed this analogy from youth minister David Skidmore, who brilliantly articulated how God, the true Author, has written a similar play…
Act One: God has set the stage with His Creation, the Fall of Man, the separation of God from mankind, the demonstration of His love and care for His people (Israel) – something we may refer to as the Old Testament.
Act Two: The Second Act revs up the plot and provides the punch with the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Suddenly, Grace busts everything wide open. God introduces His Kingdom, and all people are welcome, are made clean, are made worthy to be reconciled back to Him – provided they believe in His Son!
Act Three: You.
Final Thoughts: Write about this past month. Write about the struggles, the victories, the things that gave you spiritual clarity. Realize that you are living out your Third Act. What will you do from here? Write about your future, your thoughts and hopes of things to come, your new resolutions.
I can’t wait till the End! I can’t wait to sit down with all of you with a big, Heavenly bucket of popcorn and watch the stories of your life.
The Third Act. Will it involve the trials, the turmoil, the miracles, the pain, the joy, the anguish, the deliverance, the providence, the answered prayers, the silent victories, the stumblings, the repetitious sin, the conquerings of Satan, the kiss of betrayal, the healing of the Spirit, the thirst for Water, the divine interventions, the risks, the dangers, the unseen angels, the crys of the Holy Ghost, the ugliness of sin, the boldness of faith, the beauty of feet?
OR… Will it just be a story about your good, safe life on earth?
My prayer is that I not just see you in that place, but that your Third Act is worth the price of admission.
God bless each of you on your journey! In the tradition of Paul’s farewell…
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”
