Pastor Kevin Higgins tells an old story that recounts the return of Jesus to glory after His time on earth. Even in heaven, goes the story; He bore the marks of His earthly pilgrimage with its cruel cross and shameful death.
The angel Gabriel approached Him and said, "Master, you must have suffered terribly for humanity down there."
"I did," He said. "And," continued Gabriel, "do they know all about how you loved them and what you did for them?"
"Oh, no," said Jesus, "not yet. Right now only a handful of people in Palestine know."
Gabriel was perplexed. "Then what have you done," he asked, "to let everyone know about your love for them?"
Jesus said, "I’ve asked Peter, James, John, and a few more friends to tell other people about me. Those who are told will in turn tell other people about me, and my story will be spread to the farthest reaches of the globe. Ultimately, all of humankind will have heard about my life and what I have done."
Gabriel frowned and looked rather skeptical. He knew well what poor stuff humans were made of. "Yes," he said, "but what if Peter and James and John grow weary? What if the people who come after them forget? What if way down through the centuries
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