by Tom Rinkes

Created on: January 20, 2009

If I was granted a one hour interview with anyone past or present, I would have to interview Jesus Christ. There are many questions that have plagued me, for at least forty years now, that only He could answer. I know that His replies would be truthful, precise and to the point. How could they be anything other?

My first question would be in the form of a statement. I'd tell Him I know that He and the Father are one, there's no doubt in my mind. I'd say that He strikes me as a person who could, with the bat of an eyelash, wipe out me, my family and my nation...or sit down and have a cup of coffee with me, and ask if I had any problems He could help me with. I'd state that I know all about the Plagues on Egypt and what He did to the people of Amelek, of Moab and Cannan. Why hasn't He done that to me, my family and my nation. What am I doing right? What is my nation doing right? What more could I/we do to make life better for ourselves, our neighbors next door or next border?

Next I'd ask Him if it is proper, me being non-Jewish, to address Him as Yeshua, His God-given Hebrew name. Would it be acceptable to address our Father as Adonai, HaShem or Jehovah? I was born and raised a Baptist and the only names, until recently, I knew was Jesus and God. Why have these other names been hidden from me? Who thought they had the right to take the Jewishness out of the story?

I ask Him to explain Hell to me. I'm torn between what my Bible says and my personal feelings. I know two people personally who concern me. They're my next door neighbors and two finer people you'll never meet. They treat their fellow man and woman right, and my friend would give me the shirt off his back if I needed it. His wife is a constant cooker. Anytime you go into her house something to eat is plainly visible, and all are welcome to partake. Yet, they don't go to church, and as far as I know they give nothing to the poor. They live a Christian life but don't give God the respect each week for coming up with the concept. Are David and Roberta going to burn for all eternity? The Book says yes, my heart says no.

I'd ask about Paul, and why He picked him to spread the Gospel. Was it because he was a Rabbi, and a highly educated man? What happened to the rest of the Disciples? How about James the Just, where'd he end up? And then I'd broach the subject of Mary of Magdala. We all know the theory going around about His relationship with her, but I'd like the truth. Maybe He'd ask me what I thought, and I'd tell Him. I think that the woman He saved from being stoned to death, the woman He met at the well and told her she'd had five husbands, the woman who washed His feet with her tears and dried them with her hair was Mary Magdaline. I'd say that the reason He and her were so close was because she was the only one who was truly getting it each time He preached. If I'm right, organized Christianity has done her a grave dis-service. I'd ask how I could right that wrong because it's long overdue.

And finally, I'd ask Him one last question that has bothered me above all others. When Cain slew Able, God forced him out into the wilderness. Cain pleaded with God and said "I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me." (Genesis 4:14) Adam, Eve, Cain, Able, that's four. Where did the other people come from? Inquiring minds want to know.

Well, my hour's up, and I asked all I could think of. But in writing this I know now when I'll get my answers. It will be on The Last Day, or my last day, whichever comes first. Oh yes, one question I forgot. How does one obtain patience?

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