----------------------------- A NOTE REGARDING THIS VERSION ----------------------------- This script is from the HIS COMPANY CATALOGUE of plays and musical resources. It is in ASCII (or plain text) format, and is intended only to be used for evaluation purposes. Visit our web site at http://hc.dlampel.com to download the FREE Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version for performance. ----------- DESCRIPTION ----------- TWO BLOCKS DOWN, THEN TAKE A LEFT: A FABLE Type: Sketch (from The Twelve) Synopsis: The Time: Yesterday The Place: Just inside the Pearly Gates The wife of the disciple James (the lesser) inquires as to the address of her previously deceased husband. Expecting him to be as anonymous in heaven as he was on earth, she is surprised to find he is one of heaven's leading citizens. Theme: Not everyone in the Book of Life is a star. The ranks of those who have served the Lord are made up of the anonymous as well as the famous. And the Father has a very special love for those who keep plugging when no one notices their labors. ANGEL James didn't receive much glory while he was on earth? WOMAN Glory? They forgot he existed! ANGEL (leaning forward) God didn't. (pause) And now James has been paid in full. He now has all the glory that others received while they were on earth. The difference is, their glory came from men; James' glory is from the Father--in person. (from Two Blocks Down . . .) Characters: Angel, Wife of James Props and Set: Small table and stool Very large book Stylus Length: 5 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ TWO BLOCKS DOWN, THEN TAKE A LEFT: A FABLE Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company The Time: Yesterday The Place: Just inside the Pearly Gates Props: Table and stool, large book, stylus [Enter an angel, the Keeper of the Book of Life. He is dutifully lugging his massive tome, which he places--with great effort--upon a table. He is just settling into place to write in the book when a woman cautiously enters. She is dressed in rather typical "biblical" attire, against the angel, who is robed in white. She timidly approaches the table.] WOMAN Hello? Uh, they sent me here. Is this the right place? ANGEL (preoccupied) That depends. WOMAN (confidently) They said, "See the one at the table....with the book. Malaki." Are you Malaki? ANGEL (still preoccupied) In person. WOMAN I don't get it. Wasn't the last guy Malaki? ANGEL Oh, we're all named Malaki. It's generic, like....Pharaoh, or....kleenex. WOMAN I'm trying to find somebody and they said you could help me. ANGEL (proudly) I am the Keeper of the Book of Life. In this book are the names of every person who has given his heart and soul to Jesus Christ. WOMAN Here's the thing: My husband died twenty years ago. He was a disciple of Jesus, but not a very important one. Nobody ever knew a thing about him; he didn't make any of the written accounts. So I don't know if he'd even be in your book. ANGEL Oh, I can guarantee he is in the book. (pause; looking at her with suspicion) Ahem,...are you? WOMAN I resisted for a long time, but just before I died, I believed in Jesus and gave Him my life. ANGEL Just under the wire, huh? WOMAN Now I'm looking for my husband--for old time's sake.......you know how it is. ANGEL (a bit embarrassed) Well, actually...I don't...... WOMAN Could you tell me where he is? His name is James...son of--- ANGEL (surprised) You don't mean *the* James? Son of Alphaeus? You're kidding! WOMAN You know Him? ANGEL Know Him! Why, he's one of our leading citizens! Everybody knows James, son of Alphaeus. WOMAN Wait a minute. Short guy....dark, curly hair.... ANGEL Sure. I even know which page he's on. [The angel flips to a page in his book and displays it proudly, pointing to one line.] WOMAN (leaning over the table to where the Angel is pointing) Five stars? ANGEL Our highest rating. WOMAN But....he was just another guy. Very ordinary. ANGEL Precisely! WOMAN If that's the case, how do the real biggies live up here? Guys like Moses....Peter....John.... ANGEL Just about like everyone else. WOMAN I can't figure this. ANGEL Well, it's really not part of my job description, but I'll try to explain. There are no favorites in heaven. God loves all who take their residence here. However, the Father does have a rewards system. WOMAN Rewards? ANGEL No one can buy their way into heaven. But God's children are apportioned talents and what they accomplish with those talents is remembered by the Father. He rewards the diligent works of everyone belonging to Him. WOMAN Then the apostle Peter must have the finest accomodations. ANGEL Not necessarily. Peter received so many rewards while on earth: he was a respected leader; a writer, whose teachings will live on till the end of time. The Father has a soft spot in His heart for the servant who received no glory during his earthly life. He has a very special love for those who keep plugging when no one notices their labors. (pause) Tell me, what did James do while he was...."down there"? WOMAN Well, he was kind of forgotten. He always ended up doing the jobs no one else would. Taking out the trash. Sweeping the church floor. Visiting with the beggars. ANGEL He didn't get many thank-you's for his work, did he? WOMAN Hah! Nobody even knew about it! ANGEL But he kept on with it--never shirking from the most menial task. WOMAN Somebody had to do it. ANGEL James didn't receive much glory while he was on earth? WOMAN Glory? They forgot he existed! ANGEL (leaning forward) God didn't. (pause) And now James has been paid in full. He now has all the glory that others received while they were on earth. The difference is, their glory came from men; James' glory is from the Father--in person. WOMAN Sounds like my husband has finally made a name for himself. ANGEL He made his name on earth. Now he's reaping the reward. WOMAN (insistent) Back to my original question: Can you tell me where he is? ANGEL (after thinking about it) Why don't I take you there myself. His palace isn't far. Anyway, I'd like to be there when he receives his finest reward. WOMAN And what's that? ANGEL Why, you, of course! Twenty years ago he didn't know if he'd ever see you again. And now he will--for eternity. [They exit.] REFERENCES Matthew 20:25-28 Mark 10:31 Luke 19:12-24 I Corinthians 3l:12-15 II Corinthians 5:10 Revelation 20:12 ---------------- COPYRIGHT NOTICE ---------------- This script is Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel. This data file is the sole property of David S. Lampel. The data file may not be altered or edited in any way. It may be reproduced only in its entirety for circulation as "freeware," without charge. 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Lampel") ----------------- USING THIS SCRIPT ----------------- For electronic distribution, the Internet version of this script uses the following conventions: * character names are in ALL CAPS. * stage directions within a character's line are enclosed in parentheses (e.g., "(with anger)"). * stage directions without are enclosed in brackets (e.g., "[They exit.]"). * the plus sign (+) indicates when to cue trax or begin intro for next song ---------------------------------------------------------------------- These plays and musical resources are made available free-of-charge, without obligation, in service to our Lord and to His glory. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- David S. Lampel Winterset, IA 50273 USA Complete resources at http://hc.dlampel.com/ "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom 11:36) 20120305