----------------------------- 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 ----------- THE SCARRED ROCK Type: Monologue (from The Twelve) Synopsis: The time is c.AD 65. Peter is old, just a few years from his death. He sits at a small table, writing one of his letters and speaking the words as he pens his thoughts. (NOTE: This sketch could also be played with Peter dictating the letter to an amanuensis (secretary)). The bulk of Peter's monologue is taken from scripture, except for a middle section in which he is moved to express his guilt over his denial of Jesus--followed by his joy over Jesus' forgiveness of that sin. Themes: Living the Christian life; The guilt of sin; Forgiveness Props: Table Bench Inkwell Stylus Scroll Characters: The apostle Peter; amanuensis (optional) Length: 7 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ THE SCARRED ROCK Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company The Time: c.AD 65 Props: table, bench, inkwell, stylus, scroll [Enter Peter, the apostle. He is old, just a few years from his death. He sits at a small table which is set with a scroll, stylus and small bowl of ink. After a few second's consideration he begins to write, speaking the words as he pens his thoughts. Periodically he dips his stylus for more ink.] Note: This sketch may also be played with Peter dictating the letter to an amanuensis (secretary). PETER Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who were chosen long ago by God the Father and by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be cleansed by His blood. [During the last phrase, Peter raises his eyes from his work. Then he stands, still voicing his thoughts but not writing. He walks about, choosing his words carefully, but not yet addressing the audience.] Live as obedient children before God. Don't let your character be molded by the desires of your ignorant days, but be holy in every part of your lives, for the One who called you is Himself holy. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps, (he begins to be moved by his words--and the memories they dredge up) who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, he uttered no threats, but continued to entrust Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. [Deeply moved by his memories, Peter turns to address the audience for the first time.] Is it not enough that I admitted my awful sin and received His forgiveness? Must I be plagued for the remainder of my journey by the guilt of that single act so long ago? No, it wasn't a single act; three times I did it and still feel the pain inside me--the same pain my denial must have inflicted upon Him. How can I tell these people (gesturing to desk) to love with a love in which I failed so miserably? These people know me by name only--my impeccable reputation that has spread across the lands. They know only that I walked with the Savior--not that I betrayed Him. Did I stand before mighty Herod, my insignificant life hanging by his every word? Did I stand before Pilate, as Jesus did, my very breath at his mercy? No, I stood before street people--people of the same station as I--and, whining like a pup, denied even knowing the One who earlier I had called the Son of God! How can I speak to them of obedience, when I failed my Lord so? How can I talk of suffering when I so easily ran from a chance to suffer with Him?....with Him! (after a long pause; resolutely) He forgave me, and since He left I have accomplished much good in His name. But the scar is still there, emblazoned on my--my very human heart. (beginning to smile) That scar--that memory--is my permanent reminder of just how much He really loves me. Because He forgave and changed my name to Peter, the Rock! [Peter returns to his desk with great enthusiasm and joy and continues writing.] Dear friends, do not be alarmed at the fiery ordeals which come to test your faith, as though they were some abnormal experience. You should be glad, because it means that you are called to share Christ's sufferings. One day, when He shows Himself in full splendor to men, you will be filled with the most tremendous joy! If you are reproached for being Christ's followers, that is a great privilege, for you can be sure that God's Spirit of glory is resting upon you. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. [Peter sets down his stylus, rolls up the scroll, tucks it under his arm; exclaiming as he exits.] All power is His for ever and ever! Amen. ---------------- 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. All reproductions of this data file must contain the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel"). This data file may not be used without the permission of David S. Lampel for resale or the enhancement of any other product sold. This includes all of its content. Brief quotations not to exceed more than 500 words may be used, with the appropriate copyright notice, to enhance or supplement personal or church devotions, newsletters, journals, promotions, or spoken messages. Permission is hereby extended for this script to be printed for rehearsal and performance use. Copies may be reproduced in sufficient number for the director, actors, and technical personnel, as long as each copy contains the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. 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