Counting the Cost
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The Interpreter showed Seeker a picture of a man with the world behind him, a crown on his head, and the best of books in his hand.
He told him that all who follow this man would also have to leave the world behind, but the crown meant that if they did they would receive all the blessings of the City of Life.
He showed Seeker how sweeping the dusty room of his heart with only the law did not remove the dirt and dust. Every time he swept it, the dirt and dust would only become more obvious as it filled the air; however the water of the good news of the king made it possible to clean.
Seeker saw how Passion was given all he wanted more quickly because he nagged and nagged. He also saw how Passion used them all in an instant and ended up in rags. But Patience was able to wait and, when the good things came, to use them wisely. Seeker understood that Patience represents those who give up earthly desires for the sake of the City of Life.
The Interpreter also showed Seeker something else: That no matter how much the enemy tries to dampen the fire of grace in a traveller's heart, the king of the way is constantly adding oil to keep the traveller going.
The enemy couldn't see the oil being added behind the wall, but it was added none the less.
He showed Seeker a palace gate guarded by four soldiers. Those on the inside were calling people to come in and take their place among them, but the people outside were too afraid. A man outside was taking the names of everyone who would try.
Finally a man came forward. He told the man with the book to take down his name, and with that, began his assault. The fight was bloody and long, but eventually he made it through the gate. Those on the inside welcomed him and gave him a crown to wear.
The meaning was clear to Seeker, and he wanted to continue his journey.
“Wait,” said the Interpreter, “there’s more.” He showed Seeker a man in a cage. The man explained that he had once looked just like he was on a journey to the City of Life, but had forgotten to keep watch and followed his own desires instead. Because of this, the king had put him in the cage as a warning to other travellers.
The Interpreter took Seeker to see another man. This man was shaking so much he could not even stand or get dressed. He had clearly just had a very bad dream. Seeker asked him what he had seen.
The man told Seeker that he had seen the king return, and many people were happy to see him. They rejoiced as they went with him to his new kingdom. Many, however, hated him and were sent to their own kingdom below.
The man had looked and realized that he hadn't been ready, and suddenly the ground opened beneath his feet.
Seeker was shaken.
The Interpreter told him that the way he was going to take was hard and asked if he still wanted to go.
Seeker told him he had no choice. He must be free from his burden, and he must reach the City of Life. At this, the Interpreter showed him the way he needed to go and sent him on.
Seeker came to a hill. He climbed it to reach the wooden cross at the top. As soon as he reached it, the burden snapped from his back and rolled down the hill into an open grave, never to be seen again.
Seeker was full of thanks for the king who by this cross had freed not only him but so many others, to come to the City of Life.
...
But this is not the end of the story. Seeker continued his journey. Facing lions, and Giants and Beasts, he made friends and Enemies. He was encouraged and he stumbled. All to make it to the City of Life.
To be continued
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