I guess it's part of my nature but I love to play with nouns, verbs of all conjugations and adjectives. They're all fair game when it comes to manipulating the combination of words and sentences.
Mastering the intricacies of grammar has been more challenging. When do I use a comma? A dash? A semi colon? I learned early in this journey and career that the most important tool I have is an excellent editor.
As I thought about this subject I recalled a group of us students who decided to play with words and grammar; specifically, with the structure of a Bible verse. We were enrolled in a three year theological study and obviously had too much time on our hands. Or, in kindness, perhaps we were overworked and needed some relaxation. In any case, we decided to dissect a passage from teachings by the Apostle Paul. Here's how it appears in the old King James Version: "Let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him labour, working with his hands"
Well we went to work and came up with this version: "Let him that stole, steal. No more let him labour, working with his hands". Ah, the power that comes with moving a period and comma.
At this sacred time of Easter, I've thought a lot about the last words of Jesus. There are so many ways in which we humans say It is finished: There's the pain that accompanies broken hearts and marriages; there's relief when a job has been completed; for me, there's always the excitement of sending off the final draft of an article or book.
When Jesus spoke these words, it was with the authority of heaven. It is finished! The work of salvation has been accomplished and in Him we have redemption through the cross!
Happy Easter!
