Hidden Gems/transcript

Opening:
John Fuller: Today on Focus on the Family, a special presentation from our Adventures in Odyssey team.
Excerpt:
Olivia: Aren’t you kind of... young to be king?
Josiah: Yes. I’m only 8!
Marcus: Simon can do amazing things! Some have even seen him fly!
Balaam: It is the angel of the Lord!
Olivia:Okay! (breathless)
End of Excerpt
John: You’re about to go on a really fun journey with us and your host is Focus president and author Jim Daly. I’m John Fuller.
Jim Daly: Hey John! As you mentioned, we’re doing something a little different today. We tend, around holidays, to do Adventures in Odyssey because it is so good! You know, this is our 40th Anniversary but it’s the 30th Anniversary of Adventures in Odyssey.
John: That is hard to believe!
Jim: Isn’t it? Well it makes me feel old, uh?
John: ‘Cause you were there
Jim: I was there when it started. But these dramas are one of the best things we do here at Focus on the Family, to reach children. Many children get saved through Adventures in Odyssey and it is a wonderful doorway for a child’s imagination. Today’s episode takes us into some of the lesser known stories of the Bible. You’ll meet a sorcerer, a young king, even a talking donkey. We know those stories as adults, but for kids, it’s a world of wonderment! And it’s a great reminder of how important it is to read God’s Word and to re-read His Word for us adults so we can stay in touch with the heart of God. And with Thanksgiving right upon us here in the U.S., we wanted to share this exciting adventure with you.
John: And you’ll want to stay with us through the end as we’ll talk a little bit more about the Adventures in Odyssey series. Let’s go ahead now and get this presentation kicked off-- it’s called “Hidden Gems” and it’s today’s Focus on the Family.

Body:
SCENE 1: INT. WHIT’S END - DAY
(OLIVIA, WHIT)
Olivia walks into the shop. Whit is behind the counter reading his Bible.
OLIVIA
Hi, Mr. Whittaker.
(beat)
Uh...Mr. Whittaker?
WHIT
Oh. Hi, Olivia. Sorry. I was just caught up in a good story.
OLIVIA
Oh, what are you reading?
WHIT
The story of Abraham.
OLIVIA
The President?
WHIT
(chuckles)
The one in the Bible. Can I get you anything?
OLIVIA
No, thanks. Don’t you already know the story of Abraham?
WHIT
Of course, but I never get tired of reading it. It’s a powerful story, don’t you think?
OLIVIA
Well, yeah, but I’m not big on reading the same thing over and over. You’ve read the whole Bible, right?
WHIT
Yes.
OLIVIA
How many times?
WHIT
I don’t know. I started reading it when I was younger than you.
OLIVIA
Whoa...So... if you read it once every two years, for, like... 100 years-
WHIT
100 years! How old do you think I am?
OLIVIA
I’m rounding up. It just seems like you’d know pretty much everything in the Bible by now.
WHIT
Actually, I seem to learn somethingnewno matter how many times I’ve read a particular passage.
OLIVIA
It’s just too bad that there aren’t anynewstories in the Bible. You know, something that could surprise me like a good book can.
WHIT
I’m pretty sure there are a lot of Bible stories that you don’t know.
OLIVIA
Nah, I’ve been reading the Bible for a long time, too. I know every story in there.
WHIT
What if I could come up with a story you’ve never heard of?
OLIVIA
No way.
WHIT
I accept your challenge.
OLIVIA
My challenge?
WHIT
Follow me! To the Bible Room!
 
 
SCENE 2:INT. BIBLE ROOM - DAY
(WHIT, OLIVIA)
Whit and Olivia are at the door to the Imagination Station. Whit pushes a few buttons.
WHIT
Just a few last adjustments... and there.
OLIVIA
If I already know the story, do I get a prize? You said this was a challenge, right?
WHIT
I’m sure I can find a way to reward you.
OLIVIA
Will it involve ice cream?
WHIT
What else?
OLIVIA
Bring it on! What do I do?
WHIT
Step through this door.
OLIVIA
Okay. See -
She steps through the door and...
 
SCENE 3:EXT. MARKETPLACE - DAY
(OLIVIA, MARCUS)
She’s immediately in a crowded marketplace.
OLIVIA
(startled)
ya.
(observing)
Okay, I can figure this out. Hot fudge is riding on it.
A crowd of people is running, excitedly.
OLIVIA (CONT’D)
(thinking)
People running. I hope this isn’t Noah and the flood.
MARCUS
(Off)
He’s outside the temple! Hurry!
OLIVIA
(to herself)
The temple. Could be OldorNew Testament.
(to Bystander)
Excuse me?
MARCUS
Yes?
OLIVIA
What’s going on at the temple?
MARCUS
A man who has the power ofGodis there! I’m going to meet him.
OLIVIA
(to herself)
Easy peasy, Mr. Whittaker. I know every Jesus story there is.
(to Bystander)
Can I go with you to the temple?
MARCUS
Of course.
They start walking quickly.
OLIVIA
So, have you met Jesus before?
MARCUS
Who?
OLIVIA
The man we’re going to see.
MARCUS
We’re not going to see any Jesus. We’re going to see Simon. “The Great Power”.
OLIVIA
Simon? Oh, you mean SimonPeter, one of Jesus’s disciples. Very tricky, Mr. Whittaker.
MARCUS
My name is Marcus.
OLIVIA
Right. So, what’s Simon doing at the temple? Preaching?
MARCUS
No. He’s a magician.
OLIVIA
He’s pulling a rabbit out of a hat?
MARCUS
Don’t be foolish. Simon is can do amazing things. Some have even seen him fly!
OLIVIA
What? I don’t think anyone in the Bible could fly - unless it was in a fiery chariot.
MARCUS
You don’t believe me?
OLIVIA
I’m afraid not.
MARCUS
Soon you will. Come along.
SCENE 4:EXT. OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE - DAY
(SIMON, OLIVIA, MARCUS, JOHANNA)
A crowd is gathered around Simon the Sorcerer.
SIMON
(a bit off)
Welcome, one and all.
OLIVIA
That’sSimon?
MARCUS
Yes.
OLIVIA
He doesn’t look that great to me.
MARCUS
You’ll see.
(calling)
Simon, oh great one?
SIMON
What is it?
MARCUS
My wife is very sick.
SIMON
And you wish for me to heal her.
MARCUS
I do.
SIMON
What will you give to show her value to you?
MARCUS
I have three months wages. Here. Take it.
SIMON
Put it in that pot.
Marcus puts coins in a pot. It bubbles and smokes. The crowd oohs and ahhs.
SIMON (CONT’D)
Fear not! The smoke is my power at work.
OLIVIA
That’s it? That looks like something I did in chemistry class.
SIMON
Bring more money tomorrow. Then your wife will be healed.
MARCUS
But that was all I had!
SIMON
Such a small amount is not enough. If you want much, you must give much.
MARCUS
I’ll try to scrape up more. I will.
SIMON
Bring it tomorrow. Then you will witness amazing wonders.
MARCUS
Thank you, great Simon.
Marcus goes.
OLIVIA
You’re not Simon Peter, are you?
SIMON
What did you say, Child?
OLIVIA
Does your magic come from Jesus?
SIMON
Jesus? Hardly. “I” am the great--
A woman, JOHANNA, approaches.
JOHANNA
(interrupting)
Simon!
SIMON
Ah, Johanna. You brought the money?
JOHANNA
(hesitant)
No, I didn’t.
SIMON
Then why have you come? You know I require money beforehand.
JOHANNA
I’ve had a change of heart. I don’t want to go through with it.
SIMON
You’ve reconciled with Dinah?
JOHANNA
No.
SIMON
So she’s still your enemy.
JOHANNA
Yes, but...
SIMON
Don’t you want relief from her, Johanna? Don’t you want her to know that you are in control? You must punish her.
OLIVIA
Punish her?
SIMON
(ignoring Olivia)
The curse isn’t permanent. She will experience pain for a few days, then it will pass.
JOHANNA
That’s why I came - to make sure youdidn’tcurse her. I’ve found another way.
SIMON
And what is that?
JOHANNA
After I met with you, I heard a man named Philip. He’s preaching and baptizing by the river. He told me about Jesus. Philip says Jesus came to save us from our sin. He spoke of forgiveness.
SIMON
I’ve heard of Jesus’s words. And that’s all they are - words. He’s long dead and can’t help you. OnlyIcan. And, since you’re obviously troubled, I can arrange the curse for half the amount we discussed.
JOHANNA
I don’twantto curse Dinah. I’m going to tell her I forgive her. You should hear Philip’s message, Simon! Goodbye.
She leaves.
SIMON
(as she goes)
Come back when you see how far forgiveness gets you with a woman like Dinah!
(beat, to self)
I should give her a rash.
OLIVIA
Were you going to put some kind of spell on Dinah?
SIMON
Yes.
OLIVIA
How could you do that?
SIMON
I’m a magician. I can do many amazing things.
OLIVIA
More like horrible things! You should listen to that lady. Go see Philip and hear about forgiveness and peace.
SIMON
(deviously)
Perhaps I will. If people are listening to him, I need to learn his secrets.
OLIVIA
He doesn’t have secrets. He has the message of Jesus.
SIMON
Enough. Away with you! Ha!
He throws a pinch of powder on the ground and it poofs.
 
SCENE 5:EXT. BY THE RIVER - DAY
(PHILIP, OLIVIA, SIMON, PETER)
...Olivia bursts out of the water, in the arms of Philip.
PHILIP
Rise to new life in Jesus Christ!
OLIVIA
(gasping)
Uh... thank you. Who are you?
PHILIP
(chuckles)
I understand that baptism can be disorienting, child. I am Philip, remember?
OLIVIA
Oh. Right. Sorry. Thank you.
PHILIP
And who is next? Ah, Martha...
Philip fades away as Olivia exits the water. Simon is there.
OLIVIA
(to herself)
Wow. I was just baptized by an apostle!
SIMON
(calling out)
Where is Peter? I must see him!
OLIVIA
Simon! What are you doing here?
SIMON
Oh, it’s you again. You did say I should meet Philip and I must say you were right. He performs astounding miracles. It’s very impressive.
OLIVIA
You’re all wet. Did you get baptized, too?
SIMON
Yes, of course. Don’t ask silly questions, you obnoxious child. Now, where is this... Peter?
OLIVIA
(suspicious)
Why do you want him?
SIMON
Why? People are being healed - demons cast out. It’s amazing!
OLIVIA
Yes, it is.
SIMON
If I could do the same, crowds would flock to me -- and pay the steepest prices.
PETER
(off)
Brother Elias, you have repented and been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
SIMON
That must be him. The man placing his hands on new believers. At last I have my chance.
(calling out)
Excuse me! Peter?
Simon and Olivia approach Peter.
PETER
Yes?
SIMON
Greetings. I am Simon. I’ve been following Philip for several days. I made him an offer, but he wouldn’t take it. I thought that you might be more reasonable. Here.
He hands him a bag of money.
PETER
What is it?
SIMON
Silver. More than you have ever seen, I’m sure! Take it! All I ask is that, in return you share your power with me. Then when I touch people, they too will receive this Holy Spirit.
Peter throws the bag on the ground.
PETER
Be gone from me, servant of iniquity!
SIMON
What? Wait--
PETER
May your silver perish with you! You cannot buy the gift of God with money! You blaspheme against the Most High God and He Himself will deal with you.
SIMON
What? No! Pray to the Lord for me, Peter! That your God does not strike me down!
PETER
Repent of your wickedness, turn away from evil-doing and seek God for forgiveness! Now go! And take your money with you.
Simon picks up his money and leaves.
SIMON
(leaving)
Yes. Yes, thank you. Goodbye.
PETER
Are you with that man?
OLIVIA
Me? No! I was just baptized by Philip.
PETER
Do you come for prayer then?
OLIVIA
You mean... you would...pray forme?
PETER
(warmly)
Of course, Child. Gladly. Come forward.
OLIVIA
Yes, sir.
(beat)
Wow.
 
SCENE 6:INT. BIBLE ROOM - DAY
(WHIT, OLIVIA)
Olivia is in a hallway of doors. Whit talks over the intercom.
WHIT
So, Olivia, did you recognize the story?
OLIVIA
Are you sure Simon was mentioned in the Bible?
WHIT
He certainly was. Acts chapter 8.
OLIVIA
I must have missed that one.
(beat)
So can I have another chance at that sundae? I missed one story, but there’s no way that there aretwoBible stories that I haven’t already read.
WHIT
I’m game. Go through the door to your right.
OLIVIA
Okay...
She opens the door and goes through.
 
SCENE 7:EXT. DESERT - DAY
(BALAAM, OLIVIA)
Olivia is in a sweltering desert. Balaam and his donkey are surprisingly close.
BALAAM
(upset)
Move, Girl!
OLIVIA
Huh? Ahhh!
Olivia jumps out of the way. The donkey stops.
BALAAM
Foolish child! You’ve made my donkey stop again!
OLIVIA
Sorry.
The donkey brays.
BALAAM
(off)
Move, you miserable beast! Move or feel my staff!
(Beat)
Walk! Forward!
(Beat)
MoveI say!
He beats the donkey with his staff. The donkey brays.
OLIVIA
Hey! Stop that! Stop hurting that poor mule!
BALAAM
It’s a donkey. And I most certainly can. He deserves it. He’s being obnoxiously stubborn.
OLIVIA
Aren’t donkeys always stubborn? You don’t beat a pig because its dirty.
BALAAM
Insolent child! Guard your tongue or I’ll use this stick on you!
OLIVIA
(taken back)
Well! Why are you in such a hurry, anyway?
BALAAM
Not that it’s any of your business, but I’ve been summoned by the King of Moab.
OLIVIA
I guess that’s important.
BALAAM
Yes, it is. But I’ll never get there if this stubborn animal refuses tomove!
He beats the donkey hard on “move.” It brays.
OLIVIA
(to self)
So much for no animals being harmed in the making of this adventure.
The donkey brays and starts moving.
BALAAM
At last!
(to Olivia)
You’d better come along with me.
OLIVIA
Really?
BALAAM
You can’t be out in the desert all alone. It’s not safe.
OLIVIA
Won’t both of us riding him be too heavy?
BALAAM
He’s carried heavier.
OLIVIA
I’m not sure if that’s an insult, but okay.
She gets on.
OLIVIA (CONT’D)
I’m Olivia, by the way.
BALAAM
And I am Balaam.
 
 
SCENE 8:EXT. VINEYARD - DAY
(OLIVIA, BALAAM, DONKEY, ANGEL)
Balaam and Olivia continue on the donkey.
OLIVIA
So why are you going to see the King?
BALAAM
He wants my help with a battle he’s planning.
OLIVIA
Who are they fighting?
BALAAM
The Israelites.
OLIVIA
The King wants to fightagainstthem? Do you really think you should help him?
BALAAM
God himself has given me permission to go.
OLIVIA
Really?
BALAAM
Of course. Would you like a grape?
OLIVIA
Are you supposed to grab things off someone else’s property like that?
BALAAM
I know the owners of the vineyards on both sides of us. This one belongs to - ahh!
The donkey brays, and stops abruptly. Balaam and Olivia react.
BALAAM (CONT’D)
Not again. Get along!
OLIVIA
You’re not gonna hit it--
BALAAM
Move, you fowl beast! Go!
He hits the donkey again.
OLIVIA
You don’t have to get violent! I’ll get down and pull him from the front.
BALAAM
(sighs)
Very well.
Olivia gets down.
OLIVIA
(pulling)
Come on, old boy. You can do it.
BALAAM
(chiding)
That’s working so well.
OLIVIA
(soothing)
Come on, before the bad man hits you again.
BALAAM
He doesn’t respond to coddling. Move aside!
OLIVIA
Wait!
BALAAM
Moveon!
He beats it again. The donkey brays and scampers a bit.
BALAAM (CONT’D)
Finally -- Ahhhh!
OLIVIA
What happened?
BALAAM
(in pain)
He trapped my foot against the wall! You horrible -- whoa!
He beats it again. The donkey brays, moves a bit, then lays down in the road.
BALAAM (CONT’D)
(beat)
What? Get back up -- now!
(beat)
What’s wrong with this animal?!
OLIVIA
Maybe he’s tired.
BALAAM
He’s defiant. Make a fool of me, will you!Getupyouunruly--
He hits the donkey on each word.
OLIVIA
Stop, please!
DONKEY
(brays loudly, then its bray transforms into a voice)
What have I done to make you beat me!?
OLIVIA
Did your donkey justtalk?
BALAAM
(astonished/taken back)
You... have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!
DONKEY
Aren’t I your donkey? Haven’t you ridden me all your life? Have I ever acted like this before?
BALAAM
(unsure)
No.
OLIVIA
This is in the Bible?
DONKEY
Look and see what is waiting for you in the road.
BALAAM
I see nothing...
An angel draws a large sword.
OLIVIA
(gasp)
Who is that?
BALAAM
(fearful)
It is the angel of the Lord! Bow low with your face to the ground!
OLIVIA
Okay.
They both bow.
ANGEL
Balaam. Why have you beaten your donkey?
BALAAM
(fearful)
He refused to obey me.
ANGEL
I was standing in the donkey’s way.
BALAAM
But... why?
ANGEL
Because your path is a reckless one! If your donkey had not stopped, I would have killed you.
BALAAM
But the Lord gave me permission to go.
ANGEL
To rise and go, yes, only to do what the Lord tells you. But God sees that your heart is persuaded by the money the King offers you.
BALAAM
(emotional)
I’ve sinned. I will return home.
ANGEL
No. Go to the King. But you are not to call a curse down on Israel.
BALAAM
What shall I say?
ANGEL
You are to say, “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed ordenounce whom the Lord has not denounced?”
BALAAM
I am to bless them?
ANGEL
They are the Lord’s own people.
BALAAM
I will obey the Lord. I will speak only the message that he puts in my mouth.
OLIVIA
(hushed)
Finally, Balaam! You’re starting to make sense.
 
SCENE 9:INT. BIBLE ROOM - DAY
(WHIT, OLIVIA)
Whit and Olivia are in the Bible Room together.
WHIT
So, Olivia, did you know that one?
OLIVIA
Nope. I had no idea that the Bible had a story about a talking donkey.
WHIT
It’s from the book of Numbers. It shows what great lengths God will go to in order to get His point across.
OLIVIA
Kind of likeyouwith these Imagination Station adventures.
WHIT
(chuckles)
I suppose so, yes. So what point do you think these two stories make?
OLIVIA
I thought the point was that there are Bible stories that I’ve never heard of.
WHIT
That’s where we started, but what else? What did those two stories have in common?
OLIVIA
(after a bit of thought)
Both Simon and Balaam were greedy. And they both worked against God’s people.
WHIT
Yes. Anything else?
OLIVIA
Both of them had a chance to change. Peter told Simon to repent. And the angel told Balaam what he should do.
WHIT
Very good! All of us have the choice to obey God. Some choose poorly, but God’s wordalwayscontains the power to change men’s hearts.
OLIVIA
Even with the lesser-known stories.
WHIT
Right. That’s why it’s so important to read God’s word every day. That simple act invites God to disciple us, encourage us, discipline us, and direct us. And reading about God’s actions in history helps me get toknowHim better too.
OLIVIA
I didn’t think of it that way. It’s like God talking to us.
WHIT
That’s right.
(beat)
So, would you like to try out one more story?
OLIVIA
You bet!
WHIT
Then take this.
He hands her a glass of water.
OLIVIA
A glass of water?
WHIT
Yes, you’ll be giving it to the King of Israel. Go through that door.
OLIVIA
The Bible is so cool.
Olivia goes through the door.
 
SCENE 10:INT. PALACE HALLWAY - DAY
(ADVISOR 2, ADVISOR 1, OLIVIA, YOUNG JOSIAH)
Olivia is in a long hallway. Two advisors are talking.
ADVISOR 2
(off, whispering)
We need to take the decision out of his hands.
ADVISOR 1
(off, whispering)
We can’t do that. He is the king.
ADVISOR 2
(getting closer, whispering)
He is eight years old and a fatherless boy. How can we expect him to make wise decisions?
OLIVIA
Wow. This place is huge. I don’t see the king.
(calling)
Uh... Excuse me? Which way to the king? I brought him some water.
ADVISOR 1
King Josiah is in the royal bedroom. Through that door. Be quick.
OLIVIA
Yes, sir.
Olivia goes as they begin to whisper again.
OLIVIA (CONT’D)
Josiah. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that king.
ADVISOR 1
(whispers, going off)
I’ll assemble a team of advisors. But ultimate power must remain with Josiah.
ADVISOR 2
(whispers, off)
Of course. I know.
Olivia walks through the door.
OLIVIA
Hello? King Josiah? I brought you some water.
YOUNG JOSIAH
Yes, thank you.
(he takes a drink of it)
Why are you looking at me like that?
OLIVIA
Aren’t you kind of...youngto be a King?
YOUNG JOSIAH
Yes. I’m only eight. I never thought my father would die.
OLIVIA
When did it happen?
YOUNG JOSIAH
A few days ago. He was killed right here in the palace.
OLIVIA
Oh. I’m sorry.
Just then, the door opens, and an advisor comes in.
ADVISOR 1
King Josiah?
YOUNG JOSIAH
Come in.
ADVISOR 1
The priests of Baal have arrived.
YOUNG JOSIAH
What do they want?
ADVISOR 1
They’re hoping to enlarge their temple.
YOUNG JOSIAH
What should I tell them?
ADVISOR 1
Many of your people worship Baal. It would be... unwise to upset anyone at the beginning of your reign, my King.
YOUNG JOSIAH
What would my father do?
ADVISOR 1
He worshipped Baal, just as his father before him. He allowed the priests to do as they pleased.
YOUNG JOSIAH
(sigh)
Show the priests in. I’ll come in a moment.
ADVISOR 1
Very good. Thank you, King.
He leaves.
OLIVIA
Baal? Isn’t that a false god?
YOUNG JOSIAH
You aren’t a worshipper of Baal?
OLIVIA
No. I worship God. ThetrueGod.
YOUNG JOSIAH
So do I.
OLIVIA
Then why would you meet with the priests of Baal?
YOUNG JOSIAH
I’m just a child ruling over the whole nation of Judah. I don’t know what I’m doing. This morning, there were other prophets here, asking to build Asherah poles.
OLIVIA
What did you say?
YOUNG JOSIAH
I told them to do what they think is best. They’re adults. They know more than I do.
OLIVIA
But youdoknow something they don’t.
YOUNG JOSIAH
What?
OLIVIA
Who the true God is. Shouldn’t you do what pleases him instead of what might please some of the people?
ADVISOR 1
(entering)
The priests are waiting, my lord. You, girl, bring the King and his guests refreshments.
OLIVIA
Yes, sir.
ADVISOR 1
That door is for the servants.
OLIVIA
Right.
She opens it and the Station blasts her forward.
 
SCENE 11:INT. PALACE COURT - DAY
(ADULT JOSIAH, OLIVIA, ADVISOR 1, SHAPHAN)
A big, echoing room. Josiah, now 26, sits in his throne. Josiah looks at a scroll. The same advisor attends to him.
ADULT JOSIAH
No, this is just like the tax that was proposed last week. It’s unlawful.
OLIVIA
(sotto voce)
Whoa. This must be the throne room.
ADVISOR 1
But, your majesty, your father approved many similar taxes.
ADULT JOSIAH
I am not my father or my grandfather. The tax will not be levied. That will be the end of it.
ADVISOR 1
Very well, King Josiah.
The advisor leaves.
OLIVIA
(surprised)
Josiah?
ADULT JOSIAH
Yes?
OLIVIA
You’re all grown up!
ADULT JOSIAH
Why are you here? Are you a servant? You seem familiar.
OLIVIA
Yes. I am. Uh, do you need a glass of water? 
Shaphan comes in quickly.
SHAPHAN
Your majesty.
ADULT JOSIAH
Come forward, Shaphan.
SHAPHAN
We have turned over the money collected at the Temple of the Lord to the workers who are cleaning it, just as you ordered.
ADULT JOSIAH
Very good.
SHAPHAN
During the restoration, Hilkiah the high priest found this scroll.
ADULT JOSIAH
What is it?
SHAPHAN
The book of the Law.
ADULT JOSIAH
I’ve never heard of this book.
SHAPHAN
It has been lost for generations.
ADULT JOSIAH
Have you read it?
SHAPHAN
I have, Sire, and I believe you’ll want to hear its words. I have selected a few sections.
ADULT JOSIAH
Then read them to me.
SHAPHAN
(clears throat)
You are to be my holy people, who belong to the Lord your God... Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips...
ADULT JOSIAH
(worried sigh)
SHAPHAN
Sire?
ADULT JOSIAH
Continue.
SHAPHAN
(turning to another place)
Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.
(pauses)
ADULT JOSIAH
Go on.
SHAPHAN
(turning to another place)
This is from much later.
(reads)
Israel abandoned the God who made them. They stirred up his jealousy by worshipping foreign gods. The Lord saw them and drew back. He said, “I will abandon them. For they are a twisted generation, children without no faith. They have --
ADULT JOSIAH
Stop!
SHAPHAN
Your Majesty?
ADULT JOSIAH
God’s anger against our nation must be very great. We haven’t obeyed His commands or observed his laws for many generations. Call for Hilkiah. Command him to pray to the Lord for us.
SHAPHAN
Yes, Sire.
He goes.
ADULT JOSIAH
(to himself)
We’ve made offerings to other gods. There’s no end of our sins against Him.
OLIVIA
You’ve become a wise king, Josiah.
ADULT JOSIAH
I hope it’s not too late.
 
SCENE 12:INT. PALACE COURT - DAY
(ADULT JOSIAH, SHAPHAN, OLIVIA)
A few days later. Shaphan approaches Josiah.
ADULT JOSIAH
What’s happening, Shaphan? Has the priest carried out my orders?
SHAPHAN
Yes, sire. He’s removed everything from the temple that was used to worship other gods.
ADULT JOSIAH
Good. There is so much more to do. Tomorrow we will gather all the people of the land.And I shall read the entire book of the law that was found in the temple. We will obey the Lord.
SHAPHAN
I also have a message from the prophetess Huldah, Sire.
ADULT JOSIAH
What is it?
SHAPHAN
She said that because you humbled yourself before the Lord and were repentant before him, your reign will see peace and be blessed.
ADULT JOSIAH
God is very gracious. I make this covenant - to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and statutes with all my heart and soul, to know and follow his word all the days of my life. And to lead this nation to do the same.
SHAPHAN
Very good, My King.
Shaphan goes.
OLIVIA
You’re a wise ruler, Josiah.
ADULT JOSIAH
It would be foolish to ignore the God’s words and his instructions for us. We must read that book over and over.
OLIVIA
(thoughtful)
Yes.Everypart of it.

THE END

Closing:
John: What a delightful end for our presentation from our Adventures in Odyssey team. That episode is called “Hidden Gems,” and it’s a privilege to share it with you today on Focus on the Family. What a positive message that was, Jim.
Jim:That really was, John, and that’s normally whatAdventures in Odysseyprovides. And until now, this episode has only been heard by theAdventures in Odysseyclub members, which is great.
John: So we’ve taken a special, exclusive-only and just broadcast it to millions of people.
Jim:That is right. And you know, again, in this era of screen time and you know, video games, things like that, this is one of the most wonderful ways to have your child develop their imagination so they can hear these great voice actors onAdventures in Odysseyand actually paint that picture in their mind, unaided by any screen. And I love the fact; Trent and Troy have listened toAdventures in Odysseyfor years. And it really has helped in that area. WithAdventures in OdysseyClub, more families are benefiting from the messages these radio dramas deliver. It is great value for the cost of membership.
John: And that membership allows you access to more than 800 episodes and as we heard today, some very unique and wonderful ones that are only available to those who sign up. It’s a wonderful way for your child to be able to interact withAdventures in Odysseyin an on-demand way.
Jim:And John, let me read one testimony. If you’re that mom and dad saying, “Is it really worth it?” let me just read what Zaida wrote to us. “I wanted to thank you for Adventures in Odyssey, and to tell you how much of an impact it has had on my life. To say the series played a huge part in shaping and molding me as a Christian is an understatement. Fast forward to now—I am 30 years old. I spent the last 4-5 years away from God. A few days ago, I was in a panic, and on a whim I listened to one of the episodes to distract myself.” Boy, that’s how God works, huh? “That was all it took. I’ve signed up for the Adventures in Odyssey club and have been listening to episodes every chance I get. I feel like a completely new person. So thank you for Adventures in Odyssey. Not only was it a huge part of my childhood, it brought me back to God. It saved my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Wow! I mean, is that it? Even at 30,Adventures in Odysseyis still playing a role in this person’s life. And we’ve heard that around the country, John, where little clubs are even springing up at college campuses. Odyssey clubs. It is a framework and foundation for people’s faith. They connect to it.
John: Well, and for 30 years, that long running production has been reaching, bringing God’s truth to children and adults, and what a powerful tool of redemption it is.
Jim:It is. And today, when you sign up for 1 year of the club, you’ll receive a hardcover, full-color Adventures in Odyssey NIrV Bible in addition to all the great Club benefits. What a wonderful stocking stuffer or Christmas present for you child. With Christmas right around the corner, you can make a deposit in your child’s or grandchild’s spiritual account by signing up for the Adventures in Odyssey Club. I’m telling you, I wish this were active when my boys were younger. I would have done it every year.
John: Mmm, well, you can find out about all the benefits of signing up and being a member of theAdventures in Odysseyclub, including exclusive monthly episodes, like the one we heard today when you give us a call. Our number is800-232-6459. Or just stop by online-- we’re at focusonthefamily.com/radio.
Well, join us next time as Dr. Mike Bechtle explains why some people drive you crazy and how you can navigate those difficult relationships.
Teaser:
Dr. Mike Bechtle: We tend to see things through our own lenses and we assume that we’re right because that’s what we see. I mean, if I really believe that I’m right, do I want your opinion?
End of Teaser