Chapter 2: Romans 12 Continued...

Romans 12 : 1–2

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect Will of God.”

Moose snaps awake, blinks, rubs his eyes, and pulls his hat brim low.

A mug of room-temperature, stale coffee sits on the helm next to an empty can of space-water.  That’s water in a can.  In space.

Art-bot still works quietly, hands moving in small, deliberate precision.

Q-bot hums at her console, surfing the intergalactic web for information.

CS01 still rests from the cleaning, her systems humming like a patient in light sleep.

“Morning, Art-bot,” Moose says in a quiet gravel and opens a Bible.

“Morning, Captain,” Art-bot replies, her voice soft and even, the words carried on the low hum of the bridge.  Cyan seams pulse once—heartbeat under metal skin.  “CS01’s vitals are holding. She’s in low-power recovery, but stable.”

Moose nods and wrinkles his nose.  “So. This morning we’re continuing in Romans 12. Picking up in verse 3.”  He glances at the sad cup of coffee.  “Just as soon as I get some fresh coffee from the commissary.”

“Understood, Captain,” Art-bot says.

He grabs his open Bible, flips on the music mix, and walks toward the corridor.

1 Timothy 2 : 1–4

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

“First step,” Moose murmurs, setting the Bible on the commissary counter, “is to remember what exhort means.  Precisely.”  He scoops a mound of grounds into the Ms. Coffee Machine—no one sure if she’s married or not—and presses the button.  The machine sputters, sighs, and starts to breathe life into the morning.

Exhort (verb)

– To incite by argument or advice; urge strongly

– To give warnings or advice; make urgent appeals

“Paul thought this part was important,” Moose says, watching the drip gather.  “Prayer for all men. Not some. All—including those in authority.”  Without hesitation, he raises a hand.  “Lord, that they would know You.”  His hand lowers, fingers brushing the pages.  “The reason we pray for those in authority is so we can lead a peaceful life.  So… probably good to remember Ecclesiastes 5, 1 Thessalonians 5 : 15–24, Romans 13, and the story of Pontius Pilate to get started there.”

He rubs his chin, wrinkles his nose again, and reaches for a mug.

  White porcelain, crimson interior—etched hearts marching round the side, one bright red heart standing apart.  The love mug.  One of his favorites.  Which raises a question.

“How can a man have more than one favorite mug?”

He wrinkles his nose.  Again.  “How can a man have more than one favorite anything? Can God?”

Favorite (noun or adjective)

– One that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking

– A competitor judged most likely to win

– Constituting a favorite; markedly popular

“Which leads me to…”

Favored (adjective)

– Having an appearance or features of a particular kind

– Endowed with special advantages or gifts

– Providing preferential treatment

The Ms. Coffee Machine gurgles one last sigh.  Moose pours a fresh, steaming cup, flips a page, leans in, and traces the lines with his finger.

1 Timothy 4 : 1–11

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach.”

Moose salutes.  He then pulls the brim of his red cap low, and sips.  Careful not to spill, he starts the slow walk back to the helm, steam curling behind him like prayer in the air.