This is a short skit that I wrote in response to the Exodus 19 scripture in which Moses presents the word of the Lord to the Elders. Please feel free to use as you see fit. All I ask is that you let me know that you found it useful and give credit to where you got it. Thanks!
Scene: Moses has just returned from Mount Sinai with the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Moses has met with the elders of the people and they are discussing his report and their response.
(Elders discuss among themselves. They are mumbling among themselves as the scene opens)
Elder #1: I know we all have concerns, but Moses has been right up to now. God certainly has proved himself and Moses over the past few months.
Elder #2: An something very strange definitely happened to Moses while he was on the mountain. I mean he was shining white when he came down.
Elder #3: Shining is an understatement, I got sunburned just from standing too close to him. (wiggles in pain.)
Elder #2: Well who's fault is that. I mean most of us were moving away from him. He really was a sight.
Elder #3: I couldn't help it. It was like I couldn't move. It was the strangest thing. I wanted to move away but my legs would not respond.
Elder #4: (with excitement) just like a camel in a torchlight!
Elder #3: Yeah, I guess that was it.
Elder #1: Okay, okay, can we get back to the subject at hand, these suggestions?
Elder #5: I thought Moses said they were commandments!
Elder #1: Oh yeah, right, commandments!
Elder #3: (still squirming in pain) Yeah! Can we get this over with, I need more of the salve my wife makes with goats urine for my burn.
Elder #2: (holding his nose at Elder #3) Why don't you stand over there. (points far off. The others nod there heads in agreement)
Elder #1: Now what do we do about these commandments? Thoughts anyone?
Elder #4: Well, it is only ten and they seem pretty harmless.
Elder #3: (from a distance) Harmless unless you get sunburned from the prophet...
Elder #2: Now we all want to be faithful to the God of our forefathers.
Elder #5: Abraham...
Elder #4: Issac...
Elder #1: Jacob
Elder #2: Yes, those are the ones. And if it means that we follow these ten commandments, well I think I can sell it to my people.
Elder #5: Yeah, I don't think it will be a hard sell. I mean after all, my people are basically good people who already are living by a good number of these laws. I mean I don't have any murders or thefts in my group.... At least not that I know of?
Elder #4: That's what I am talking about. These ten rules are no-brainers. We can keep them with one hand tied behind our backs. By the way, did you see my neighbors new ox. Man what I wouldn't give to have one of them.
Elder #1: So it sounds like we are in agreement. We will present these ten suggestions...
Elder #5: Commandments!
Elder #1: We will present these ten Commandments to our people and call a congregational meeting to take a vote to accept. Agreed.
Elder #2: Excuse me, but I hate to be the one to stir up things, but what happens if the people vote no!!!!
Elder #3: (from a distance) Oh please no! If Moses has to go back up that mountain for another confab with God. Well all I can say is I am going to stay home that day. You can all tell me about it at our next meeting. If we even have a next meeting.
Elder #1: Alright. We go back to our people and we really sell these Ten Commandments. They are pretty straight forward and don't sound too hard, so I think it will be easy to sell it. Each of us is responsible for our own people. So make sure you have everything in line when we come to the congregational vote. If we get this wrong, the ten might turn into a hundred and then we will be in trouble. Just remember that!
(the elders nod in agreement and mumble with each other as they exit the stage opposite of the side where Elder #3 has been moved to. Elder # 3 is the last to exit, a few steps behind the rest, raising his hand in agreement.)
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