Herkem, Smirkem & Lurkem, a set of triplets, grew up going to church with their parents, the Workams. The three young men were taught all the favorite Bible stories and sang all the favorite Bible songs. Herkem, Smirkem & Lurkem Workam were dutiful to attend church- even as adults. One day Herkem said, “I wonder what this Bible thing is all about.” Smirkem replied, “Don’t waste your time with that. It’s just a book of rules for the ultra-religious and so-called godly. Church is more than the Bible. And if you ask me it’s all about judging anyway.” The third brother Lurkem, who always stood in the shadows, simply nodded his head in agreement with both of his brothers. During the months that followed, Herkem read the Bible every day. He devoured it. Before long, it was all he wanted to talk about! Smirkem saw Herkem actually enjoying the Bible and a few new friends. Smirkem smirked, “Legalists and Pharisees.” Lurkem just stood shrugging in the shadows. After a year or more, the preacher asked Herkem to lead a Bible study. Herkem was thrilled to find a new purpose in his life. Smirkem was beside himself! “After all,” he stressed to Lurkem, “there is just so much else to do. We have work, band rehearsals and well, we need more WE time! It’s just not right.” Lurkem just frowned and lurked. Herkem however began to know GOD personally. It seemed that everything Herkem did was good. Smirkem hated it which made the twisted smirk on his face grow more grotesque. “Why?’ Smirkem thought. He and his brothers were all the same- same birth, same clothes, same food and they lived together in the same house all of their lives. But there was something different about Herkem now. Smirkem said to Lurkem, “We have got to put an end to this so-called joy Herkem says he’s found.” Then Lurkem stepped out of the shadows with a Bible in his hand. Before Smirkem could say a word, Lurkem spoke up loud and clear to say, “Dear Brother, I think what Herkem has found is the Gospel Truth! Dumbfounded, Smirkem sputtered, “Now Lurkem don’t you start with that crazy…” But Lurkem, looking his brother in the eye, smiled and walked out boldly into the full Light of day. Outside of their tiny home and tiny hearts Herkem & Lurkem found a more perfect way, through the study and acceptance of GOD’s Word. Smirkem stubborn and confused as ever, watched as his brothers grew spiritually into the men the Creator designed them to be. Poor lonely Smirkem, stuck in a scoffer’s rut. “Break open Your words, let the Light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning.Mouth open and panting, I wanted Your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, as You always do to those who personally love You. Steady my steps with Your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life Your way. Smile on me, Your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody’s living by Your book! You are right and You do right, God; Your decisions are right on target. You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to You. My rivals nearly did me in, they persistently ignored Your commandments. Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, Your servant, love it dearly.” Psalm 119:130-140 (The Message paraphrase)
