For me, these words are a galvanizing invitation. They are so palatable and nonthreatening. They call me to a lifetime of connectedness to the Person who stands solitary, demarcating time as we know it.

One does not squander one's time, considering the One by whom time is measured. One does not abuse one's time following him whose thought, words and deeds have so deeply framed human history. No king, president, general, scientist, mogul of commerce or philosopher has so shaped civilization as has the power of those 1,000 days in which this simple Peasant moved among us. A Carpenter, whose only brush with the halls of civil power, stood in the capacity of a criminal condemned to death.

And that is the paradox.

The events which surrounded him, his teachings, or even the cataclysmic days of his death, burial and resurrec- tion; none of these things wrought this magnificent supremacy. While each of these events demands preemptive significance, it was his patently audacious claims of identity -- who he is -- that credentialed them.

Such words as these call me to a life of reaching transcendence, an existential extension of being. Unfortunately, my assorted foibles preclude my lingering long in such airs. Still, I cannot resist such an appeal. This presentation is a result of my response to this invitation. In it, you will discover my own prejudices and biases. I am responsible for every error in thinking and for none of the truth.

Some may venture to conclude that I have taken away the Deity of Jesus in this volume. Absolutely nothing could be more false. I honor and affirm that Jesus was, and has always been, and is today God of very God. However, the history of the invisible and visible church has all but ignored his humanness.

This writing is, admittedly, perhaps an inadequate attempt to call attention to the fact the Jesus of Nazareth, was also human. It is a critical distinction, because it is at the point of his humanness that we find our deepest intimacy with him. It is at the point of his humanness that we find our very redemption. Without his humanness, there would not have been, nor could there have been any redemption at all.

Also, please understand that this present volume was not written to replace the sacred page. Let me be clear: It is only within the pages of the Original Autographs, that one will find the unadulterated, written revelation of God. That said and affirmed, should this volume provoke interest in the scriptures, it will have served its purpose.

I began this book in the fall of 1995. The first draft was completed on August 23, 2003. It has been simultaneously, the most difficult writing task in my seven plus decades of life and the most sublime. Contained in those moments of pattering away on my keyboard were the most precious times I have ever known with God. The intensity of spiritual intimacy often evoked tears of joy, gratitude and satisfaction. More so than counseling, more so than teaching and preaching, more so than the sweet fellowship I have had with other believers. Apart from giving life to and raising three extraordinary human beings, this book is for me the most important thing I have ever done in my expenditure of human effort and energy.

Should this work ever be published or read by a population other than my family and close friends, I fear the consequences. I think I have managed to offend just about every religious denomination and sect. I wish them to know that this was not deliberate or intentional. I meant them no harm. I comfort myself with the truth that Jesus himself was, on occasion, not inoffensive.

On the other hand, the crucible of merit for this work lies not in its acceptance by the major denominations or theological academe, but in acceptance by prostitutes, those imprisoned, the immoral, profane, destitute and unchurched of this world. Certainly no condescension intended, but these may well be the "little ones" of whom Jesus spoke, the ones for whom drowning would be preferred rather than to offend them. To these, "the least of my brethren," I humbly commit these pages.

You must remember that you are looking over my shoulder as I, like others before me, struggle with God. Sometimes in tears. Sometimes in happiness. Sometimes in stony silence. It is as if you are sitting with me in the closet of my heart and sharing with me the rich Cognac of Truth. As Mr. Emerson has eloquently put it . . .

"The argument which has not power to reach my practice, . . . will fail to reach yours. But [I have done my best to] take Sidey's maxim: 'Look in thy heart, and write.' He that writes to himself, writes to an eternal public."

So here is the glass of crystal, my friend. Swirl gently this shimmering, aged liquid gold and savor the bouquet. Then taste and see that it is good.

-- Paul Morris