Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: And now, Adventures in Odyssey.

Eugene Meltsner: All right, Mr. Walton, just a few more feet. Watch your step.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): I can't watch anything with this blindfold on, Eugene.

Bernard Walton: Merely a figure of speech, Mr. Walton.

Eugene Meltsner: Okay, we're here.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Does that mean I can take this thing off now?

Eugene Meltsner: Please, allow me. Ta-da!

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): It's a, it's a garbage dump.

Bernard Walton: Correct.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Okay, I give up, but why are we at the garbage dump, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, come, Mr. Walton. Surely a man of your savvy and wisdom can figure it out. I'll give you a hint. It has to do with the theme of today's BTV.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Well, today's theme is forgiveness, but I don't see what that has to do with garbage.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, really? Well, I should think it would be obvious. Well, perhaps if you thought about it for a few more minutes.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Please.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): All right. That's what I get for letting him pick the location. Can we at least start the show while I'm thinking?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, by all means.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Thank you. Hi, everyone. Welcome to BTV.

Chris: Now in the Adventures in Odyssey club, Kayla has some issues with the recent reporting at Channel 10.

Bernard Walton: Morgan, have you read the next story?

Parson Brown: Yes, of course.

Bernard Walton: Does it feel right to you?

Eugene Meltsner: Yeah, what's the problem?

Bernard Walton: Well, we're only reporting half the story.

Chris: Meanwhile, Trey is frustrated with the new rules at school.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): I can't take any more of this assigned seating.

Eugene Meltsner: Me either.

Bernard Walton: This is unjust.

Chris: It is, and we shouldn't take it.

Eugene Meltsner: What should we do? Go on strike or something?

Chris: The Calhouns fight hard for their causes. Now in the Adventures in Odyssey Club.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Welcome back to BTV. Today we're going to take a look at forgiveness. Mr. Walton, have you figured it out yet?

Bernard Walton: No, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, okay. Keep trying.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): I have a feeling I'm going to need some forgiveness before we're through.

Parson Brown: He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself, for every man has a need to be forgiven. Thomas Fuller, a clergyman and author.

Eugene Meltsner: And now a story by Bernard.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Once upon a time, there was a quaint little hamlet in Storyland called Cozy Creek. The citizens were all very friendly.

Eugene Meltsner: Howdy, welcome to Cozy Creek.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): In the center of town stood a beautiful white chapel with a steeple that could be seen from miles around.

Bernard Walton: Wow, look, you can see the chapel steeple all the way from here.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): But on the day of our story, things inside the chapel were far from cozy, for Parson Brown had gathered all the chapel parishioners to give them some shocking news.

Eugene Meltsner: You did what?

Parson Brown: I've invited the big bad wolf to church.

Eugene Meltsner: We're shocked, we tell you, shocked.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Attention, hold it, hold it.

Parson Brown: One at a time.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Me, me, me.

Parson Brown: Yes, yes, yes, Ralphie P.

Bernard Walton: Parson, we in the Three Little Pigs family believe that the big bad wolf is a scallywag, a hairball, and a detriment to society.

Chris: Oh, don't sugarcoat it, Ralphie. Tell us how you really feel.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): A parson, I believe I still have the floor.

Chris: Or at least a very large portion of it.

Parson Brown: Goldie.

Chris: Sorry.

Parson Brown: Now, Ralphie, could you please get to the point?

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Oh, isn't it obvious? We built this church out of brick to protect ourselves from the very wolf that you have so kindly led back into our midst. I tell you, that cousin of a canine will devour us if we let him in here.

Chris: Oh, Balderdash, I for one think Wally has really changed.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Wally? Since when do we get on a first name basis with a big bad wolf?

Connie Kendall: Will you stop calling him that? Look, ever since old King Cole forgave Wally, he's been acting like a brand new wolf.

Parson Brown: In fact, Wally's change has been so dramatic, it's rumored he's actually become a vegetarian.

Bernard Walton: Oh, please, not even Tweedledum would believe that one.

Connie Kendall: Um, Parson, could I say something?

Parson Brown: Oh, certainly. Red Riding Hood, go right ahead.

Connie Kendall: Well, what if this new attitude is just another act to get in here and eat us? After all, he was very convincing playing my grandmother.

Parson Brown: Mm-hmm. I understand your hesitation, Red, but there comes a time when we need to practice our faith. Ah, it comes down to this. If the king can forgive the big bad, I mean, Wally, shouldn't we be able to forgive him as well?

Eugene Meltsner: We interrupt this story to bring you an important news bulletin from Israel's Most Wanted.

John Walshberg: Hello, I'm Johnny Welshberg. Baba Servante was once living a life of luxury as a servant to the king. Now he's on a terrifying and fast-paced, unforgiving spree. And perhaps the most shocking thing about this sad situation is that none of it had to happen, as this dramatic reenactment shows. Baba Servante, according to my palace accountants, you're in debt to me for over 10,000 talents.

Eugene Meltsner: 10,000? But, but sire, that's impossible. I mean, I knew I owed a little, but wow.

John Walshberg: Payment is due now.

Eugene Meltsner: Now? But sire, I've had business setbacks. You see, I invested heavily in the Japanese market, and well, the point is I can't pay it back. In fact, I don't think I could ever pay back a big bill like that.

John Walshberg: I see.

Eugene Meltsner: Good.

John Walshberg: Then I hereby order that you, your wife, your children, and all that you have be sold to repay your debt.

Eugene Meltsner: Sell my family? Oh, no, no, no. Please, please, Your Highness, don't do it. Be patient with me.

Bernard Walton: Well.

Eugene Meltsner: Please, please forgive me. I don't know how this happened. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

John Walshberg: Well. I forgive you.

Eugene Meltsner: You know?

John Walshberg: Yes. Yes, by noblesse oblige. As of now, I erase your debt completely.

Eugene Meltsner: Yahoo! Whoopee! Thank you, sire. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Mm.

John Walshberg: A happy ending? Not quite, for immediately after leaving the palace, Baba went in search of a fellow servant named Old Jack.

Eugene Meltsner: Old Jack, I've been looking everywhere for you.

Bernard Walton: Hi, Bubba. Long time no see.

Eugene Meltsner: Yeah, yeah, whatever. You owe me 10 denarii, buddy boy, and I want it now.

Bernard Walton: You know, funny thing about that, I'd love to pay you back, love to, but I'm all tapped out at the moment.

Eugene Meltsner: I said pay up, you rotten little weasel.

Bernard Walton: But I can't. I'm flat broke. Please forgive me. Please.

Eugene Meltsner: Show me the denarii! Show me the denarii!

Bernard Walton: Let go! You're choking me.

Eugene Meltsner: Hey, guard, guard.

Bernard Walton: What is it?

Eugene Meltsner: This man owes me money, but he won't pay. I want him thrown into prison until he works off what he owes me.

Bernard Walton: Right. Come on, you.

Connie Kendall: No, no, please. Forgive me, Papa. Forgive me.

John Walshberg: Sad. When the king was informed of Cervantes' despicable actions, he immediately added Bubba to the kingdom's 10 most wanted list. We need your help to stop him from spreading his special brand of mayhem any further. Here are some of the best clues that may help you recognize Bubba Cervantes.

Connie Kendall: Hi, I'm Connie Kendall, and this is Forgiveness in Action.

Chris: Today we're at Kingsway Elementary School, where Verna Shampill and Billy Ribowski are about to have a run-in.

Connie Kendall: Ow, that hurt.

Chris: Ha ha.

Connie Kendall: Billy Ribowski, pulling hair is just wrong, and you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

Chris: You're right, I am. I'm sorry, okay?

Connie Kendall: Okay, I forgive you.

Chris: It's just that your ponytail is so nice and soft and ha!

Connie Kendall: Ow, you did it again!

Chris: I know, I'm sorry. Please forgive me.

Connie Kendall: Okay. Ow!

Chris: Sorry.

Connie Kendall: Okay. Ow!

Chris: Sorry.

Connie Kendall: Okay. Ow!

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Sorry.

Connie Kendall: Okay. Ow!

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Sorry.

Connie Kendall: Okay. Ow!

Chris: Sorry. Unbelievable. Verna just forgave Billy seven times for the same offense. Let's see if we can get a word with her. Verna? Can I ask you what on earth prompted you to forgive Billy so many times for doing the same thing?

Connie Kendall: Mm, okay, go ahead.

Chris: Uh, what on earth prompted you to forgive him so many times for doing the same thing?

Connie Kendall: Well, it was really a combination of two things. First, Jesus said that if your brother sins, you're supposed to rebuke him, and if he repents, you need to forgive him, even if he sins against you seven times in one day, and seven times he comes back to you and says, I'm sorry, Jesus said to forgive him.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Mm, I see. Well, that's forgiveness in action.

Chris: And what was the second thing that prompted you to forgive him?

Connie Kendall: Mm, well, I think he sort of likes me.

Chris: I do not. Ow, you hit me.

Connie Kendall: I know, I like you too. Sorry.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): He who forgives ends the quarrel. African proverb.

Chris: This is my favorite blouse. I wore it to the family reunion, and just look at it. Here's where Ernie spilled ketchup on me, and that's the baby's grape juice, and that's where Uncle Danny hugged me with oily hands.

John Walshberg: Tired of dingy grays? Need more color in your life? Then use Forgiveness laundry detergent and bring back the shine. No need to live life with drabby clothing. Use Forgiveness and set those stains free.

Chris: Wow, this isn't just clean, it's forgiveness clean. Mm-mm, and it smells good too.

John Walshberg: Smells good, feels soft, and best of all, it's free. Then finish up with New Beginning Fabric Softener for best results. Remember, to get your dirty laundry truly clean, use forgiveness.

Chris: Does this work on rugs?

John Walshberg: Uh, no.

Connie Kendall: Oh, that's too bad because I have this, well, in my house, someone dropped a push-up.

Eugene Meltsner: And now it's time for Did You know?

Chris: Did you know that when Jesus said we were to forgive someone not just 7 times, but 70 times 7, he didn't mean 490 times? Jesus used it figuratively to mean an infinite number.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Did you know that one of the Greek words for forgiveness is aphesis, which means to set free from captivity?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, you know it now, and don't you forget it.

Chris: We now return to our regularly scheduled story.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Little Red Riding Hood stood up and walked around the room.

Connie Kendall: It isn't that easy to forgive the big bad wolf, Parson.

Eugene Meltsner: I know, Red.

Connie Kendall: My poor grandmother was so frightened by the wolf that she couldn't stay another night in her house.

Eugene Meltsner: Hmm.

Connie Kendall: After everything he's done, do you really think he can be trusted?

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin.

Chris: Oh, Ralphie, aren't you even willing to give him half a chance?

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): No, Goldie, I'm not. That big bad airbag has blown every chance he's had with his big bad breath. That's why over half the town has purchased my brick houses.

Chris: Well, they certainly didn't buy them for looks.

Parson Brown: Well, I just don't think old King Cole would have forgiven Wally unless he thought that Wally was truly repentant.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Oh, look, we can go all around the mulberry bush on this one until Bo Peep's sheep come home. The fact is we have no guarantee that his sort of huffing and puffing won't happen again.

Connie Kendall: We also have no guarantee that it will, Ralphie.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Oh, Red, you of all people should know how dangerous this wolf is.

Connie Kendall: Yes, Ralphie, I do. And I was fully prepared to come here tonight and vote against him. Then yesterday, I received this.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): A letter? So?

Connie Kendall: It's from him.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Who?

Chris: Who?

Connie Kendall: The big bad wolf.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): What's in this letter? Will everyone forgive Wally? Find out when BTV continues in just a moment.

Chris: Want to contact us about the episodes you're hearing? Visit our website at adventuresinodyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY, with a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.

Connie Kendall: Welcome back to BTV.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Okay, so far we've learned that everyone has done something requiring forgiveness, but what about when someone hurts us? Should we forgive others? And are there any consequences if we don't?

Parson Brown: And have you figured out yet why we're in the Odyssey City dump?

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): No, Eugene, I haven't, but I'm still working on it.

Connie Kendall: Excellent.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): It's too bad today's show isn't about patience.

Wally Wolf: To err is human, to forgive divine. English poet Alexander Pope in his essay on criticism.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): All eyes were on Little Red Riding Hood as she carefully took the letter from the envelope, cleared her throat, and began to read.

Connie Kendall: Dear Little Red Riding Hood, I'm writing to tell you how terribly sorry I am for the heartache I have caused you and your grandmother. I was wrong to behave the way I did, and I'd very much like your forgiveness. Sincerely, Wally Wolf. P.S. Please find checking clothes to cover therapy expenses and any damage I did to your grandmother's outfit.

Parson Brown: Hmm, that's a beautiful letter, Red.

Connie Kendall: I think so too, but whether it means he's really changed or not, I'm still not sure.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Well, of course he hasn't changed. That letter means nothing. Besides, if he's so serious about changing, well then why didn't I get a letter?

Parson Brown: Well, he told me he didn't think a letter was a suitable way to make amends for the pain he's caused your family, Ralphie.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Yeah, well, he thought right about that.

Parson Brown: Instead, he asked me to arrange a meeting where he could apologize in person.

Wally Wolf: What?

Parson Brown: That's him now. Goldie, would you get the door?

Chris: Sure, Parson.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): No, don't answer it.

Connie Kendall: Ralphie, just sit down and for once try to behave yourself like a good little pig.

Parson Brown: Hello, Wally. Come on in.

Wally Wolf: Thanks, Parson.

Parson Brown: I believe you know everyone.

Wally Wolf: Yeah. Hiya, folks.

Parson Brown: I'm glad you came. I know it was difficult for you.

Wally Wolf: I'm glad I came too. You don't know how glad.

Chris: You know, Wally, I've never noticed before what beautiful big eyes you have.

Wally Wolf: Aw, thanks, Goldie. All the better to see you with, you know.

Connie Kendall: What?

Parson Brown: Yes, and what wonderfully big ears you have.

Wally Wolf: All the better to hear you with.

Connie Kendall: Don't.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): And let's not forget your big teeth.

Wally Wolf: Yes, all the better to eat you with.

Chris: No!

Connie Kendall: I

Bernard Walton: knew it, it was a trap, I told you.

John Walshberg: At last, I finally have you all exactly where I want you. No more huffing and puffing, no more dressing up in granny clothes. Now you're all mine. We interrupt Bernard's story to bring you a dramatic breakthrough in the case of one of Israel's most wanted. Fugitive at large, Baba Servanti has been captured. We take you live now to the King's Palace, where Michael Leonardo is standing by. Michael, can you hear me? Yes, but just barely. That trumpet you just heard means the king has arrived. Let's listen in.

Wally Wolf: Baba Servanti, step forward.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, your highness, majesty, sire. Now, if I could only explain.

John Walshberg: Silence! Your crime is clear. Why didn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?

Eugene Meltsner: But my lord, I was just trying to collect the money so I could, could pay you back.

Wally Wolf: There was no need to pay me back. I forgave your debt, just as you should have forgiven him, Baba.

Eugene Meltsner: I didn't know. I thought I was doing the right thing. I was even going to make a sacrifice at the temple in your name. Ernest!

John Walshberg: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. Since you have not learned that lesson, you leave me no choice.

Chris: I don't.

John Walshberg: I hereby command that you be thrown into prison and there be tortured by the jailers until you repay what you owe.

Eugene Meltsner: But how can I work to repay you if I'm being tortured in prison?

John Walshberg: That's for you to figure out.

Eugene Meltsner: But your highness!

Wally Wolf: Take him away.

Eugene Meltsner: No, no, no, no, wait, wait, wait, no, please, no, no, no!

Bernard Walton: And there you have it, John. The verdict, guilty. Back to you.

John Walshberg: Thanks, Michael. The king's justice will be served, but it's important to remember that what happened to Baba Servanti could very well happen to any of us.

Chris: No.

John Walshberg: Jesus said that this is the same way our heavenly father will treat us unless we forgive our brother from our heart. Until next time, this is John Walshberg signing off for Israel's Most Wanted.

Bernard Walton: The parson and the others huddled in the corner as the big bad wolf crouched, ready to spring on them.

Wally Wolf: I told you he's gonna eat us.

Chris: We've been snookered.

Connie Kendall: This can't be happening again.

Bernard Walton: We're doomed, I tell you, doomed.

Wally Wolf: Wally, Wally, you can't do this. Please, please don't do this.

John Walshberg: Oh, you're right, Parson. I can't do it. I'm sorry, Ralphie, but it's no deal.

Chris: Ralphie?

Bernard Walton: Me? What are you talking about, Wolf?

Wally Wolf: Oh, you know what I'm talking about. You're a scam.

Chris: Scam?

Bernard Walton: I don't know what you're talking about.

Wally Wolf: Oh, don't give me that. You know you're trying to scam these folks, but I won't be a part of it anymore. My conscience won't let me.

Chris: Ralphie.

Bernard Walton: Don't listen to him. He can't be trusted.

Wally Wolf: Oh yeah? Then I'll prove it. You folks ever hear of ROE Development?

Connie Kendall: That's the company that bought my grandmother's house after she was too scared to return there.

Chris: They also bought the other two pigs' property dirt cheap after you chased them off.

Wally Wolf: Right. Well, ROE stands for Ralphie owns everything.

Bernard Walton: What?

Wally Wolf: I was just a flunky. He's the big man. He's the one who made me run innocent people off their land so he could buy it dirt cheap. He also weakened the frames on his brothers' houses so I could blow them down.

Bernard Walton: Quiet, Wally.

Wally Wolf: No, I want out, Ralphie. I can't live like this no more.

Connie Kendall: Wally, are you saying you were never going to eat any of us?

Wally Wolf: Well, of course not. Wolves don't eat people. That's just propaganda spread by Ralphie.

Chris: Well, what about Ralphie's brothers?

Wally Wolf: The pigs? Nah, I cut fat out of my diet years ago. Gotta watch the old cholesterol, you know.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): While the others guarded Ralphie, Goldilocks called the palace police. All the king's horses and all the king's men arrived and carted the unrepentant pig off to jail.

Bernard Walton: You think you've seen the last of me? I'll be back, you hear? I'll be back.

Parson Brown: Oh, poor Ralphie. Now he's the one who needs forgiveness.

Chris: Yeah, he just didn't want it for anyone else.

Connie Kendall: I hope he apologizes, though, or he'll end up being forsaken bacon.

Wally Wolf: Yep, you reap what you sow, I guess.

Parson Brown: One thing I don't understand, though, Wally, is why Ralphie wanted you to do all of this.

Wally Wolf: Well, two reasons, Parson. First, he wanted everybody's land, and second, he wanted everyone to be scared of me so they'd buy expensive brick houses from him.

Chris: I can't believe he cheated his own brothers. What a swine.

Wally Wolf: My cave is on Ralphie's property, and he raised the rent so high, I didn't think I had any choice but to help. It got to the point where I couldn't live with myself anymore. I was going to come clean, but then after you left last night, Parson, Ralphie came over and threatened to repossess my cave if I didn't go back to work for him. I hope you'll find it in your hearts to forgive me. What do you say, Parson?

Parson Brown: Of course I do.

Wally Wolf: And Goldie?

Chris: Absolutely.

Wally Wolf: And Red, I know after what I did to your granny, you have the best reason of all not to forgive me, but I sure hope you will. Please?

Connie Kendall: Okay, Wally, I forgive you too.

Wally Wolf: Hot dog!

Parson Brown: Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm hungry. Why don't we go to Horner's Cafe for a nice cup of hot chocolate and a piece of pie?

Chris: You don't have to ask me twice, but instead of pie, I think I want some porridge.

Connie Kendall: Sounds good to me too, Parson. Would you like to come with us, Wally? My treat.

Wally Wolf: Really?

Connie Kendall: Really.

Wally Wolf: Aw, I'd love to. Thanks, Red.

Parson Brown: Well, we'd better get over there before little Jack sticks his fingers in all the pies again.

Chris: Why do you think I stick to porridge?

Connie Kendall: She's a funny kid.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Well, that's our show for today. Thanks for tuning in.

Bernard Walton: Wait, wait, wait, Mr. Walton, you still haven't revealed the connection between forgiveness and the Odyssey City dump.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Yeah, I was hoping you hadn't noticed. Okay, Eugene, I give up. I don't know what the connection is, so why don't you just tell us, okay?

Eugene Meltsner: I thought you'd never ask. The refuse encircling us is, to my mind, a perfect metaphor for forgiveness. You see, when you forgive someone of a wrongdoing, it is tantamount to taking out the trash and allowing it to be hauled off to be recycled into something fresh and clean.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Yeah, well, that's very nice, Eugene, but that really describes redemption more than it describes forgiveness.

Eugene Meltsner: Uh, redemption?

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Yes, you know, taking something old and stained and dirty and turning it into something brand new, like Jesus does with us.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, yes, of course. So what you're saying is that I dragged you and everyone else all the way down here to stand all day in smelly muck so I could illustrate the wrong theme?

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): I'm afraid so. It's all right, though, because redemption will make a wonderful theme for a new show.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, Mr. Walton, I'm so sorry.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): It's all right, Eugene. I'm used to it by now. I forgive you.

Eugene Meltsner: Thank you.

Whit (Mr. Whittaker): Well, that's it for now. Remember to keep on forgiving, and don't forget to take out the trash. See you next time on BTV.

Chris: In Matthew 6:12, the Lord's Prayer, Jesus tells us that we can ask God to forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. Most of us are familiar with this verse, but a lot of us take the first part of it to heart while forgetting about the second part. Jesus tells us that we can ask God to forgive us of our sins against him in the same way that we forgive others when they sin against us. Puts a little different spin on forgiveness, doesn't it? It gives us the responsibility of looking at others through God's eyes. So the next time you have trouble forgiving someone, just remember how much God has forgiven you.

Well, that's it for now, except to say that if you'd like to write to me for any reason, I'd love to hear from you. Just send your cards or letters to Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. In Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B4G3. And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called BTV Forgiveness. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. BTV Forgiveness was written by Tori Martin and Phil Lawler and directed by Phil Lawler. Our production engineer was Dwayne Harms, and I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.