Part 5: Roots and Resistance – Confronting the Elders
Zuri stood at the foot of the Baobab tree, her heart pounding in her chest. Before we get too carried away, if you have yet to read Parts 1 and 4 of the story of Zuri, click the links after the second paragraph and then come back to this page. The village elders, seated in a semicircle, watched her with stern expressions. They were the custodians of tradition, the ones who ensured that the ways of the ancestors were respected and followed. Zuri knew the weight of what she was about to do. Challenging the traditions of her people was no small matter.
One of the elders, Mzee Ochieng, a man known for his wisdom and harsh judgments, spoke first. “Zuri, we have heard troubling things. You have returned with strange beliefs, speaking of a foreign god and turning your back on the ways of our ancestors. Explain yourself.” She took a deep breath, clutching the wooden cross around her neck for strength. “Mzee Ochieng, I have not come to disrespect our people or the ways we have known. I have come to share what I have learned. I have heard the voice of the One True God, the Creator of all things. He has called me to follow His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to bring us life and light.”
The Story of Zuri: Called to the Light – Part 1
A Journey of Faith and Courage – The Story of Zuri – Part 2
The Divine Visitation by the River – The Story of Zuri – Part 3
The Rift Between Worlds – The Story of Zuri – Part 4
The elders exchanged uneasy glances. Another elder, Mama Ayanna, a respected healer, spoke next. “Zuri, you speak with passion, but our people have followed the spirits of the ancestors for generations. We have been protected, our crops have flourished, and our families have thrived under their guidance. Why should we abandon them for a god we do not know?”
Zuri nodded, acknowledging their concerns. “I understand the fear of change, but the God I speak of is not foreign. He is the very Creator who made the heavens and the earth. He loves us, not as distant spirits do, but as a Father loves His children. Jesus came to show us that love, to bring forgiveness and new life. I have felt His presence, and it is unlike anything I have ever known. He calls us into a relationship with Him, not through fear or tradition, but through love and truth.”
The elders murmured among themselves, their faces a mix of curiosity and scepticism. Mzee Ochieng raised his hand to silence the group. “Zuri, you speak with conviction, but how do we know this Jesus is real? We have seen the power of the spirits in our lives. Can this Jesus do more for our people?”
Zuri’s heart raced. She knew this was a crucial moment. “Jesus does not just offer blessings for crops or protection from harm. He offers something far greater—salvation for our souls. He died so that we might be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life with God. Jesus Christ rose from the dead, proving that death itself has no power over Him. What He offers is not just for this life, but for the life to come.”
Mama Ayanna frowned, her scepticism clear. “And what proof do you have of this? We cannot rely on words alone.”
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. – Galatians 5:17 (ESV)
Zuri hesitated. She had seen the power of Jesus in her own life, but how could she prove it to them? She remembered Joseph’s words: **“You are the one God has chosen to bring the light.”** Perhaps it was not about proving Jesus in the way they wanted, but about showing the change in her own heart. 
“I do not have the power to prove anything to you,” Zuri said softly. “But I can tell you this: my heart has been transformed. The fear I once carried is gone. The uncertainty I lived with has been replaced by a peace I cannot explain. I no longer need to seek the approval of the spirits or live in fear of angering them. Jesus has given me freedom, and He offers the same to all who believe in Him.”
The silence that followed was thick with tension. The elders sat, their expressions unreadable. Zuri felt the weight of their judgment, but she refused to waver. She had spoken the truth, and now the outcome was in God’s hands.
Finally, Mzee Ochieng spoke again, his voice heavy. “Zuri, you have always been a respectful and obedient child. We cannot ignore the sincerity in your words. However, what you are asking is for us to turn our backs on generations of tradition. We cannot simply abandon our ways because of your experience.”
Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:5
Zuri bowed her head, accepting the elder’s words with grace. “I understand, Mzee Ochieng. I do not expect you to change overnight. But I ask that you allow me to share more about Jesus with those who are willing to listen. I believe that if you seek Him with an open heart, you will find the truth as I have.”
The elders conferred quietly amongst themselves, their voices low and serious. After a few moments, Mzee Ochieng stood. “We will not forbid you from speaking, Zuri. But know this: you will face opposition. Many in the village will not accept your words, and you may find yourself shunned. If you continue down this path, you must be prepared for the consequences.”
Zuri looked into the elder’s eyes, seeing both warning and compassion. She nodded. “I am prepared.”
With that, the council was dismissed. Zuri walked away from the Baobab tree, her heart heavy but resolute. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but she also knew that God was with her. She had been given the chance to speak, and now it was up to her to plant the seeds of faith.
As she made her way back to her home, she silently prayed for strength and wisdom. She prayed for her people, that their hearts might be open to the truth. And most of all, she prayed for the courage to face whatever came next.
Summary: Roots and Resistance
Zuri boldly speaks about Jesus before the village elders. Some listen, others reject her words, and they warn her of the consequences of going against tradition. She stands her ground, trusting that God is with her.
What about you? Have you ever had to stand alone for what you believe in? What helped you stay strong? Share your thoughts below!
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