Three random fictitious conversations between Stephen and Ishmael about Shark Tank. That might have taken place at various times in history… But did not!
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Three random fictitious conversations between Stephen and Ishmael about Shark Tank. That might have taken place at various times in history… But did not!
Stephen: Have you been watching Shark Tank lately, Ishmael?
Ishmael: No, I haven’t had the time. Why do you ask, Stephen?
Stephen: Well, I’ve been watching the show and it’s truly inspiring. The entrepreneurs who come onto the show have so much faith in their products and ideas, and it’s amazing to see how they grow and develop.
Ishmael: I don’t know, Stephen. It seems like a show for people who have already made it. We nomads don’t really have the luxuries to dream big like that.
Stephen: That’s where you’re wrong, Ishmael. Shark Tank is not just for people who have already made it. It’s for anyone who has a vision and is willing to put in the work to make it happen. The sharks are there to help them realize their potential and take their ideas to the next level.
Ishmael: But what about greed and envy? Aren’t those things frowned upon in the Christian faith?
Stephen: Of course they are, Ishmael. But Shark Tank is not about greed or envy. It’s about taking a risk and putting your faith into action. It’s about believing in yourself and your abilities and asking for help when you need it. That’s a principle that is in line with the Christian faith.
Ishmael: Hmm, I never thought of it that way. Maybe I’ll give the show a chance.
Stephen: That’s the spirit, Ishmael. Remember, with God, all things are possible. So dream big and put your faith into action. “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
Stephen: Hey Ishmael, have you seen the latest episode of Shark Tank? It was amazing!
Ishmael: I don’t really care for Shark Tank. It’s all about money and greed.
Stephen: What are you talking about? Shark Tank is all about entrepreneurs bringing their ideas to the table and working hard to achieve their dreams.
Ishmael: Sure, but it’s also about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.
Stephen: That’s not true at all! Look at all the success stories that have come out of that show. They’ve helped countless people achieve their dreams.
Ishmael: I guess, but I just can’t get past the fact that all those sharks are so rich and powerful.
Stephen: That’s not necessarily a bad thing. They’ve worked hard to get where they are, and now they’re giving back by investing in others.
Ishmael: I don’t know, it just seems like they’re hoarding all the success for themselves.
Stephen: That’s not fair at all. They’re providing opportunities for others to succeed, and that’s a beautiful thing.
Ishmael: Alright, alright, I hear you. Maybe I’ll give it another chance.
Stephen: Yes! That’s all I ask. Who knows—maybe you’ll even come up with your own shark-worthy idea someday.
I spy
Stephen: Alright Ishmael, let’s play a game of I spy. You go first.
Ishmael: Sure thing. I spy with my little eye something that is square and black.
Stephen: Hmm, let me think. Is it one of the Sharks on Shark Tank?
Ishmael: You got it! It’s Mr. Wonderful, Kevin O’Leary’s suit jacket.
Stephen: Nice one. Alright, my turn. I spy with my little eye something that is circular and orange.
Ishmael: Ah, that’s an easy one. It’s the Shark Tank logo.
Stephen: Correct! Your turn again.
Ishmael: Okay, I spy with my little eye something that is blue and rectangular.
Stephen: Is it Mark Cuban’s shirt?
Ishmael: Bingo! You’re really good at this.
Stephen: Thanks, I’ve watched a lot of Shark Tank. Alright, my turn again. I spy with my little eye something that is yellow and shaped like a fish.
Ishmael: Hmm, this one’s a little tricky. Is it one of the products pitched on Shark Tank?
Stephen: Yes it is! It’s the Chirps cricket protein chips. They were on season 9.
Ishmael: Wow, I never would have guessed that one. You really know your stuff.
Stephen: Thanks, it’s one of my favorite shows. Alright, one more round. You go first.
Ishmael: I spy with my little eye something that is red and cylindrical.
Stephen: Oh, I know this one. It’s one of the products that Lori Greiner invested in – the Scrub Daddy sponge!
Ishmael: That’s correct! Great job.
Stephen: Thanks for playing Ishmael, that was fun.
Ishmael: Anytime, it’s always a good time playing games about Shark Tank with a fellow fan.
Stephen was one of the first deacons of the Christian church, known for his faith and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. The Bible describes him as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). He was chosen to help distribute food to widows in the early church, but his ministry quickly expanded as he began to preach and perform miracles in the name of Jesus.
As Stephen preached and debated with other Jews who opposed the Christian message, he became a target of persecution. Despite this, he continued to declare the truth of Jesus and defend the faith with wisdom and power. When he was brought before the Sanhedrin, he boldly proclaimed the gospel and accused them of rejecting God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
But Stephen’s message was too much for his opponents to bear. They dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death. Even in his dying moments, Stephen forgave his attackers and prayed for their salvation.
Stephen’s life and ministry serve as a powerful example of the courage and faith required to follow Jesus in the face of opposition and persecution. He remained faithful to the end, trusting in God’s sovereignty and proclaiming the truth at all costs.
“Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” – Acts 7:55
Ishmael was the first son of the patriarch Abraham and his wife Sarah’s maidservant, Hagar. Although he was not the promised son of God, Ishmael was still a significant figure in the Old Testament.
From a young age, Ishmael lived a difficult life. His mother was mistreated by Sarah and eventually forced to flee into the wilderness with her son. God, however, did not forsake them. He promised to bless Ishmael and grant him a great nation of his own.
Ishmael grew up to be a skilled archer and lived a nomadic life, dwelling in the wilderness of Paran. Despite his early setbacks, he was always protected and provided for by God.
In the New Testament, Ishmael is mentioned as a symbolic figure representing those who try to attain righteousness through their own efforts. The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 4:28-29, “Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.”
Even though Ishmael’s life was not always easy, he played an important part in God’s plan for humanity. His story reminds us that God is always faithful to His promises and that we should put our trust in Him.
Shark Tank is a popular television show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, known as “sharks”. While the show may be entertaining to watch, it highlights the importance of hard work, determination, and taking risks. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources and talents that God has given us. By striving to bring new and innovative ideas to the world, we can inspire and create positive change. However, it’s crucial to remember that success should not be the ultimate goal. Rather, we should seek to use our talents to serve others and glorify God. As we watch Shark Tank, let’s be inspired to work hard, take risks, and use our gifts to make a difference in the world.
Have fun creating a conversation between two Bible characters. One in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament and see what happens!