Sacred Scrolls; Chapter 25

 

Sacred Scrolls; Chapter 25

© 2021 by Amber Wright

A NEW DAY BEGINS

“He died a Christian, Demetrius.” Junia told him in a husky voice, rocking little Andronika who kept turning her head restlessly. “He told me to tell you sorry for what he did, talking you into the band.” Her throat made a noise.

Demetrius nodded, but said nothing. He still felt numb, shocked, so un-alive. How did Alexander feel at the last? Was he afraid? Lost?

“His last words were ‘Lord Jesus, remember me’.” Junia scrubbed at her eyes with her knuckles. “That’s when he drew his final breath.”

‘Lord Jesus, remember me...’ Demetrius could hear Alexander’s voice speak silently. He squeezed his eyes shut, let his head sag…and cried. His friend was in the Kingdom. He was the one left behind—for some reason, for some purpose the Father had planned. Moments faded before he lifted his head again. Why was he acting weak like this? Tough men never cried. But…he remembered something Elder John had told him about Jesus. Jesus wept. At the grave of Lazarus, even when He knew He would raise His friend, Jesus had wept.

What was the real toughness Jesus had? Compassion. Feeling for the next man, however base he was. Love, the true strength. That was it. Compassion—love in its full power—was the true strength to every broken yesterday, today and tomorrow. And today in this broken hour, he would reach out to compassion and trust it to lead the way. To guide him to a better tomorrow. To understand what life was all about.

Demetrius wordlessly pulled the sheet over Alexander's face. He had to. The dead was dead. He said a silent prayer—for the living who remained. Let us face our pain as he did. Let us face this day. And in the hour of brokenness, may we live to give to those appointed to die hope of a better resurrection. The sheet slipped from his fingers and he saw the bandage on Alexander’s chest. It was nearly clean with just a few drops of blood on it. Inside, he ached. That bandage made him realize just how close life and death met. One moment his friend had been alive, bleeding; the next moment, his blood had stopped pumping. Forever.

“No, no…!” Andronika suddenly screamed, reaching out to grab the sheet but he stopped her. “You can’t suffocate him! I won’t let you, I won’t…” Her voice trailed, ending in a sob.

Shock paralyzed Demetrius. Surely Alexander was not still alive? He put a hand on Alexander’s face. It was cold. No. His friend was still dead.

“Demetrius?” Junia handed him little Andronika and rushed to her hysterical friend.

He took the tiny baby, awkwardly, and his eyes squeezed with pain.

“You left me…Alexander!” Andronika wailed, sunk on her knees, her noise filling the room. “I’ve lost you forever. Don’t you care?”

He watched Junia stoop beside her the girl, hug her firmly and speak loud enough to be heard. “Andronika, stop this talk. He didn’t leave you on purpose…and you haven’t lost him forever. He’s waiting for you in heaven. He might even see you right now—and the way you’re acting!”

Andronika immediately quieted and looked over at Junia with wet, dull eyes. “My whole life has been one blight. I wonder why God even created me.”

“Because He loves you.” Junia smiled at the girl with tear-glittering eyes. “Because He cares for you and wants you to be the best you can be—what He has planned for you to be. Let’s come home, Andronika.”

“This is my home.” Andronika looked around blankly.

Demetrius repositioned the baby in his arms.

“Stay at my home.” Junia helped Andronika to her feet. “You can’t stay here.”

Junia gave him a nod to follow them and started to the door, Andronika in tow. He glanced one more time at the stilled body of his friend which was covered by the sheet, blew out the lamp on the little table and said a silent goodbye to Alexander. Ahead, Junia was fumbling with the latch. He reached around her and gave the door a jerk, then stepped out into the fresh air and under the dark night sky. Junia lifted her eyes with a faraway stare. He followed her gaze upward. Thousands of stars were twinkling down upon them, as if saying sorry for the pain.

Wordlessly, they walked on to Junia’s house where supper was still waiting for them all. Junia stumbled into their gate, supporting Andronika who walked mutely and dazedly beside her. Thankfully, little Andronika neither cried nor wriggled in his arms.

~

It was night. Elder John and Demetrius had left, and everyone had retired. Silence filled the air as Junia lay in bed thinking of the day’s events. It had been one complex day. First, I was happy when I went with Elder John to give bread to the poor. Then, I brooded over the fact that Judith is getting married soon and I am nowhere near the horizon of marriage. Not even one little ray of hope, she complained as she twisted a chunk of baby hairs absently.

Next, I was anxious and dreading the wait to hear the results of the upbraiding. Poor me, she almost smiled. Thank God, that went smoothly. If it hadn’t, I would have probably been in my bier by now. What a comforting thought! She paused thinking, squinting her eyes into the darkness. No, Lucius, I do not want to see you sneering over me just yet. Oh yes, then I cheered up when I realized that there are still good people in this world to remember—although the evil ones nearly overpower their remembrance. Next, I survive the trauma of Alexander’s stabbing, taking care of him and…his death. She forced down a swallow. She could still see his sweating face as he gasped for air in the dark that surrounded her. Chills ran through her. She had seen death so close.

A stream of moonlight, coming from her opened window, made her imagine Alexander’s dying form. She blinked that image away fiercely, No, Junia. Don’t think about that now. Another chill passed through her. But soon a smile turned the corners of her mouth, making her happy again. But my most important thought of today is… Now I am happy for Demetrius has returned to God. That prayer has been answered. Thank You, Jesus. She remembered Andronika and her hysteria, and a sigh slipped her, And now will You please help Andronika—heal her heart and mend her soul?

~

Somewhere in the middle of the night, Junia was startled awake by a sound. After a moment she realized that sound was somebody knocking on her door. She slid out of bed and padded her bare feet across the floor, pulling up the latch and croaking out, “Who is it?”

“Andronika.” The girl’s voice said behind the door. “I can’t sleep. I need to talk to someone. Can I come in?”

“Of course.” Junia opened the door fully and Andronika came into the room. “We can sit on the windowsill where it’s light.” She yawned.

“Yes. Thank you.”

Junia nodded, blinking her eyes to fully wake herself. “Welcome.”

“I couldn’t sleep…”

Junia led the way through the dark to the windowsill where the cool, grape-fragrant breeze floated in. They sat and Andronika looked up at the night sky, entranced at something. A lone call of an owl hooted somewhere in the night and still Andronika’s eyes were transfixed up to the black, nightly skies dotted with white stars.

Junia waited in silence for the girl to speak. Another silent moment passed. Slowly, carefully, she asked her. “What is it, Andronika?”

“It’s my stars, Junia.” Andronika answered softy, not taking her gaze from them. “I am again beginning to feel the beauty of my stars!”

Junia stared at Andronika with a start. Something in her friend’s face looked familiar…like old times. She had no hard mouth or listless eyes as she had in the months gone by. This face of hers wore an expression both familiar and with a sort of glow, peacefulness, no longer guilty.

“I feel new again.” Andronika tore her gaze from those stars and smiled at Junia. “I almost feel…clean. Junia, please tell me frankly as a friend. Do you really think there is hope for me—as Elder John says?”

“I believe what Elder John says.” Junia nodded with a smile. “There is life for those who want life and there is death for those who want death. Whether the people realize it or not, they choose.”

“I want life.” Andronika said very quietly, looking out of the window to where rows of glossy grapevines lined the vineyard bathed in moonlight.

Junia found herself staring at the orange-tinted full moon, blinking once. A little legend crossed her mind. Nobody dies until the moon is full; and when the moon is full, nothing can stop it. She blinked again. God was in charge of man, not the full moon.

“I wanted life before—but so many people here looked down on me because I was poor.” Andronika sighed, crossing her legs. “Like the Psalmist says, ‘The rich hath many friends’. It’s miserable to be poor. I especially hate it because I don’t like to take charity. I won’t be a beggar.”

Junia felt for her friend. “I can almost feel poor myself, looking through your eyes as you paint me the picture so vividly. But will you let me help you?”

Andronika stared at her, then looked away.

Junia felt her hesitance so she hurried to add, “It would not be charity from me—because I shall claim you as my sister.”

“All right.” Andronika finally smiled. “Only from you…my Adher’fi.”

“Oh, thank you!” Junia felt relieved for now her sister would not have to work disgracefully for her money. “I feel so happy right now as if I was going to buy my own self something grand. And I shall help my little niece as well. Oh, this is going to be wonderful. I love it already!”

“Thank you—thank you so much.” Andronika murmured gratefully. “Now I must thank God.”

Junia felt her smile widen. Andronika was starting back to God again. Her prayer was being answered…right before her eyes. She felt her heart burst and scream for joy.

“I must ask Him,” Andronika’s hands reached for her cheekbones, “to take my poor, wretched life into His service again for He has been so good to me.”

Andronika slipped into kneeling position at the windowsill and Junia joined her. Together, they began to pray quietly. And the stars outside twinkled by the millions as God looked down to find one of His lost lambs returning to His fold.

~

In her mind as she prayed, Andronika saw the Master’s hands stretching out to her and heard Him say as before, ‘Come unto Me, My child. All that are weak, hopeless, lost, weary. Come unto Me and I will give you rest.’ And she felt His love surround her.

I am unworthy, my God! Andronika began to feel the waves of pain and regret wash over her. I am unworthy to call on Your Name, but You have spoken and I will not turn away again. I come to You, Jesus. My Master…my Lord. Help my unbelief! And save me by Your grace…

Then her sins broke way and forgiveness began its healing.

~

The next morning as Andronika was helping Eunice fix breakfast, Junia skipped blithely down the path to the well with her waterpot. The day was filled with sunshine and the air was crisp with a certain coolness that told her harvest was nearing. That told her that her favorite season of the whole year was upon them. She felt her bones sing for joy and decided to smile brightly at everyone who she passed. Some stared back at her with frowns or with puzzled eyes. To her, it did not matter. Life had returned!

Junia stopped near the well, realizing she was too late to see Judith. But, as she raised her bucketful of water, her lateness was rewarded for Widow Martha came up behind her. This saved Junia the trip to the widow’s house.

“Good morning, Martha.” Junia smiled brightly at the sad woman, pouring the water from the bucket into her waterpot, ignoring the droplets of water flying onto her sleeves.

“Good morning, my child.” Martha did a forced smile, ending up with a lone dimple in her right cheek.

“My mother was wondering,” Junia poured the last of her water and let the bucket wheel down into the well again for the next water-drawer. “Would you come for lunch today?”

“Today? Ah, yes. I will see.” Martha set her waterpot on the wall of the stone well. “Please thank your dear mother for her kindness. I will be there. Lunch, hmm? Yes, I will be there.”

“I will see you then.” Junia picked up her waterpot and smiled at the widow happily in farewell. “Shalom.”

Noon came and the girls were frenzied with excitement. Even little Andronika squealed happily and gurgled in an enjoyable way.

~

Eunice was waiting for her at the front gate. She saw her the moment she looked up, walking through the gate. Martha felt very much welcomed.

“Good afternoon, Martha.” Eunice gave her a warm smile as she hugged her.

“Good afternoon, Eunice.” Martha returned the hug, tried to smile. “Thank you so much for inviting me.”

“You’re welcome, my dear,” and Eunice’s smiling blue eyes twinkled mysteriously. “I have a wonderful surprise for you.”

“For me?” Martha blinked. For her, surprises were usually not good things. She felt the color drain from her face, and she began to sway.

“Come, you will see.” Eunice grabbed her around the waist to steady her and nearly dragged her inside the villa and down the hall, giggling like a young girl despite her fifty-one years.

Martha was confused…until they stepped into the kitchen where the food waited on the table and she saw two girls wearing matching blue robes and white sashes. The girl sitting was Junia, holding a baby. The girl standing beside Junia had dark hair and looked very familiar.

No, it can’t be! She screamed inside, staring at the petite girl. My girl’s in the city. This girl is only a hallucination. I’ve gone mad, that’s what. I’m seeing double—this second girl is the shadow of the first for she has dark hair. But no, the girl was real for she reached to pat the baby’s head and looked back at her closely. She had to admit, the girl did look so much like her own. “Andronika?” Martha blinked unsteadily. “Is that you, my dear?”

“Meh’tehr!”

The girl ran into her arms and Martha realized that a hallucination could not be felt. “My child…you’ve come home at last!”

~

Junia swallowed the lump in her throat, happy for the day. Andronika had come home at last and now she was reuniting with her mother. After a few minutes, she watched Andronika straighten and take her baby.

“Meh’tehr, meet your granddaughter, little Andronika—the Andronika who won’t make mistakes by God’s grace.”

Martha took her granddaughter into her arms and looked down at the little eyes looking up at her. “Little Andronika, you made over, my child. Same inquisitive eyes!”

Andronika smiled and looked down at the floor, looking pleased that her mother had taken to her daughter so well. Little Andronika gurgled contentedly and Martha’s face spread in a smile of pride—the kind of pride that grandmothers usually feel when holding their own.

“Meh’tehr?” Andronika swallowed visibly, wringing her hands. “I’ve asked God’s forgiveness, but now…I need yours because I’ve made you look so bad in this city for having such a horrible girl—me! I beg you to forgive me, Meh’tehr. Please?”

“All is forgiven, child.” Martha looked touched at her daughter’s short speech that was filled with true remorse, and reached out her free arm.

Andronika began to sob against her mother’s shoulder.

“What God has forgiven,” Martha held both her daughter and granddaughter tightly, “I have forgiven.”

Junia swallowed again, the lump threatening to break into a torrent of tears. What God has forgiven, I have forgiven. The words stuck.

Her mother was the first to speak after a long moment of silence, Junia thinking she looked more youthful than she had in years. “I have a proposition to make to the trio standing there,” Eunice pointed to the circle.

Two pairs of eyes suddenly stared at Eunice, the last and littlest of the three facing the opposite direction.

Her mother took a deep breath. “My husband and I have talked about it.” Eunice paused for emphasis, ending with a clap, “You three must live with us and be our extended family! Please say yes for we have our hearts set on it.”

Junia held her breath, waiting. This was news to her as well. Would the surprises never end?

Martha stood silent for a long moment, then nodded decidedly. “Yes.”

Andronika happily bounced over to Junia with a big smile and hug. “Adher’fi!”

“Adher’fi!” And Junia's happiness topped its peak.

She was simply overjoyed at Andronika’s and Demetrius’ come homes to God. Her prayers had been answered within a single day. And now, she was straight happy for the return. For this day. For the tomorrows that would come. For every day from now on.

A Few Greek Words:

Fil'os: friend

Meh'tehr: mother

Pah'tehr: father

Adher'fi: sister

Adher'fos: brother