S2 – Simon the Leper – The Hard Decision – Bethany
“You… have… leprosy…” These words kept echoing in Simon’s head through out the long night. As the sun broke the horizon, Simon refused to get out of the cot, but he was wide awake.
Before the priests left him, which was two days ago, Nadab asked him, “What have you done, Simon, to incurr God’s ire so? A man of your standing… falling lower below the level of a… common sinner. What have you done?”
“I… I don’t know!”
To this day, his mind was still in turmoil wondering how he got leprosy but more so on the why. He always thought he was in God’ good graces. His business was doing very well. His children are healthy. He did all that was required of him according to the law. Even when he lost his wife, he still brought the proper sacrifices. So, why did God allow this harshest of punishment on him? Unless, he was truly unworthy. For why else did he get leprosy? His mind went around and around with these thoughts like a vicious circle.
At end of the fourth day, hunger won out against depression. His brother, Tahan, was the one who brought the food.
“Simon,” Tahan said as he placed the basket of food on the floor then retreated back to the top of the stairs. “What is the plan, brother? You have not come out for days. This is not like you.”
“Well, brother, there is this thing in me called Leprosy,” he said sarcastically. He picked up the basket and went to sit in the shade. “Did you talk to Nadab?”
“Yes. He gave us instructions.”
“Did he mention about me going to the leper colony?”
“He still think you should go there. But from what I hear from our relatives, you don’t deserve to live the rest of your life in luxury and in safety.”
“How about you, Tahan? Do you agree?”
“You should know me better than that, brother. I am not our cousin.”
“Yes, I know that. Forgive me. There is such bitterness in me. And I am not talking against our dear cousin.”
“Simon, it is not yours or even my place to lay blame on our Lord. Do you remember our late father’s lesson from Job?”
Simon blinked with realization, for he was just thinking about Job. He and Job did share similar spiritual dilemna. Job was a rich man that lived his life to please the Lord. Somehow, the devil convinced Him to withdraw His protection from Job as a test. First, Job lost his business. Then, his children died in a freakish accident. Finally, Job himself was struck with terrible boils from head to foot. In despair, he sought the reason first among his friends who were not very helpful. Then, he cried out his frustration in a very long prose to Heaven. He probably didn’t expect Heaven to respond but, then in God-like manner, from the midst of a dramatic whirlwind, God answered him. In the long run, Job was humbled and repentant. At the end, God restored his health, increased his wealth and even his family increased by giving him more children.
Simon propped up his head, showing a little sign of hope. “Tahan, do you think I am being tested?”
“Being tested?” Tahan asked with a slight frown.
“Yes… like the way Job was tested.” Simon, not waiting for him to answer, exclaimed some more. “It makes sense, Tahan! By the life of me, I just don’t understand how the Lord could just punish me like this. For am I not like Job?”
Tahan nodded quietly but not showing any signs of conviction. But Simon was elated by the concept. When Tahan left him, he could here Simon busily moving around on the roof humming to himself.
*** *** ***
Three weeks went by and Simon continued life by conducting the matters of business from his upper room. He was quite content to live out his exile up there until one startling day, he heard the happy voice of his youngest child. Quickly turning around, he saw her running to him hands spread wide to hug him.
He shouts angrily, “Mary, stop!” …as he backed away from her.
Mary suddenly stopped at her tracks. She was shocked for she had never heard her father use such an angry voice on her. Then, the tears came.
Simon, so wanted to console her but he had to keep her safe. So, he angrily shouted out for Lazarus. Then Lazarus came running up and quickly assessed the situation. He grabbed up a crying Mary and slowly backed up to the stairs. That night, he made a crucial decision.
In the morning, he called for Tahan and his son.
“I am going away. I cannot stay and risk the chance that Mary may sneak up here again.”
“Are you thinking about going to the leper colony afterall?” asked Tahan.
“No. I was thinking about where our father took us hunting. Where I took you, Lazarus, two years ago. Tahan, you have to run the business and as for you, my son, learn from your uncle. Also when I go, you must have the servant carefully cleanse the upper room. Now, I am going to need some supplies.”
Greeting friends…
I hope you are enjoying the 4th segment of my 2nd ebook, FAITHFUL ENCOUNTERS.
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Until the next post.
Johann Q.
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