Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Kingdom of God (03/12/09)
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TITLE: His Father's Hands | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lamar Taylor
03/19/09 -
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“Here, here, Joshua, did you forget that you are supposed to knock?” His Uncle Adin tried to look fierce under his bushy eyebrows.
“I’m…sorry, Uncle…but I…had …to tell you…”
“And must you break down my door that your dear departed father--may he rest in peace--so skillfully made for me? Go out and come in like a proper Jewish boy.”
“But Uncle, I’m not a boy anymore, and besides, I must tell you…”
Adin intensified his fierce look. There was no point in arguing. Joshua turned and went out the door. Frustrated, he rapped his fist on the door.
“Who, may I ask, desires to enter my humble home?”
Exasperated, Joshua replied, “Uncle Adin, you know it’s me, Joshua.”
“Joshua, that ragamuffin who calls himself my nephew? Will my home be honored by his presence?”
Adin loved to tease his nephew. Having no children of their own, he and his wife lavished their love on their nephews and niece and other village children.
“Uncle!”
“Enter, my son.” Joshua knew his uncle loved him, but sometimes wished his uncle would tease him less, especially since he’d recently come of age.
Adin gave him a bear hug that almost took what little breath he had left.
“Hedva!” Adin called to his wife. “Have you any refreshments from our meager cupboards for a strapping young lad?” Joshua’s Aunt Hedva came into the room. Seeing Joshua, her face lit up with a smile as wide as her plump body. “Johsua! I’m so glad to see you. How is your mother, and your brothers and sister? And tell me about yourself.”
“Hedva?”
“Yes, my husband.”
“Joshua hasn’t time for all that prattle. He has something important to tell.” Uncle Adin had no idea what had Joshua so excited, but made it sound important for Joshua’s benefit.
Adin shooed her away with a wave of his hand, and she obediently shuffled back to the kitchen.
“Now, nephew, what has you so excited?”
“Do you remember our last lesson about the kingdom of God and the Messiah?”
Adin was the highly respected village teacher. He taught the young boys the Torah, and Joshua was his best student.
“I was in the town square this morning playing…uh…talking with some of my friends, when this man came into the village.”
“Yes…yes, many men come into the village.”
“But there was something different about this man.”
“Oh? Was he a king?”
“No, no, Uncle. His clothes were ordinary, and…and he had hands…”
“Yes, most men have hands.”
“But, Uncle, he walked by me, and he had the kindest eyes. He knelt down, put his hand under my chin…and…on my cheek.” Joshua tried to stop his tears.
Uncle Adin didn’t understand Joshua’s emotions. “Did he hurt you?”
“No, no! Uncle, his hands…were like…” The tears flowed freely.
“What about His hands, Joshua?”
Joshua took a deep breath, then said, “They were like…like my father’s.”
Adin understood. Joshua’s father, a carpenter, had loved his children dearly and was very affectionate toward them. He had died a little over a year ago, and Joshua missed him terribly.
“There’s more,” Joshua said.
“Oh?” Adin replied.
“He must be a teacher. Many people were following him and listening to him. They said he spoke with great authority, more so than our teachers.”
Uncle Adin’s eyes widened. “Who is this man? Who does he think he is?”
“He’s called Yeshua, and he said, ‘The kingdom of God is near.’ They say he heals the blind and deaf and the lame. Maybe he’ll heal my sister’s foot.”
Adin had heard almost the same words from another man, a radical preacher who lived in the desert. Many people listened to this preacher and were taken in by his words. Now here was another with a similar message, and performing miracles! Adin’s mind went to the Torah and the Jews’ belief about the coming Messiah and the kingdom God would establish. He longed for that day. Could it be?
At that moment, Adin decided he would find out about this man who had made such an impact on his nephew. Maybe this man was just another preacher, like the man in the desert. Would not the Messiah come as a conquering king with a mighty army? But, still… Yes! Yes, he would go hear this man, this Yeshua.
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Word count may have gotten you, but I felt the ending was a bit rushed. The first part was full of great dialogue, and then the last two paragraphs didn't have any, so it didn't seem to fit as well.
Overall, and excellent job! Keep writing!
That means it's time to move up to Level 2 when we start back with the Challenge on the 2nd.
Congratulations again. With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)