Short Stories

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HOW DO THE SHOES FIT?

This story as written is a fictional account of a simple generational family, and their on-going struggle for survival against all odds. There is a similar real life story implied here as well, but that one is about the Jewish people from the time of Abraham to the present day, and the land of Israel – given to them by the Lord God through a everlasting covenant for fulfillment of His sovereign purposes and divine promises.

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Suppose that many years ago[1], a prominent land owner/developer[2] gave you[3] a nice parcel of land – much of it located beside a beautiful lake[4]. The property was not only given as a place for you to claim as a home to enjoy, but it was also gifted as a legal possession for a specific future son[5] of yours, as well as for a specific future grandson[6] and all of his descendants[7] for all generations.

The land owner/developer had been your special friend for a long time. He was highly regarded, and was a sincere man of his word. Also, the man had owned the land for what seemed like forever, therefore, as the undisputed owner, he certainly could give it to whomever he chose.

With the covenant deed firmly in hand, you began working hard to make the property habitable. A nice house and a storage shed were constructed on your new property. You planted fruit trees and decorative shrubs, a vegetable garden, and also provided a shelter for your furry pets. The cool, clear lake water was not only a source for tasty meals of fish, but it was also a convenient place for a refreshing swim after a hot day. Oh, what a great place to raise families!

However, the neighbors[8] were often unhappy with your possession of that land. Although the property had never belonged to them, they would often camp there and use its resources as if they owned it. Over the years that situation was the source of many back-yard shouting matches and threats, the development of much hatred toward your family[7], and frequent eruptions of violence.

One day[9] a large, roving gang of vandals from another community[10] invaded the property – demolishing everything in their path. The house and shed were burned to the ground...the furry pets were killed...and the garden was trampled. Nothing was left untouched.

With everything on the property either destroyed or stolen, your descendants had to scatter and find shelter elsewhere. However, they would come back one day to re-build their homestead[11] even better than before.

After a time they did return. In fact, your descendants gathered on one special day[12], at which time they announced to everyone that the property had been re-claimed by them, and vowed to never again be forced to leave. By their presence and decree, they were finally home again!

The re-building process proceeded quickly. A new and improved house was constructed along with a new storage shed. Several varieties of fruit bearing trees were planted in the rich soil. The freshly tilled gardens flourished – providing tasty vegetables. All of the growing plants and trees were nourished with cool, life-giving water using unique irrigation methods. Foliage damaging insects and diseases seemed to avoid the area, too. The Lord God had abundantly blessed all efforts to refurbish the land.

However, immediately after the parcel was re-claimed, the hate filled neighbors resumed the vandalism and violence, but with a greater resolve and intensity than ever before. The invaders seemed to be obsessed in their vicious attempts to destroy property and lives. Although they did manage to do some damage, their attacks were always repelled – even when your descendants faced overwhelming odds.

Over the years several segments of the land had even been designated as areas which the neighbors were allowed to occupy, but they were never happy with those arrangements. In their distorted point of view, the neighbors were not only demanding, but they also claimed ownership rights to the entire parcel.

As a result, those neighbors, along with the troublesome folks from surrounding areas, have recently banded together with a common goal in mind. In their blind rage and desperate attempt to gain sole possession of the property, they are committed to either driving your family far away from their home, or killing all of them – determined to destroy their name and presence forever.

Despite their efforts to destroy, they will not succeed. Oh, when that attack comes, there certainly will be much destruction of property and loss of life, but a remnant will survive in a nearby place of safety. The total annihilation of your family will not happen as planned.

What the enemy does not and can not understand is that, as part of the original land agreement from a long time ago, the powerful landowner/developer promised to not only fight for you, but he would fight with you to forever preserve the land and protect your people. Your family will, at last, enjoy their long awaited victory and peace.


Footnotes:
[1] “many years ago” . . . . . . . . . . . . circa 2100 B.C.
[2] “land owner/developer” . . . . . . . .the Sovereign Lord God
[3] “you” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abram/Abraham
[4] “beautiful lake” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mediterranean Sea
[5] “future son” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isaac
[6] “future grandson” . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacob
[7] “descendants” and “family” . . . . . Israelites/Jewish race
[8] “neighbors”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palestinians/Arabs
[9] “one day” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 A.D.
[10] “another community” . . . . . . . . Roman Empire
[11] “homestead” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Israel
[12] “special day” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 14, 1948

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