As Sure as the Dawn(125)

“Lord Jesus,” Theophilus said, “in whatever circumstances may arise, may your infinite grace and mercy be extended to others through each of them. Amen.”

“Amen!” Atretes said and stood, drawing Rizpah up beside him. His blue eyes were alight and he was shaking. Heat poured into her cheeks. She was afraid he was going to haul her into his arms and start kissing her right in front of Theophilus again.

Instead, he lowered his head to kiss both her hands, then released her. “You should wash the blood out of your tunic,” he said and hunkered down before his son. “Come on, boy. You need a bath.” Lifting him, he stood and tossed the child high in the air. Caleb squealed with thrilled laughter. Atretes caught him and ran into the spring, while Rizpah stared dumbfounded after him. Disappointment and relief warred within her. She would never understand the man. Never!

“Tell Atretes I’ll make camp and keep watch,” Theophilus said, as he hefted the men’s gear onto his back.

She glanced at him, embarrassed that she had forgotten his presence. He grinned wryly. “It’s been quite a day.”

“Thank you,” she said, quick tears of gratitude filling her eyes. She flung her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for praying for me,” she said hoarsely, unable to say more.

Dropping his burdens, he held her briefly. “I’ve been praying for both of you for a long, long time.” As she settled before him, he patted her cheek as he would that of a daughter. “Your husband gave you a command to wash your tunic.”

“And I will obey,” she said, eyes shining. She took one of his hands in both of hers. “I love you, Theophilus, and thank God you’re my brother. What would have happened . . .” her voice trailed off.

“Go, beloved. Your husband is waiting.”

Blinking back tears, she smiled and turned away.

* * *

Theophilus shouldered the provisions and watched her walk down to the spring where Atretes played with Caleb. She waded in, and Atretes came to meet her. Bending down, he kissed her.

As he watched, Theophilus felt an inexplicable loneliness. There were times when his solitary life chafed, like now, when he felt cut off from Rizpah and Atretes because of the holy bond that would change their relationship to one of intimacy. He had watched these two burn for one another from Ephesus to Germania and prayed they wouldn’t be drawn into sin. God knew their natures and their needs. He had given them their desires and made provision for them. They were married.

For himself, soldiers weren’t allowed to take wives. The restriction had rubbed on occasion. Before he had been saved by Jesus, he had burned and given in to sin. Women had been a primary pleasure in his life.

All that had changed when he had become a Christian.

Now that he was retired from the army, life would be different. He could take a wife, but he didn’t think it was in God’s plan for him. The desire to do so had actually diminished. Twenty-five of his forty years had been spent fighting battles and building roads, from Rome to Germania to Ionia. He had few years left upon this earth. Those years he did have, he wanted to dedicate to the Lord.

But there were times . . .

Atretes set his son upon his shoulders and bent to kiss Rizpah again. Theophilus watched and felt a swift and unexpected pang of envy. She was a remarkable young woman. It was clear from her response that they would have little difficulty adjusting to one another. Atretes’ life had been hard and bleak till now, but God would give him joy through her.

“Lord, bless them with a quiver full of children,” he said. Turning away, Theophilus walked up the hill to lay the camp and prepare a meal.

* * *

Hours later, Theophilus saw Atretes and Rizpah walking between the scented spruce and fir toward him. Caleb was sleeping against Rizpah’s shoulder, Atretes’ arm was about her waist. Theophilus had never seen them so relaxed with one another and knew God had blessed their afternoon together. When Rizpah looked up at Atretes and said something to him, he stopped and touched her hair lightly. She lifted her chin, and he kissed her, his hand gliding from her shoulder down her arm in a tender and natural gesture of possession.

Theophilus looked away, sorry to have intruded on such a private moment.

They approached the fire almost reluctantly. He glanced up and smiled in greeting. “Help yourself to the rabbits.” He knew Rizpah would be self-conscious and tried to put them both at ease. “There’s plenty of bean stew in the pot and berries in that small basin.”

Atretes removed his arm from around her shoulders and took his son. Theophilus looked at her and saw her color rise. Atretes put Caleb down amidst the packs and covered him with a blanket. “Sit,” he said when he saw Rizpah still standing at the edge of the firelight. As she came forward, Atretes glanced at Theophilus. He gestured for him to eat.