The Shepherd
King
Part 9
Hours later,
aware that I was not alone, - I saw it, - but I wasn't sure if it saw
me. The moon was full and cast deep shadows that were in stark
contrast to to the bright light surrounding them. Into my line of
vision came a creature like a wolf, that was jet black and shaggy
with tangled fur and red eyes, as tall as a large pony. Upon its back
sat a creature – I don't know what. It's teeth were long and
sharp. It had a stench that reached my nostrils almost before I saw
it.
Then in an
instant I knew that it was aware of me. With eyes narrowing to
slits, it threw back it's head and screamed a blood curdling warning
to its companions who couldn't have been far behind it. Its steed
was pulling at the reins, eager to pounce and the creature pulled out
a sword and pointed it in my direction. I could hear the galloping
monsters behind it nearing my line of vision. The first one began
speaking evil words that though I did not understand them, made
chills run up and down my spine. The words had harsh sounds and the
voice that delivered them seemed to come from the depths of its cold
heart.
I waited until
it seemed the last one had rounded the bend, and I could wait no
longer...... I called to the scorpions, commanding them to attack
and kill these evil beings. They appeared to glide out from under
the rocks in endless waves, covering all, stinging until there was no
life left in those frightful bodies.
I was nearing
Parkinson's Disease and the closer I got to it, the worse my wounds
became. The town itself was set in a valley where bare rock could be
seen, and shallow depressions of dirt were scattered at random as far
as one could see. Only the spindly weeds were able to scratch out a
life and draw some form of nourishment from the otherwise barren
place.
An old woman
approached me, with head down and bent over. Her voice was weak, so
I had to strain to listen to what she said.
“You must be
the new person. We have been expecting you.” Pointing to a
dilapidated old shack (not unlike the other houses in the
vicinity)she began shuffling towards it. This is where you will
stay.” There was no mention of a departure time, and my heart sank
as I drew nearer to it. I couldn't help but think of the differences
between this scrappy lean-to and the wonderful safe houses where help
had come to me in the past.
“Your
assignment is to pray. All distractions have been taken away from
you so that you can devote all of your time to prayer.”
“What will I
pray about?” I asked.
“You will
pray for our people (others who also pray) and you will pray them
through hard places and to be protected from the dark ones. The
Shepherd King will tell you as you go........”.
She turned and
made her way to a large house where others were also going. She
motioned for me to follow. When I entered this house, I saw that
they were praying with one accord – one mind – one heart. I
joined in with them, and so the days went. I also prayed much by
myself. At last the day came when I could not even carry my backpack
or walk without assistance. I cried out to the Shepherd King
unceasingly. I wanted Him to heal me, and I knew that He
could......... But I had never seen a person healed, so there was
much turmoil within me. My heart was so sad......... I no longer
knew
the joy of
movement. I felt I was nearing death. I had served my time in the
forces of the Shepherd King. On the last stretch of this journey, I
wept tears of sadness, of loss of hope..........
One day during
my quiet time of prayer, suddenly I heard a man's voice – a
wonderful voice. Full of compassion and care, He lifted me in His
arms. He was so strong. Together – in His strength – we crossed
the threshold of the door leading outside, and He found a tree where
He could prop me up. He knelt down before me, and swept my hair back
from my face. He looked deeply into my eyes. There was wisdom and
love on His face and even in His hands. Who WAS this man?
“Do you know
who I am?” He asked. I confessed that I did not, though He seemed
strangely familiar – as if I had known Him a long time. I am He
who protected you from the fiery arrows in enemy attacks . I am the
Healer of your wounds, and I carried you when you could not walk. I
rescued you from the tangle of thorns. I am He of many names and I
have billions of Messengers – some of whom have I sent to your aid.
I am the Defeater of Demons, and the Scorpions and Snakes obey me.
I am the author of the Book of Life and I have helped you to
understand the wisdom contained within its pages. I sent my servants
to share their food with you. I am the One with authority over
giants and the one who shielded you from their attack. I am the
lowly Shepherd King
who rules. I am also the
Giver of Gifts, and I have one for you.
It is many
moons since then. But I remember it very well. It was not the kind
of gift you can put in a box and wrap. It wasn't exactly the kind of
gift that could be seen – at least not directly. There were no
bright colors with shine-y paper foils, and no bows. It was
spectacular all the same. It was wondrous yet has been passed over
by men who could not see it's worth – men who did not dream –
whose thoughts went no further than their eyes could see. Hidden
treasure it was – pure gold – so pure – transparent like a
bottomless crystal...... It was all new to me– never before
imagined, yet it is older than the stars. Fluid - like sparkling
water – definable yet eternal. It was not to be found in the
window of a store or on someone's wish list. No one had ever dreamed
how huge this tiny gift would be – how it would bring healing and
guidance; how it would open eyes and ears.
Older than the
stars, but new to me, He gave me a Word...........a new Word, that
only I know). He has called me into a place of partial healing for
now; and one day it will be complete. I wait with a holy
anticipation. The Shepherd King has given me His Word that these
things are true.
My Shepherd
King has been here with me all the time . And, lo He always will be
there.
