Jacob's Trouble

Chapter Nine Locust from The Pit Death Angel Horseman

Joseph got the report from his little brother, Eli, that his father who lived in Bethlehem, had passed away, and his mother was not taking it very well. He talked to Eliyahu about taking a trip down to Bethlehem and making the arrangements for a Christian funeral with Jewish traditions.

"I would like you to present the sermon and funeral for my beloved father, Jacob. It would be very hard for me to say goodbye to him, and I don't want my mother to bury him alone. I want to be with her."

Eliyahu was surprised. He thought it was an honor for him to give the eulogy and to conduct the funeral, and Joseph wanted to go along to lend his support to his grieving mother. When Eliyahu asked him if he really wanted to go, he replied, "I wouldn't miss it for the world. Your mother needs me."

They left for Bethlehem the next day.

Their father was a faithful Jew, who never wavered in his faith in God. He taught his sons and daughters about the Old Testament and instructed them in the laws of Moses and Yahweh. His wife was a believer and attended services every week. Unfortunately, she had been slowly declining mentally and emotionally and suffered from dementia. She no longer recognized anyone except her two youngest children, Eli, and Ruth.

As they walked through the streets of Bethlehem, Eliyahu felt sad. The homes were boarded up and dark, just like everywhere else in Israel. It was a depressing sight. As they approached the house, Joseph knocked on the door. Eli, Joseph's little brother, answered the door and let them in the little house.

Eli spoke, "Joseph, our mother will not know you and maybe not Eliyahu. She can barely remember who we are now. Just sit here and talk to her and try to bring her back to reality. If she does recognize you, please hold her hand and talk to her."

Joseph embraced Eli and smiled and whispered in his brother's ear, "Don't worry. I'm not leaving her side. I'll be right here."

Joseph settled down next to his weeping mother and started to gently rub her arms and legs. Her trembling hands rested on top of his.

She struggled to open her eyes but couldn't seem to focus. He spoke softly to her, "Mother, it's your son, Joseph. Are you feeling better?"

His mother gave a weak smile and tried to speak.

Her voice cracked and tears fell from her eyes, "Where is Father?"

Joseph stroked her forehead, "Your father is at rest now, Mother. He is not suffering anymore. I'm sorry I couldn't save him."

Joseph squeezed his mother's hand. "There is nothing you could have done, Mother. Sometimes there are no answers. All you could do was love him and hope for the best. And I know how much you loved him."

His mother lifted her tear-streaked face, smiled weakly, and squeezed his hand once again.

Joseph continued, "Are you hungry, Mother? How about some coffee? I brought you some. Sit here with me while I fix us a cup of coffee."

While Joseph stood and fixed the coffee, Eli picked up the spoon and stirred the coffee and then put the sugar and milk in.

Joseph returned to the table with a steaming mug of coffee for his mother. She slowly sipped the coffee as she laid her head back and closed her eyes.

After several minutes, she opened her eyes, gazed lovingly at Joseph, and said, "Joseph, is that you my oldest son? I love you."

Joseph pulled her close and held her tight, tears filling his eyes. Tears filled her eyes also.

She leaned back and said, "Do you remember your father teaching you the Torah? What did you learn about God's laws?"

Joseph nodded his head and took another sip of coffee. He was too choked up to speak.