- "Mark this, then, you who forget God,
- Lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
- The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
- to one who orders his way rightly
- I will show the salvation of God!"
- ~ Psalm 50:22-23
Today was the day. The Juggler woke anxiously, a little misplaced as to where he was. It didn't take long before he remembered that he was in the castle instead of his bed in his own little room. To say that he was afraid was putting it mildly. The little man was shaking from head to toe and having a hard time breathing.
"Get it together, you fool. Has not the MC himself said that He would be with you?" Taking a deep breath the Juggler stood up straighter, almost as if willing bravery to enter his body. He would be faithful to his Master Commander even if it were to be his last day on the earth. That the Lord would want to use him was, he thought to himself, a miracle in itself. The Juggler loved the King and ever since the MC had come knocking on his door, wanting him, the love had grown.
There was danger ahead but as long as the juggler focused on the MC he could move forward in the strength that the King would give him. So with resolve and determination he arose, washed his face and dressed for the day ahead.
Others were gathering now in the courtyard of the castle. The OMW (Old Man Warrior) was sitting on the steps while his younger brother (The Warrior) paced nervously back and forth waiting for the rest to come. It was the Warrior's dearest love that was held captive in the camp of the enemy. The Warrior had been waiting for this day it seemed like for ages.
As the Juggler entered the courtyard a smile spread across the OMW's face.
"He came," thought he. "He is really a giant among men!" The old warrior rose then to greet the Juggler with genuine gladness. This helped bolster the small man even more. The Juggler's cart had been outfitted the day before with all the tools that he would need for the performance of his life. He was to be the main character in this rescue attempt. His acting skills were going to be put to the test. With each stride that the Juggler took he would remind himself that the Lord was with him because there was no doubt in his mind that he wouldn't be able to pull this off on his own.
"No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed,
and you shall refute every tongue
that rises against you in judgment.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
and their vindication from me, declares the Lord."
~ Isaiah 54:17
Finally, the Master Commander entered the courtyard. All eyes turned to him with eager anticipation. The day turned out to be a cloudy one. No sunshine and it seemed as if the weather itself sensed the seriousness of what lay ahead of the team that was to set out for a rescue. Actually, this was helpful for each member of the rescue team since it cemented resolve in the way before them. As the MC took the stand he looked fondly on each one before He spoke. Finally, when the words came out of His mouth, the only sound to be heard was His voice.
"Be strong and courageous.
Don't be afraid or scared of them;
for Yaweh your God himself is who goes with you.
He will not fail you nor forsake you."
~ Deut. 3.16
All those of the rescue team took the MC's words as if it was life-giving food. In that moment each one of them considered their own lives unimportant. Live or die they would go forward in the strength of the Lord. They were filled with hope and assurance in knowing that the Master Commander was leading the way. The day would be victorious no matter what the outcome.
So, as it was, each one took that first step to move forward. And with each following step the heaviness of the task seemed to lighten. The juggler climbed up into the seat of his cart, grabbed the reins and awaited the command to go. This wasn't a single person mission but it would seem like one as the Juggler was heading out alone. He looked toward the MC and as the Lord gave a nod the juggler snapped the reins and made a click of his tongue. The horse gave a pull and the cart, along with the juggler, rustled and creaked as it started to move. Miraculously, the gate of the castle opened and the juggler, cart and horse slowly left the castle grounds. He was on his way to save Honoria and his heart was full.
The sky was still gray and the Juggler made his way down the road toward the enemy camp. It would take long hours and possibly a few days to get close. But that was of no matter. The time on the road would seem but a moment as the juggler headed toward his destination. Soon enough he would be at the enemy gates looking for permission to enter. Then the show would begin. A smile started to make it's way to the juggler's face. This was going to be grand!
Day one turned into day two as the little man sat on his perch. The clip clopping of the tiny pony's hooves gave rhythm to his movements and new songs came from out of nowhere. These he sang with gusto and the time melted away. When he came to the enemy's gate he was surprised, shocked really, to have arrived so soon. All of his previous happy thoughts swiftly disappeared as the gate loomed large. "So, it begins", thought he as the smile on his face turned into a steely grin.
"Do not fear; I will help you."
~ Isaiah 41:13
"Hello, Hello. Open the gate to let me in. I have come to entertain and amuse. The Juggler is my name and laughter is in store for you". His voice echoed loudly and he smiled ever so cunningly. Today was to be the enemies undoing and possibly his own. Nevertheless the Juggler was moving forward and not in retreat.
The gates slowly started to open and the most unsightly creatures came out. The Juggler sucked in his breath as they were the ugliest things he had ever seen. Evil, left unchecked, burrows itself into the very heart of a person and changes his visage. The Juggler could tell that these creatures were saturated with it. Evil seemed to ooze out of them and circle around them. The Juggler had a hard time not retching. This he turned into a cough and smiled warmly at the persons before him.
"My fine gentlemen. I am here to give you a show like no other. For a small price I will give you wonders upon wonders. Now, if you will show me to the center of the camp, I will start preparations for a time of joyous spectaculars that you have not seen before." The creatures were more than willing to allow the Juggler entrance as their lives were dull and full of sorrow. They actually didn't realize that they were missing something in this life as they were used to the shallowness of their existence.
Coldness and wetness pervaded the encampment. Even the fires that were lit around seemed not to bring and warmth or comfort. But this was of no concern to the Juggler. He was shown to a spot near the center, slowed his cart to a standstill and hopped down. Mud oozed up around his boots and he quickly realized that in no moment of time he would be wet and cold himself. "Focus", he told himself. "Let the warmth of the Son come from within". A smile crept to his face. Not the plaster face of a smile forced but a true smile that comes from that which is good and pleasant.
So with a warm heart and a cheerful countenance the Juggler went his way preparing for the evening's events. Often he would persuade a bystander to help in the moving and positioning of his props. More and more people came out to see the curious little man and his cart. At one point the juggler had to dissuade those who wanted to be a part of the set up. Such was the lives of the miserable creatures. Anything to pass the time and one kind word to them would have them hunger for more. It wasn't to far into the preparations that the juggler felt compassion for many of them.
His compassion, however, did not extend to those in charge of the camp. Cruel beasts, the lot of them, seemingly enjoying the pain and discomfort of those whom they thought beneath them. The Juggler knew that even these weren't beyond redemption but it is always much harder to feel any sort of compassion for those who despitefully use another.
In the shadows Honoria watched with quiet intent. Of this she was certain that the little man with his little cart was not what he seemed. She had seen him before in the courtyard of the castle and wondered what was really going to be happening shortly. Hope sprang in her heart but she was also careful not to show it. There were others, she noticed, that were not familiar to this camp. They were cloaked and covered so as not to be noticed. But she knew, they didn't belong here. She could feel it and the presence of light.
So, the evening began. It started with music from the cart of the Juggler. Lo, and behold, it was the Juggler coming out of the cart strapped with his musical instruments on him. He had a harmonica in his mouth, cymbals attached to his knees and an accordion in his hands. Bells on his feet did their job also with the tinkle, tang, tinkle of the dance. The Juggler played as loud as he could. Twirling and jumping and dancing around. It was catchy, his tune, and soon those around were clapping and jumping along. And then something spectacular happened. The Juggler danced toward his cart and lighted a match. Loud booming and light sprang up into the air. There were fireworks of every kind. The people were transfixed and amazed. Never had they seen anything like it. Even the soldiers of the camp were distracted. This went on for quite some time. Time enough for those garbed in cloaks to find Honoria and slip out the gates and not be seen. The plan had worked! The Juggler had been successful in the main purpose of the evening.
Now, all he had to do was get out of there himself.
* I have found that many are the times that God uses ways that are somewhat different than what I expect. There is no doubt that His ways are beyond comprehension and when I realize the works of His hands it brings me to a place of worship and gratitude. Another thing that I have learned (and am still learning) is that His timing is always best and produces the greatest results. Most of us, if we are honest with ourselves, are uncomfortable with unresolved somethings. I think it takes a lifetime to learn the lesson..."be still and know that I am God".
