Chapter – 19 ‘The Sargent’s farm’
The Pastor went to the first youth meeting with Rebekah and introduced her as his new daughter-in-law and the teenaged girl’s new counselor. He went to the back of the room and observed as she told a little of her background to the girls. She told of her youth and the Jewish family and rituals they observed. She also told of her time in Israel over the past year. Her short devotional was on Proverbs 31, and the description of the worthy woman. The Pastor was pleased with her study and the ease in which she presented herself. As the pastor slipped out of the door he heard one of the students comment, “Thanks for the lesson; it was good.”
Back at the farm Valentine was in the truck riding with his grandpa; gramps was feeling good enough to get out for a ride and talk with his grandson. There were eleven sections of the farmland to look over that day. Grandpa was explaining some of the improvements and future plans he had expected to make over the next couple of years. The seven-thousand acres were divided into acreage for the pigs, more for cattle, then they had corn for selling and some was for feed of the livestock. Grandpa had close to one square mile of hay fields that he used for winter feed for the cattle. There were over one-hundred apple trees, which produced a good harvest. Also, they had a small flock, which was close to one-hundred chickens that laid eggs for their use but mostly for the local market. It was a big operation and had been in the family for one-hundred-twenty years.
Four years earlier, grandpa had built a cabin to house two single men who worked full time doing different chores; one of them would be leaving at the end of the year. He also had two married men who had homes nearby and drove to the farm each day. On occasions high school boys would do part time work to help out as well. Sunday was their only day of rest and that was only because grandpa believed in a Sabbath for resting the body and going to church.
It was close to sundown when the work truck pulled into the barnyard and the two men stepped out of the cab. Both were stiff from riding all day and limped around until they worked the kinks out. Valentine asked, “What is planned for tomorrow?” Grandpa told him that on Tuesday mornings, each week, he went to the restaurant for breakfast along with several of the men from church; we have a short devotional. “It is one of the things I make time for each week; I would like for you to join me.” He told Valentine that the youth pastor leads with the message. He practices on us old guys and then we give him some feedback. “Sounds very interesting,” Valentine responded.
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The youth pastor looked to be about his age, as he introduced himself while having a man-sized breakfast. The topic of the morning was, “Does Christ provided the redeemed with a TRUST Fund in Heaven?” It was interesting; the young pastor mentioned a mansion, fruit from the tree of life, and clothes of pure white to show we had been washed as clean as snow. Then he asked, “What else does he provide us with?” Grandpa jumped on that question, “Just Forgiveness, Hope, and eternal Salvation.” As they left grandpa said, “I like that young man; this is his third year of having these morning devotions.”
Rebekah would be helping grandma do some of the chores around the old farm house all day. Four years earlier grandpa had built a new ranch style home across the lane from the old home, where they now lived. They had kept the original home hoping Jaye would come home one day and take over.
They gathered enough eggs for three families for the week; then the remainder would be sold. The bed sheets were changed; then they dusted and swept the upstairs before finishing the downstairs. All in all Rebekah had enjoyed the long day of work with grandma. Along the way there were a few interesting conversations. Grandma was a character and had quite the sense of humor Rebekah had found this out as the day had progressed.
Grandma had asked about the wedding in Jerusalem and how the honeymoon night had gone; the question had been unexpected but Rebekah’s mind was sharp and she responded, “Have you ever studied the ‘Song of Solomon’; then imagine having a double wedding in Jerusalem with your twin brother being with you all evening celebrating his own wedding.” Rebekah winked at grandma with her right eye and then made a pouty face that soon turned to a smile.
Grandma’s eye twinkled and a smile crossed her face as she remembered her double wedding ceremony with her sister; what fun it had been. Grandma replied, “I know the feeling; a great memory.” In that moment Rebekah knew that grandma and her had bonded; she felt a consoling peace come upon her inner being.
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Proverbs 31:10-31, 10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She looks for wool and flax
and works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. [Men, let’s hope she is swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.. James 1:19.]
John 14:2, 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. [A place to dwell; we won’t believe our eyes when we see it.]
Revelation 22:1-2, Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [Food to eat; unbelievably tasty.]
Revelation 7:9, 9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; [Those who have put their trust in Christ as their Lord and Savior will wear the white robes….. How about you?]
DG