Hardly able to see through the distressed tears that wet his own face, he vigorously rubbed the child with a towel until finally soft mewing noises could be heard.
"Nothing," he said in relief, laying the baby on Hadassah's chest. "He's absolutely perfect."
Hadassah kissed the head of the small bundle that she held. Then, she held him out to Marcus who took him in to his arms as was the custom.
"Marcus, your son."
Marcus took the child into his hands with pride.
"We will call him Nain," he declared. "So we will remember the Lord's work here."
"A place of pleasantness," Hadassah remarked, pleased with the choice.
"Nain Samuel Valerian," she added. "Samuel because we asked the Lord for him and He gave him to us."
"It couldn't be more fitting."
Marcus took Nain and packed him with salt wrapping him in swaddling clothes. When he began opening his mouth making small noises, Marcus gave him to Hadassah. As she put the baby to her breast he watched in amazement. He had been with Hadassah when she birthed all of their children, yet the sight of her feeding them at her breast for the first time never failed to bring wonder. Ordinarily nothing could have pulled Marcus's gaze from his wife and new son, but something prompted him to look toward the window. The sun was just rising. Stepping closer, he peered outside.
"Hadassah, look," he exclaimed in surprise. "The sunrise."
"Oh, Marcus, show me," she pleaded tiredly.
Marcus wrapped Hadassah in a clean blanket. Still clutching the baby to her, Marcus picked them up carrying them out of doors. The children who had been awakened by the baby's cries followed behind. Holding his wife and son in arms, the family watched the sun rise over the village.
"We have much to celebrate," Marcus spoke softly.
Hadassah chimed in in a weak voice, "It is the third day and He has risen! His final breath upon the cross is alive within us. And He has conquered death and lives eternally. In addition, we have been blessed with new life on this glorious morning."
While Hadassah rested , Marcus was surprised by a knock at their door. He was greeted by Sabra and two others that he vaguely recognized.
"Hadassah is resting," he said, trying to break the awkward silence.
Sabra replied, "Mother Deborah told me you came to her as Hadassah was ready to bring the child."
"Deborah said she could not come," he nodded.
"Mother Deborah has gone home to be with the Lord this morning at about sunrise."
Marcus was stunned at the news. "I will wait to tell Hadassah. She delivered our son this morning," he added proudly. Sabra's eyes widened.
"You brought the child," she said in disbelief.
"I did," Marcus affirmed.
"You refused to leave her as you felt you could not come for any of us."
Marcus gave no answer.
"You really do love Hadassah," Sabra admitted.
"The Lord has entrusted her to me. I would go to any length for her."
The group still looked astonished. Finally, one of the women he knew to be Rachel spoke,
"We have acted most shamefully. The Lord says when I was hungry you gave me something to eat. We have not done this and furthermore we let our sinful nature spread amongst our children. May the Lord forgive us and you as well."
Marcus smiled warmly. "I already have," he said kindly. "We won't speak of it again."
"When Hadassah is well, we would like you and your family to join us in worshiping the Lord," Sabra offered.
"I speak on behalf of my wife when I say we would be happy to," Marcus said with warmth in his voice.
Bidding their callers farewell for the time, Marcus closed the door feeling completely renewed in spirit. Hadassah awoke soon after to feed the baby and she called Marcus to her side.
"Am I right that you were speaking to someone earlier? I thought I heard voices."
"Yes, that was our friends come to check on your wellbeing," Hadassah looked up at his use of the word 'friends'. "I hope we did not wake you," he continued gently.
"Did you say friends," she inquired, going back to his previous point comment.
The smile which reached Marcus's eyes indicated all of the tension he had brought to this place had left him. "All has been forgiven. Growing up here, I knew they would not understand us the way many people do not."
Hadassah nodded in agreement. "It is difficult for people to put aside the past and their prejudices they have harbored all of their lives. I knew the Lord would convince them in His own way."
"They have asked we join them in worship," Marcus stated in happiness.
Hadassah smiled warmly, "Then let it be so."
Marcus leaned in taking her hand. "I was informed Deborah went to be with the Lord this morning,"
Hadassah closed her eyes for a moment. "She was a faithful servant. Now she is at peace."
"I didn't want to upset you with this news," Marcus studied her face, worried.
"You have not upset me. I know she is with the Lord and the work that she has carried out is now complete."
Ezra appeared at the side of the bed hearing his mother's voice. Obviously tired of his siblings attempts to amuse him, he motioned with his hands to be lifted. When Marcus hesitated, Hadassah relented.
"It's alright."
At once, Ezra tried to push his way in between his mother and the new baby. Hadassah took her son's small hand placing it on his brother.
"Ezra, this is your brother Nain."
"Nain," he repeated, trying out the name as he gently patted his brother's soft skin. Still not satisfied with the arrangement, Ezra soon grew restless. Marcus looked on in wonder as she gave Ezra her breast. Seeing how his son was instantly calmed Marcus asked, "Will it not exhaust you to feed two babies at once? After all Ezra is already weaned,"
"He is not getting any milk. It is merely comfort that he seeks at this point. He is feeling overwhelmed and craves the close contact he gets from my heartbeat. If I respond to him in this way, he will grow to be strong."
"I have no doubt our children will grow to be outgoing and adventurous. We have been blessed to have such healthy and happy offspring. You never cease to amaze me."
"Do not worry," Hadassah assured him, "He will give it up when he is ready."
Marcus could see Hadassah had been right. Hadassah held their new son in one arm and Ezra had already soothed himself to sleep in her other. Looking as though she might sleep at any moment herself Marcus bent and gently kissed his wife.
Once Hadassah was well, they began attending worship in the small house church in the village. The past conflicts forgotten, Marcus and Hadassah were accepted with open arms. The children picked up playing where they had left off. No one would have ever known they had been divided among the village. For all who were in attendance, the Lord's presence could be felt when Marcus and Hadassah attended worship. Marcus read from his scrolls containing Paul's letters to the church that had not yet made it to some of the outlying villages. It was apparent that the Lord was at work in the small church as lifelong friendships were established.
When Nain entered his first month Marcus and Hadassah began to discuss making the journey back to Ephesus. Once Marcus felt confident Hadassah and the baby were well enough to travel, he called the teams which would take them across Israel to their ship. Their village friends made quick work of helping them pack their supplies as well as sending more than enough food for the trip. On the day they were to depart with the children already in the cart, Hadassah stood in her empty childhood home.
"Shall I give you some time?" Marcus asked.
"I am ready. The Lord's work here is finished. I loved this place as a girl and bringing my own family has made it that much more special to me. For if I never set foot here again, this place will always be in my heart."
Marcus and Hadassah gave thanks as they closed the door for the last time.
Once the family reached Capernaum, Hadassah requested to stop at what Marcus considered to be an obscure place. Then, she revealed a hidden water fall to the family.
"I used to come here with my father at first light. At night, hundreds of fish swim in to this refuge. Then, in the morning when the tide goes out they are washed back out to sea. If you watch closely one can see them swimming with the current. This hidden gem has always reminded me just how much the Lord is our refuge even when we face life's storms."
The family held prayer by the waterfall all captivated by the peaceful sight. The experience did its part to bring them closer together.
Now with a new baby to feed, Marcus made provisions to stop frequently. He learned from the last trip that the children would also benefit from some time out of the cart to exercise. Once they reached the Sea of Galilee, the children were granted permission to run along the beach. A strange feeling ran through Marcus as he looked out over the expanse of water. Here he had craved death and God had given him life. Wanting to be near Hadassah, he did not see her at first glance. Instead his daughter Leah sat quietly on the sand holding the baby in her gentle arms. Then he saw her. Hadassah was some distance away kneeling at the water's edge. As he came closer, he could see her lips moved in prayer as she showed obeisance before the Lord. Stooping next to her Marcus heard the words she whispered in Aramaic. Once she was finished, he put an arm around her shoulders. Hadassah turned her face to Marcus pulling her fingers from the water. Wrapping her arms around him, she spoke softly.
"You were dead, and out of this water the Lord has brought you to life. You might have been lost to me. Oh, praise Him, praise God you are well."
"Hush now and be at peace little one. A place of sadness is now a place of great blessing to us. Aba, I give thanks for you have turned my sorrow in to joy and my mourning in to dancing."
Marcus and Hadassah embraced for a long moment before gathering the children to pray.
Just north of the Sea of Galilee Hadassah called Marcus's attention to the baby one afternoon.
"I am growing concerned for Nain. Each time I have tried to fee him today he cannot eat. He just regurgitates what he takes. I can feel him getting weaker and it seems his breathing is labored."
Marcus took the disagreeable child from Hadassah, putting an ear to his chest. Shaking his head, he said, "There is an inn where we can stop soon. There is not another village for miles,"
They could not reach the inn fast enough for Marcus. Hadassah was trying to be calm, but he could sense her trepidation as she tried to soothe the baby. Marcus did not wait for the cart to come to a full stop before leaving Hadassah and the children for help. When he spotted what he assumed to be the owner unloading a wagon, he skipped all formalities.
"Please, I have a wife with a sick baby who needs help immediately."
Hearing the panic in Marcus's voice caused the man to look up. He did not move quickly, but said, "Come into my home. My wife Abigail will tend your wife and child. I am Hezekiah. You will not stay in my inn under such circumstances."
Marcus helped Hadassah into the home with the baby. Hezekiah's wife Abigail needed no details about the situation. Upon opening the door, she took one look at Hadassah and the baby, quickly motioning them inside. She coaxed Hadassah into handing over the baby and set to work right away. Marcus watched as she cut strips of wool, steaming them over the kettle.
"We will apply these to his chest, and it will help him to breathe more easily." It was the first time she had spoken, as she had been too busy doing to acknowledge the entire family. "You have beautiful children," Abigail said to Hadassah.
Marcus knew she was trying to keep Hadassah's mind from the present.
"Thank you. Marcus and I have been blessed."
"What is your son's name?" Abigail asked, still working patiently over the baby.
"I'm sorry, I should have told you. He is called Nain. This is my husband Marcus, and I am Hadassah."
"Hadassah, I am Abigail. I am sorry we are meeting under such circumstances, but God's timing is always perfect. He has sent you here to us so that we may help you."
Marcus breathed an inward sigh of relief hearing these people were Christians. They would take care of his son.
Abigail finished tending the baby and then expertly wrapped him in her shawl so she could carry him about as she worked. Looking to Marcus she said, "Now we have the baby settled, this dear girl needs some rest. She is exhausted."
"I am fine," Hadassah said, determined that a fuss not be made over her.
"The tension of being a new parent never goes away no matter how many children you have." Abigail spoke wisely. Refusing to accept any argument, Abigail went to the stove where she dished out a bowl of soup setting in front of Hadassah. "You will need your strength. Then after you eat, you will rest. I will care for your children."
Hadassah looked to Marcus, who smiled. "You had better do as she says. I will sit with the baby."
When Hadassah was settled in the next room, Marcus talked with Abigail and Hezekiah.
"The Lord made provisions for your arrival today," Abigail said. "We do not have the room in our home for your guards and teams, but they are welcome to use our extra barn and the inn. It is warm and dry at night. I have made extra bread and soup this day to feed a crowd."
"We are most grateful for your hospitality," Marcus said. He lowered his voice and spoke to Abigail, "Tell me, how does the child fare?"
Concern etched Abigail's face. "It is in the Lord's hands. Thankfully you got here as soon as you did, but he is feverish and there is only so much I can do to help his breathing. He is not well. He could not travel much longer in his condition."
Marcus nodded in understanding.
"I am making a bold statement when I say this. I realize that you do not know us at all," Hezekiah began, "but if your son is not better in the time that you must go, Abigail and I would gladly watch over him until we could safely send him to you."
"Thank you," Marcus said taking in the seriousness of the situation. "Hadassah will be devastated, but she would never put any of her children in harm's way."
"I'm sorry, but I hate to wake Hadassah, but I should see if the baby will nurse again." Abigail spoke, standing up and leaving the room.
"I feel I must explain myself," Hezekiah began. "Abigail and I have ten children. She lost one child to something like what your son is exhibiting. That is why she is so emotionally close to the situation."
"I lost two brothers myself," Marcus said. "But I do not think that can even equate to losing a child."
"You briefly mentioned you are coming from Ephesus. Might I ask what has you voyaging so far from home?"
So Marcus told him his story of faith and healing. He told how Nain's birth had been such a blessing.
"I can see just by the way you and Hadassah look at one another your love has been blessed by the Lord. This is wonderful to see that you do not let your trials come between you."
"We have had numerous trials. As long as the Lord is present our love can withstand anything."
Abigail returned with the baby still in her shawl. She was shaking her head in disappointment.
"He still refuses to nurse at this point. I have convinced Hadassah to continue resting. I will keep the baby for her tonight so I may care for him."
"How is Hadassah?" Marcus asked.
"She is more tired than she would like to admit, though she is still in good spirits."
"You haven't told her just how ill the baby is?"
"I will leave that to you. It would be better coming from someone who can comfort her."
Marcus opened his mouth to ask the question that had been troubling him, then let the words die on his lips.
Later while everyone slept, Marcus sat by the dimly lit lamp. In a few moments, Hadassah came into the room.
"You are still here."
"As I told you I would be." He replied. Marcus fetched Hadassah some water to try and refresh her, so she would be ready for what he would have to reveal.
"Come in to the garden and let us talk."
Wrapping her shawl around her shoulders to fend off the chill of the night, Hadassah followed Marcus into the garden beside the house. A pain ran through him as he moved close to sit near Hadassah. Her shawl held her sweet scent and that of his new son. He almost hated himself for what he was about to do. Finally, Marcus broke the silence. "My Hadassah, you know Nain is not well."
"When Abigail brought him to me, he tried to nurse. That is better than before." She spoke encouragingly.
"Still, he does not take your milk at present, and his breathing has not improved." Taking in a breath to gather himself, Marcus said, "We may have to send for the child if he is not well enough to travel."
Hadassah made a sharp inhalation but before she could speak, Marcus continued while he still had his courage. "Hezekiah and Abigail have extended the offer to care for him."
"No," Hadassah spoke firmly and turned away, refusing to look at him.
"Hadassah look at me. Show me you understand," he said gently but firmly.
Hadassah looked down at her hands folded in her lap. Cupping her face in his hands, he could see the tears that threatened to fall from her dark eyes.
"The Lord would not ask me to choose between my husband and my son. I know you do what is best for our family, but would you have told me of this decision otherwise, before we were to depart?"
"I had no intention of keeping this from you. That is why I am telling you now. No decision has been made. If it comes to it, we will pray and make the decision together."
Hadassah leaned into him to ease her trembling.
"Do you mean it Marcus?"
"Every word. Now what can I do to ease your mind?"
"Sit with me and pray just as we prayed those nights in our garden in Ephesus when you were so ill."
"Prayer is our most powerful weapon. We will pray God's hand is upon Nain."
So once again Marcus and Hadassah prayed until the sun came into the garden.
At dawn, Marcus looked up when he heard footsteps approaching them. It was Abigail. Hadassah rested against him with her eyes partially closed, though she still refused to sleep.
"I thought I would find you here," said Abigail.
She still held Nain wrapped in her shawl. Unwrapping him, she placed him in Hadassah's arms gently.
"The Lord is at work. He is much improved this morning."
Hadassah held the baby close and this time, he began to feed slowly.
"Do you see Marcus? He will get better." She spoke softly, watching her son with a tender smile.
"This is definitely a good sign. I believe a few more days of care will tell us much about his condition."
Marcus let out the breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. "Indeed, the Lord has heard all of our prayers."
Hadassah looked eagerly at her husband. "Does that mean we will stay?"
"We will stay," Marcus said finality in his voice, leaving her no room to doubt his words.
During the day, Hezekiah invited Marcus to join him while he went about the small farm doing his chores. "I don't think you would find it amusing to sit in kitchen all day," had been his reasoning.
Marcus had to admit he was right. While the girls played in the garden, Mark followed behind, fascinated by the workings of the farm life. When they entered the kitchen for the mid-day meal, this time Hadassah held the baby. He noticed Ezra played quietly with his wooden toys nearby. Hadassah and Abigail were talking as though they had known one another all their lives. Marcus was relieved Hadassah had found a friend in the one caring for their child. Hadassah refused to take any food until the children and men had eaten. Finally, at Marcus's insistence, she relented, sitting down to a bowl of soup as Marcus held the baby. Hadassah was clearly preoccupied with everything concerning their new son. So, when the baby made a slight murmur Hadassah looked up from her food.
"Do not fret," Marcus said calmly. "Continue eating so you will have energy to feed the baby."
Once Hadassah had eaten all that she would, Marcus knew she was glad to have charge of the baby again.
Back outside Hezekiah began speaking with Marcus.
"You are a long way from Ephesus with your family."
Marcus nodded. "This is not my first time here, but my family and I are on a religious journey,"
"You must be a man of great faith to bring your entire family through this land knowing all of the dangers one could encounter."
"This is where I found faith," Marcus explained patiently.
"I would love to hear more of your story if you wouldn't mind telling it. It sounds like a wonderful testimony."
"Hadassah and I shared with you how we came to be. After I returned from Israel I was a changed man for the better. I married Hadassah and we were blessed with four children. Our child Ezra was born before his time. He was small and as a result also very weak. Hadassah saw him through this as she always does. Not long after Ezra's birth I became ill. When Hadassah mentioned coming to the Sea of Galilee to find healing I saw no benefit. God quickly showed me otherwise. We prayed about it and He led us to her village of Nain."
"Traveling with several small children has to be difficult." Hezekiah spoke knowingly.
"I have learned to make adjustments as needed." Marcus agreed. "We spent months on the ship and another two months crossing to Galilee."
"You must have been exhausted by that point, seeing all you had endured."
"My faith and prayer with Hadassah is what kept me going. I was in bed for a month once we reached her village of Nain. Had it not been for the love of my family and their prayers, I fear things might not have ended so well."
"It is remarkable you kept going when most would have given up."
"There was a time I would have." Marcus replied softly. "Holding to our faith, I believe, is how we received the Lord's blessing of our son Nain. Your wife Abigail has been wonderful knowing what to do."
"I didn't want to mention it in front of Hadassah last night with your son so ill. Abbigail has seen this before. We lost a son to something very much like this. The difference is our son did not improve as your Nain has. I knew when I saw Abigail take your baby exactly what was wrong."
"I'm sorry about your child."
"Abigail prefers not to speak of it. I can see you would do anything for your wife that you love her very much."
"Yes." Marcus began, "Where your treasure is your heart will be also. She is my most valued treasure.
Hadassah has an unshakeable faith, but if I could make our son better to bring the light to her eyes again, I would."
"Prayer is a powerful thing Marcus. You may not be able to do this yourself, but the Lord has heard and I believe He is working as we speak."
Marcus nodded thoughtfully, knowing he was right.
After chores were done that evening Marcus and Hezekiah talked amongst themselves. The children played quietly as Hadassah held the baby. Ezra lay across her lap sleeping peacefully. He had hardly left his mother's side since they had arrived. Abigail crossed the kitchen to where Hadassah sat. Calmly she lifted Nain from Hadassah's arms.
"It has been a long day. Go in to the garden and walk with your husband. I will hold the baby and move the little one to his bed."
Hadassah hadn't noticed Marcus come to stand beside her. "She speaks the truth. You have been tending him all day."
"I will not fight both of you. Perhaps the garden will be refreshing for a time." Hadassah relented.
Marcus gently picked up a still sleeping Ezra from Hadassah's lap and moved him to the small bed that had been procured for him in the corner. Then, as Hadassah stood, he put his arm around her helping her outside.
Once out of doors they sat together in silence on the garden wall. When Hadassah finally spoke, her voice was brighter than Marcus had heard in days. "Our son will be well soon, and we will be able to depart as a family."
"Did Abigail tell you this?"
"I have spent much time in prayer. The Lord has reminded me over and over of Mother Deborah's prophecy. She said we would be blessed with a child who would do great things. Tell me you believe this, Marcus?"
Turning her chin to face him, Marcus looked into her eyes, "God's timing has been perfect. When we thought there would not be a child, He answered our prayers beyond anything we could have imagined. If the Lord has revealed such to you, I know it to be so."
Over the next days, Marcus took Hadassah on short walks when she was not tending the baby. They spent time in prayer giving thanks the Lord had seen them through triumph and now asking that He might show His mercy once again.
With each day that passed Marcus looked into the face of his youngest son, and he was given the confirmation Hadassah's proclamation had come to light. Nain not only improved with each treatment, and Hadassah's feedings, but he began to thrive. Instead of the hollow-eyed stare Marcus had received when looking at his son for days, now the boy showed interest in his surroundings.
One evening when the baby's eyes had been clear, Abigail announced, "I know your family has much distance to travel. These circumstances which have brought us together have given us a lifelong friendship. Though I tell you with great joy you may now take the child and need not fear for his health."
Marcus looked solemnly at Hadassah who nodded.
"You know best, but I believe it is time." Her face was calm and assured that the time had come.
"The Lord has spoken through Abigail. I will ready the teams for first light in the morning."
Then, Hadassah and Abigail stood over Nain sleeping in his small box bed. Gently they put their hands on him and began praying softly in Aramaic. This time Marcus understood every word.
Marcus lay awake late in to the night giving thanks for health once again having been restored to his family. He was certain God had sent Abigail and Hezekiah to their aid when they needed it most. He would never be able to thank them enough, but he would make sure they would be greatly recompensed for their great deed. Then, there was the long journey which they would face tomorrow.
"Do not worry about tomorrow, for today has enough troubles of its own." He remembered Jesus's words. With these words on his heart, finally, Marcus closed his eyes. Hadassah lay spooned against him. Now, he pulled her closer and let the sound of her soft breathing lull him to sleep.
In the morning, before the first traces of light, Marcus found Hadassah speaking with Abigail in the kitchen. Abigail was stirring porridge at the stove.
"I could not send you off without something to eat,' she said.
They ate a hearty breakfast and had one last prayer together. Hadassah gathered the baby in her arms. Then, Abigail took something from a chair near the door. She handed Hadassah a woven blanket.
"I know this isn't much, but I used this blanket with my children."
Hadassah marveled at the intricate pattern as she covered their sleeping son. Hezekiah stepped forward and presented Marcus with a hand carved piece of wood. It had the inscription of Marcus and Hadassah's names and just below read, "Where your heart is, your treasure will be also."
"Marcus, you and Hadassah have a love that is truly refreshing to see. After seeing this you have been through, the lord will help you through anything. You mentioned this scripture, and I wanted you to have it in remembrance."
Marcus gratefully took the carving. "We will treasure it always. It will go in our chambers."
Abigail helped Marcus settle the children and Hadassah in the wagon. She sent them off with plenty of food, so there was enough to last for quite some time during the trip. By the time the sun began to peak over the horizon, Marcus reluctantly gave his orders to the guards that it was time to go. Hadassah had not been as emotional as he thought she might be, leaving Abigail, but he had prepared himself if this had been the case. As the wagon set out on the path, Marcus knew whether they ever saw Hezekiah and Abigail again, they had made lifelong friends in Christ.
Once the journey by wagon had reached its end, the children were thrilled to be back on their father's grand ship. Marcus saw to the reloading of supplies in Antioch. When they were just past Antioch, Hadassah began to express her concern for Marcus.
"I fear you are reaching your point of exhaustion. After our journey and visit in Antioch, you are fatigued."
Marcus hadn't known how Hadassah had been aware of his tired feeling or frequent headaches. He hadn't felt the need to mention them since they didn't interfere with his daily routine.
"Should you not rest now, you may take ill again."
So, Hadassah sent him to their bed, checking on him frequently. Sure enough, after a day of rest, Marcus felt like a new person. Hadassah had been right.
When the ship reached the shore of Ephesus, the family took the carriage that awaited them back to their villa. On the way, Marcus was pleased to see his latest project, some insulae, were now complete. The new housing would allow his tenants, his own workers, and their families, to live at a discounted rate, since many struggled from day to day.
The children announced their presence with their excited shouts as they bounded through the gate of the villa. Marcus helped Hadassah inside where they were greeted by their servants. Lavinia went white and stared in amazement when she saw Marcus and then Hadassah with the new baby in her arms.
"Welcome home my lord, my lady," she said trying to sound natural.
Hadassah looked to Lavinia and spoke. "Lavinia, please see that Ianus draws Marcus a hot bath. My husband is exhausted from our trip, and now he must rest."
After the suggestion of the bath, Marcus made his way to the triclinium to gather for evening prayer. He had not known just how tired he was until Hadassah had convinced him to rest. She thought his exhaustion may be from his illness and he would have to be cautious from now on. Now, Marcus stood near the door of the triclinium in the peristyle, he could hear Hadassah speaking with Lavinia her servant.
"I would not have believed it myself until I saw Lord Marcus walk in to the villa this afternoon," Lavinia said.
"He was so ill when you left. Many of us feared for you, my lady. We were greatly distressed that you and the children might return alone."
"Marcus and I put our trust in the Lord. He gave us the peace we needed to get through this battle."
"He was ill, and you did not question it. You acted on faith alone, and still you came back with a new child in your arms."
"Nain is our blessing. The lord has told us that he will do great things."
"It is not possible as ill as Lord Marcus seemed to be that he could return in such good health and have given you a child without another's hand playing a part. I have watched you pray to your God, for years, since you have been married to Lord Marcus, but only now do I understand His promise. Had I not seen what I did today, I would go on not believing, but seeing Lord Marcus, and your child, I can no longer deny His existence."
Hadassah took Lavinia's hand. "Lavinia, do you believe Jesus Christ has died for your sins and accept him as your Lord and Savior?"
"Yes, I believe," she said full of elation.
"It would mean so much if you would join us for evening prayer. I know Marcus will be overjoyed."
"Thank you. I would be honored."
Marcus stepped through to the door and cleared his throat.
"You look like you are having a private conversation. Shall I come back?"
Lavinia shot to her feet. "Oh, no my lord."
"Lavinia has just joined in the faith and will be joining us in this evenings prayer."
"This is wonderful news," Marcus agreed, a proud smile on his face.
Lavinia had served Hadassah when she had lived with his mother Phoebe during their engagement. She had been a slave at that time, and then Phoebe - like Marcus - had given all their freedom. When everyone stayed, Hadassah had requested Lavinia come to their villa after their wedding and were as her hand maiden. Lavinia had been all too pleased with the arrangement. When Marcus expressed his concern that she was not a Christian, Hadassah had said, "I shall serve as an example and live as Christ did."
More than once, Hadassah had stated she had a feeling about the many conversations she had with Lavinia. "She asks many questions, but she is not ready to accept the faith."
Now, God had used his own illness as well as the birth of his son to do His great work. Marcus had to admit to himself, his son was only a babe, but the old woman Deborah's prophecy was already coming to life. God was already doing great things through him.
A/N
This is the longest chapter I have written this far. Thanks to my wonderful beta JessicaRae95, and thank you for sticking with me through it! Were you sad to see Hadassah and Marcus leave the village? I was kind of getting used to the comforting environment. It was fun while it lasted. I have never written a birth scene before honestly, so my apologies if it sounds immature. There's a first time for everything. If you are following Antigonous, stick around, we have not seen the last of him yet. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions if you would like to see something in the story. I love your reviews and feedback.