The Childhood of Jesus
The Gospel of James
Biographical Gospel of the Lord
- Chapter 134 -
The Lord Always Knows The Best Way
WHEN THEY arrived at the villa, the party was greeted in a most friendly way by the sons of Joseph and especially by the youths who remained there.
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The sons then showed Joseph all they had done in the meantime and how they had faithfully carried out his wishes.
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The oldest son immediately told Joseph of all the remarkable things that had taken place during his absence in the vicinity of Ostracine.
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'Quite especially,' he related, 'did the sudden fire in the governor's residence frighten all the inhabitants in the city!
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But when they were attempting to put out the blaze, the great fire went out all of a sudden and no trace of it was to be seen anymore.
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Thereupon we suddenly noticed that the mountain was being enveloped in fiery clouds, and a thousand bolts of lightning crisscrossed each other.
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At this we thought of Sinai which could well have looked like that at the time of the great revelation of God to our fathers.
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We then were greatly concerned about you, but the youths reassured us and said that no one would be harmed in the least.
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When the mountain was totally enveloped in fiery clouds, behold, we were greatly frightened
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because three tremendous lions sprang toward us in great haste from the path leading up the mountain.
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This greatly frightened us, but the youths said: Do not be afraid, for these animals seek protection in the home of Him whom all things must obey! -
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And so it was! The three lions quickly went inside our wagon shed, where they are resting peacefully.
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After the storm we went there with several of the youths and looked at the giant beasts,
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and they arose and made signs of unmistakable submission and friendliness!'
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Here Joseph responded, 'I see, my son. We have also experienced all that! You have made your story almost too long.
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All of you go now and set the table, for we all need to restore ourselves, since the mountain has tired us a bit.'
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The sons and the other youths now hurried into the kitchen and the dining room and in a short time put everything in the best order.
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Cyrenius now observed, 'Truly, it greatly surprises me that these three beasts, instead of going into hiding in their caves, sought protection here.
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Perhaps they will stay with this house and watch it faithfully as this breed of animals has done in similar circumstances.'
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Joseph affirmed, 'Everything is right with me that is right and pleasing to the Lord!
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But it may also be that these animals will follow you as a protection to your ship.'
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And Cyrenius said,'If the Lord wishes it, then I will surely agree to it - although the Lord can also protect me without these lions!'
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Here the three came forth and took their stand around Cyrenius and indicated their friendship to him.
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At this Cyrenius said, 'Now that is indeed strange - you, dear brother, need only to say something and it already happens!'
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And the two youths stated, 'These three animals will serve you well this very night.
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For the Lord always knows what means are best suited to help anyone.
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Such animals have not infrequently been in the divine service, hence they are also chosen now to serve you in a matter which awaits you. And so be it!'