Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Walk (07/20/06)
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TITLE: The Path and the Pit | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rick DeMille
07/23/06 -
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“My lord. When you have finished your prayers we await.” Arad called from downstairs.
Gazing out an eastern window, I finished my prayers and rose. I could see the displeasure this final observance had caused my accusers and smiled, enjoying yet another act of defiance.
“I am coming Captain, allow an old man to retrieve his walking stick”
“No need, my lord the King has sent his litter to bear you.”
I gathered my stick all the same, and teetered down the stairs. I allowed the good Captain to support me as I stepped down to the street, but to his dismay I hobbled past the waiting chair. If this was to be my last day, I would enjoy the streets of this magnificent city once more.
Arad moved to my side, whispering urgently. “My lord, it is unseemly that the King’s Counselor walk to his death”
“Dear Captain, every man’s path ends ultimately in death.” I smiled and moved painfully on.
It was a beautiful evening that hinted at approaching spring, a serene breeze from the east carried the cool freshness of the river. Ahead a line of worshipers flowed into the courtyard of Marduk’s temple, jostling with craftsmen who exited. The new King had promised to restore the temple of Babylon’s god, and had wasted no time in its fulfillment.
I blinked back tears, remembering another walk taken many years ago. It also had been down a dusty street but past a different temple. I blinked again but the tears would no longer be denied.
It had been God’s temple, built by Solomon himself. I and my friends had been ushered onward toward Babylon, to be trained as leaders they assured us. We knew we were hostages, to assure Jehoiakim’s obedience if not loyalty, yet none of us ever forgot our last glorious vision of God’s Temple.
And leaders we became, but while we helped built this glorious city for Nebuchadnezzar, we were unable to save our beloved Jerusalem from its own rebellion. No attainment of life can assuage my guilt and loss at the destruction of God’s house. I would give anything and everything to see it once again.
“My lord,” Arad touched my shoulder.
I realized I had stopped, staring back to the east, and resumed the halting steps toward my fate. I could see the Temple of Ishtar down the street to my right. It was now and always a depraved and wanton hive of activity. No place so popular, none more craven in its observances.
I was growing weak as our steps trod the paved way of the Processional. The Ziggurat was being prepared for the festival and the city had blossomed with life, a welcome site after so many long years of neglect. Again, the new King had kept his word.
The strength was about to fail my eighty year old vessel as we reached the palace. The King of Lands himself was waiting, and placed is arm behind my back to aide me up the steps. I looked up and beheld his tear streaked face.
His eyes fell to the floor. “I have failed you Belteshazzar, dear friend. I have found no means to spare you.”
I smiled and patted his arm. “Oh King, live forever. Be at peace, we are both on a way of God’s choosing.”
He nodded, finding little comfort in my words. “I would still have saved you.”
“Save my people, then.”
“I have given my oath.”
“And the temple, you cannot give life to my nation without restoring its heart.”
“As I have promised, old friend.”
The King would keep his word.
We reached the door and the beasts roared with hunger below. The King turned and took my hands in his, forcing a smile.
“Your God will protect you, Daniel.” He used my Hebrew name for the first time.
“His will be done, Darius.” I used his Medean name, as was my custom. “If my life does not end below, then I shall see you on the morrow.”
Midway down I turned to the group waiting above.
“Good Captain,” I observed seriously. “A mans path certainly ends in death, but a man who walks God’s path ends more certainly in Life.”
As I stepped into the depths of the pit, I shielded my eyes from the light.
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