She shook her head.
“This is what Paul wrote. He said, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Did you hear that? God’s salvation is a gift. All we have to do is have faith in Him, believe.”
“But what if I do believe, but then I sin again?”
“Well, we are not to continue in sin. But we will still sin because we are still in our human flesh. Der Herr does not expect us to be perfect. We have not been given our glorified bodies yet. But you do not lose God’s gift, nor does He take it back, when you sin. It is Der Herr that keeps you saved. His work, not yours. Paul said, For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I've committed unto him against that day.”
She nodded. David’s words made sense. She’d been in Amish church her whole life. Why had she never heard this before? If this was in the Bible, why hadn’t she known? Perhaps it was because studying the Bible had been discouraged. Not to mention, the Bible she had was in German, which she had trouble comprehending. “May I read your Englisch Bible? Or is this just for the bishop?”
“Ach, the Bible is for everyone. We allow this in our district. Did you not know?”
“Nee. We have always been discouraged from studying in the past. I thought it was the same here.”
“In some churches, jah. But we believe it is gut to study the Scriptures. In fact, Der Herr tells us to. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. How will we know what Gott wants, if we do not know what His Word says?”
She shrugged.
“I will get you your own Englisch Bible, so you can read it anytime.”
“Ach, I think I would like that.”
His fingers laced with hers, making her feel safe. Secure. Loved. Ach, she was glad that Der Herr had given her a man that knew so much about the ways of Gott. She couldn’t wait to learn all the things he could teach her.
Nee, he certainly wasn’t perfect. But David King was about as good as they came, his past faults notwithstanding.
~
“Did you see this view?” David stared out their hotel window the following morning, beholding the magnificent clear turquoise-blue ocean. “It’s even better than the pictures, ain’t so?”
No answer.
He turned around. Where was his fraa?
“Beth?” he called.
“I’m still in the bathroom.” Her voice rang from behind the door.
“You’ve been in there too long. Are you all right?” He asked against the door.
“Ach, jah. Just not feeling gut. Will you go down to the restaurant and see if they have crackers?” Her mumbled voice came through the door.
“Crackers?”
“Jah, saltines.” She stepped out of the bathroom. “I…I think I might be in the familye way.” She stared up into his eyes.
He felt like he’d swallowed the sun. He was sure his entire face was beaming. “Ach, for real? We are going to have another boppli?”
She shrugged. “I’m not sure. But it feels like it.” She covered her mouth again, then ran back into the bathroom.
“Ach, crackers! I’ll be right back.”
David rushed out the door to the elevator and pushed the button to the lobby. If they didn’t have crackers in the restaurant, perhaps they’d have some in one of the stores along their hotel’s street.
David’s heart soared. A boppli! Der Herr was giving him another chance. Another blessing. Denki, Gott!
~
“Are you sure you’re feeling gut enough to go out?” David glanced down at his long swimming shorts and t-shirt, feeling a little ridiculous to be going out in public dressed like an Englischer.
“Jah, I feel better after the crackers and ginger tea. Denki for finding it.”
“I remembered Mamm used to give us ginger when our stomachs were upset. It always helped me feel better.” He smiled.
“I’m glad that our hotel is so close to the beach, but how will we get to the place where we can swim with the fishes? They have taxis, ain’t so?”
“Jah. And we can rent bicycles if we don’t have to go too far.”
Fire kindled in Beth’s eyes like the lantern’s wick when put to a lit match. “Ach, I love bicycles! I used to ride one all the time when we lived in Ohio.”
How David loved seeing her smile again. They’d had too much tragedy, too much sadness. This trip would be healing to her soul, it seemed.
“I bet you miss that.”
She nodded. “I do. I wish our district allowed bikes.”
“That is something that has been discussed in the past. Maybe I’ll bring it up again. After a few years, perhaps. I’m not sure they’d want to do me any favors so soon after the Meidung.”
“Nee, I wouldn’t think so.”
He reached his hand to her face and caressed her cheek. “I am just glad I am not shunned from you.” His hand moved to her waist and he pulled her close. “Now, that would have been difficult.” He eyed her bathing suit.
“Ach, I’m just glad you found one that has a cover to go over it. We used to wear them swimming when I was in Rumspringa. But never in front of the bu.”
“That was probably a smart thing.” David smiled. “And I did ask for the most modest one they had. I couldn’t see you agreeing to one of those bikinis.”
“Ach, nee. I’d never wear one.” She wrapped the sarong around her body and tied a knot.
“Not even for me?” He made his best sad puppy dog face.
She laughed. “Only for you.”
“Gut. I’ll buy one for you tomorrow.”
“Ach, you!” She shook her head. “Kumm. I’m ready to go swim with the turtles now. Are you?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be, I reckon. Let’s go.”
~
Their vacation had been everything David had hoped it would be. Ach, but he was indeed a blessed man.
He and Beth had been connecting like never before. They’d been studying the Bible together, strengthening their faith. They’d been going for daily walks and sharing their hearts with each other. Der Herr had breathed life into their marriage as only He could do.
Jah, they had begun living again. And every day, the joy of their salvation reminded him of God’s awesome restoration power.
FORTY-EIGHT
A year later…
David fastened his for gut vest, now almost finished dressing for the church meeting they’d be attending today. He would be giving his first sermon after being reinstated as bishop.
Truth be told, he was a little worried about how the g’may would respond. Several families had left the church last year after it was announced that David would not be permanently expelled as bishop. But that didn’t mean that everyone was happy about him still being in a position of authority.
David respected their opinions and choices, though. He wasn’t even sure how he would have responded, had the transgressor been one of the other leaders.
“Would you like to hold your sohn?” Beth asked from behind him.
“I’d love to.” David smiled. He held out his arms and looked into the boppli’s bright eyes, which mirrored his own. “How is my little man today? Is my Solomon ready for church? Are you going to let your daddy preach today or are you going to try to compete like you did with Minister Miller last time?”
Beth laughed. “I will take him out if he starts babbling again. No doubt he’ll be excited to hear his dat’s voice.”
“Ach, I wouldn’t mind.”
“Maybe you wouldn’t, but the congregation might.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” He watched as his fraa pinned up her hair, then placed the heart-shaped prayer kapp over her bun.
“I think I’m ready now. I can’t wait to hear my husband preach again. I’ve missed hearing you, Bishop David King. And I’m sure and certain there are others who have too.”
“Ach, you think so?”
“The g’may loves you. They always have. I think that some may have been disappointed in you, and maybe even upset, but they have had time to get over that, I think.” She smiled and cupped his cheek. “You are a gut man. The people have seen how you have a servant’s heart. They’ve seen your faith in action. And I think they respect that.”
“Ach, I am glad I have you for mei fraa.”
~
David shook hands with most of the g’may during the common meal after the service had ended. Many had encouraged him and mentioned how glad they were to hear him preach again.
It felt gut to be appreciated, wanted, loved. Especially after all the mischief he’d managed to get himself into over the last couple of years. Mistakes he hoped he would never repeat. Lessons he’d had to learn the hard way.
Minister Miller approached, his expression sober. “I’d like a word with you in private.”
“Ach, okay.” He hoped he hadn’t done anything wrong.
“Let’s step into the barn.” Minister Miller led the way and David followed.
He waited for the minister to speak, which seemed like an eternity.
“I heard from my brother in Missouri. Have you spoken with Jonathan Kauffman’s widow lately?”
“Nee. Not lately. Why? Is something wrong?”
“She’s been sick. They don’t think she’ll make it another week.”
David’s heart plunged into his stomach. “Ach, nee. What about Jon’s boppli?”
“Seth isn’t much of a boppli anymore. Seems his grossmammi has been caring for the child. But I don’t think her health is all that great.”
“I will talk to Beth. Would the leaders be opposed to me adopting Jon’s bu?”
“I wouldn’t think so. That would be your decision to make.”
“Denki for telling me.”
EPILOGUE
Five years later…
David eyed Beth as she stood at the pitcher’s mound. “All right, Seth. You gotta watch Mamm’s pitch. She throws a mean curve ball.”
From his wheelchair, Seth held the bat out to the side. “I’m ready!”
Beth gently threw the ball over home plate and Seth swung the bat. The ball went flying above Beth’s head.
David pushed Seth’s wheelchair around the bases, while he watched as young Solomon ran to get the ball. Solomon threw the ball to Beth, stopping Seth at third base.
“That was a great hit, Seth,” Beth called out.
“I want to hit him home,” Solomon said.
David waved him over to home plate and watched as he picked up the bat, which was about the same size as he was.
Beth threw a pitch and they watched as Solomon hit the ball, sending both himself and Seth across home plate.
David winked at Beth. “I think it’s time to go home now. I’m ready for some of your Mamm’s yummy Shoo Fly Pie.”
“Me too!” The boys agreed. They picked up all their baseball equipment and headed for the buggy.
Beth and David walked behind them hand-in-hand. He leaned over and kissed her.
“Eww…” The boys laughed.
“You’re right,” David said. “I better not let the bishop see me doing that.”
“Dat, you are the bishop!” Solomon protested.
“Ach, I am?” David asked in mock surprise.
The boys giggled.
“Well, then, I guess the bishop says it’s okay for me to kiss your Mamm.”
David sighed in contentment. This unusual family that could only have been forged by Der Herr, in spite of his own failures, was proof of God’s goodness. His mercy. His grace. Every day of his life, he would offer thanksgiving to Gott for all He had done.
~
Twenty years later…
Beth couldn’t help the dampness on her cheeks. Der Herr had answered her prayers after all.
Even though Uriah was gone. Even though she and David had sinned. Even though she was totally undeserving.
She locked eyes with David as he stood in front of the congregation—as the respected leader of their people. Their youngest son took the hand of his now bride. Solomon had grown up to be so much like his father—kind, caring, compassionate, wise, loving. Der Herr only knew what plans were in store for him. For them.
Seth had also married a few years ago. He had been an unexpected blessing in their lives as well. He and his fraa were now expecting their second boppli.
A passage came to Beth’s mind and she savored the words. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD…
Ach, Lord, you have been so good. Thank you for hearing my prayer. Thank you for listening, for answering.
Jah, they had been blessed for sure and for certain.
THE END
Dear Reader,
First of all, thank you for reading! I truly hope this book was a blessing to you. Now, about the book…
Sin. It’s a sneaky thing indeed. Consider David and Bathsheba’s sin. Do you think either of them woke up that day and said, “I think I’ll have an affair today.”? Do you think David knew that he would, because of his sin, murder an innocent man? Do you think he realized that his sin would result in an innocent baby’s death?
I don’t think he knew any of these things that fateful morning. I think it was probably a morning just like any other. And that’s the thing with sin. It doesn’t introduce itself as pain and suffering and death. No, it masquerades as something beautiful. It shows up when we least expect it or at our most vulnerable moments.
Like, in this story, when David’s little lamb Fluffy was bit by the snake, Satan waits until we’re vulnerable. Alone. Perhaps we aren’t prayed up. Perhaps we haven’t been in fellowship with other believers for quite some time. Perhaps we haven’t been reading God’s Word faithfully. Whatever the case may be, the devil is looking for that perfect moment. Like when Eve stared at the forbidden fruit, desiring a taste.
Consider this verse. Satan, as a roaring lion, prowleth about, seeking whom he may devour. The devil actively seeks for an opportunity to trap you. He’s patient. He’s subtle. But this verse, although it sounds dire, really isn’t. It’s actually hopeful. That’s right.
Seeking whom he may devour. May means you have a choice. You have to give him permission. If you don’t give him permission, he cannot snare you. Just like David, you have a choice to either sin or do the right thing. We have the choice not to sin. We are not helpless bystanders. If we stand strong in the Lord, we will possess the power to withstand temptation when it comes our way. We will be able to see sin for what it really is: heartache, death, destruction.
I want to encourage you today to stand strong in the Lord. Like the Word states in Ephesians, we need to put on the whole armor of God. Daily.
Time flies. The hour is short, and Christ will be returning for His church before we know it. As believers, we need to walk circumspectly. We need to be sober. Vigilant. And we need to be the examples others look to for God’s love in the world. Let’s do our best to remain faithful and to faithfully share God’s love with others.
If you don’t know God, you can. Like Beth in the story discovered, you only need to put your faith and hope in what Jesus has done for you on the cross. God’s love gift wasn’t free to Christ; it cost Him His life. But it is free to you. Do not waste or ignore your only chance at Heaven. There is no other way. Please, trust Jesus today, if you haven’t already!
Blessings,
J. Spredemann
P.S. If you have any questions or comments or would like to sign up for my newsletter, feel free to contact me at [email protected].
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In David’s formative years, he tended to his father’s sheep. Did you have a job as a youth? If so, what
was your occupation?
David felt special and somewhat unworthy to have earned Bishop Saul’s favor. Have you ever been asked to do something you felt unworthy of?
When David went before the Englisch man, he didn’t know what he would say, but depended solely on Der Herr to give him the words to speak. Has there ever been a time when you depended on God for the words you would speak?
David married his first love. If you are or were married, did you marry your first love?
Beth and Uri moved to a completely different state to join an Amish district. Have you ever moved out-of-state? How many states have you lived in?
Beth didn’t know why she’d dreamt of the bishop. Do you think our dreams sometimes have a specific meaning? Have you ever dreamt something that later came to pass?
In the Amish culture, obeying one’s parents (even as an adult) is something that is highly emphasized and even expected. Do you feel this is right or wrong? Why?
Do you think David did the right thing when he went to/left Colorado? If you were in his shoes, what might you have done differently?
Beth didn’t realize that her somewhat innocent action might cause someone to sin. Have you ever done something you later realized you maybe shouldn’t have done, for the same reason?
Temptation can be a strong motivator. Has it ever motivated you to sin? How can we avoid temptation and sin?
Sometimes sin results in great tragedy, like in the story. Have you ever had to deal with an unexpected tragedy?
In spite of our sin, God is always faithful. In 1 John 1:9, the Bible states, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Do you think it’s important to regularly confess your sins to God?
An Amish Betrayal Page 16
