GPiper
July 9th 2003, 09:14 AM
Jesus and Hosiah Feed Five Thousand
As the golden rays of the morning sun warmed him Hosiah started to get up but he moved a little slower this morning because of the beating he received the night before. As the twelve year old boy slowly got dressed he wondered what there was about him that caused him to be a bad boy. He always helped his father, he always learned his lessons, never got into any trouble, he never fought with the other boys, but there must be something wrong with him because his dad was always punishing him.
"Hosiah, Hosiah, are you up yet," an older man angrily shouted?
"Just getting up father, do you want something," the boy asked.
"What kind of dumb question is that, of course I want something. I called you didn’t I. I left money on the table to buy us food, and be back here in a hour or I’ll give you a good thrashing," his father shouted.
"Yes father, what should I buy," Hosiah asked?
"Stop asking me stupid questions, you know what I like to eat, now be gone," Zechariah said.
Hosiah couldn’t get out of the house fast enough. He finished dressing stopped at the table long enough to pick up the money his father had left and headed out the door. After getting out of doors he quickly glanced at the amount of money he had to buy food, as usual there wasn’t enough.
He then thought of the beating he would receive when he got home. "What did you do with all the money I gave you," his father would say.
"You know I don’t like to punish you like this but, you have got to learn responsibility," he would say as he was hitting Hosiah. In his young mind he could hear the slap of his father’s hand on his bare skin, he could feel the pain, he could feel his anger building, he cried as he walked.
It had not always been this way, once they were a happy family before Hosiah’s mother was killed by bandits. They came one day as Hosiah’s father had gone to the village and left him in charge. "You’re twelve now Hosiah and that’s old enough to take responsibility for the farm," Zechariah told his son. Hosiah could feel the words cut deep into his spirit as he remembered seeing his mother jump in front of him saving his life and giving hers "Father’s right it should have been me," he said out loud, "It would have been much better."
It took Hosiah a little longer to get to the village mainly because he was in no hurry to get back home to the beating that awaited him. "That’s what bother’s me the most, knowing what lies ahead," he thought to himself. His pace slowed even more. With each step he could feel the anger building and building in him. "I wish he were dead," he tried deny his thoughts, but it was no use as the thought of his father being dead slammed into his mind it brought tears to his eyes. Then the anger turned from his father to himself, then he wanted the beating. "I must be punished for such thoughts," he said out loud.
About an hour later Hosiah was standing in front of the market wondering just how much food he could get for the little money he had. As he slowly counted the change his heart skipped a beat, "Looks like a few more hungry days for me," he said to himself.
"That you Hosiah," a voice called out.
Looking up he noticed the owner of the market standing in front of him. "Yes sir, it is," he replied, "Father sent me to pick up some food for us. I must have lost some of the money on the road because father gave me much more than I have now."
Jonah could see that the boy had been crying. "Don’t worry Hosiah, it happens I’ll give you some extra and you can bring the money back to me in a couple of days," the man replied. Jonah knew that he would never get the money back because he knew Zechariah had never given Hosiah any more money than he had. Jonah moved to put his large hand on the young boys shoulder to reassure him it would be okay but quickly pulled it away when Hosiah winced in pain. As the big hand come to rest on his shoulder a sharp pain shot down his arm and back but Hosiah dared not react previous beatings taught him discipline himself.
"You okay Hosiah," Jonah asked?
"Yes sir, just a little sore, sir. I was in a hurry leaving this morning and tripped and my shoulder is still a little tender," Hosiah replied.
"Some times I wonder about you young people, always in a hurry," Jonah said smiling. But he knew what was going on, he knew Zechariah was abusing his son. He talked to him on a number of occasions about it but the abuse still continued. "I wish I could do more," he thought to himself, "But I’m doing all I can now."
Walking through the market he picked up some food placed it in Hosiah’s basket and handed to him. "Here you go Hosiah," he said handing it to the young boy. "Don’t worry about the money and try not to fall again."
Hosiah carefully took the basket from the man and looking at the floor and said, "Thank you sir, my father will really be happy. And thank you for being so concerned about me, I’ll be okay," and started his journey home.
Just outside the village Hosiah stopped to see what Jonah had put in the basket. Folding the cover cloths back there were 6 barley loaves and 3 small fish. After a few seconds of mentally adding it up he only had money for 3 barley loaves and 1 small fish. Looking back toward the village he again thanked Jonah. It was at that very moment when his stomach growled that it was empty. Reaching in the basket the hungry, hurting Hosiah removed a barley loaf and a fish then began eating. It was the first time in 3 days he had eaten and it sure was good.
After walking for several hours he found himself in the middle of a crowd of people. As he glanced quickly toward the direction the crowd was headed he noticed a small gathering of people already there. As a man hurried by Hosiah asked him, "Sir, can you tell me where everyone is going?"
"We are following Jesus of Nazareth who teaches with authority, who performs all manners of miracles, who speaks of freedom and speaks of peace. Come with us," the man hurriedly said.
Glancing quickly at the position of the sun he knew he had better be getting home. "I’d like to but it’s getting late and I had better get home," he said turning in the direction of his home. As he began walking a nagging feeling persisted in the back of his mind, "What did that man say about freedom and peace," he thought. With each step the feeling got stronger and stronger yet he knew if he gave into it he would be getting home late. With each step the pain from the lashes his father would give him increased.
As tears again formed in his eyes he heard a voice. "Hosiah, listen not to the voice of fear, but listen to the voice of my Spirit," the voice called out to him.
Hosiah stopped dead in his tracks, looked around for the source of the voice. There was no one. Again he started walking toward home, again the voice repeated the message. This time with out hesitation he turned around and headed for the crowd.
"Master, the hour is getting late and the people who followed us are hungry. We are afraid that they are going to get mad, what are we going to do," a disciple asked Jesus.
"Do you not know that I have come so that the hungry will be fed," Jesus asked?
"Yes master we know that you have come to feed the hungry, but we have no food and we do not have enough money to buy food for such a large gathering of people. The hour is also late so there will be no time to purchase the food even if we have sufficient money. What shall we do, Master," Philip asked?
"Oh ye of little faith, the hour is indeed late, why do you trust only your eyes and not your faith? Have you not learned to trust my Father in heaven for the things you need yet can not see? I have prayed for food for these people and even now the Father is providing food for them. Go ask that boy over there to come here," Jesus replied.
Philip turned and caught a glimpse of Hosiah and hurried away in his direction. Noticing that Hosiah had baskets with him Philip asked what he had in them. "I have five barley loaves and two small fish sir," Hosiah responded.
"Five loaves and two small fish, that is not enough to feed this many people," Philip said to himself. "Please, come with me the Master has need of you," he said pointing in Jesus’ direction.
As the two walked toward Jesus he was talking to the other disciples, "Soon you will know the Son of Man has not only power to feed the soul but power to feed the body as well. Soon you will see that a young child can also provide food to feed my sheep."
"Jesus, here is the young boy you told me about, but he has only five loaves of barley bread and two small fish, hardly enough to feed such a large crowd," Philip replied pushing Hosiah closer to Jesus.
"Philip, Philip, you still worry and fret and do not understand," Jesus said.
Turning to Hosiah, "Let’s you and I go off by ourselves for a while." Suddenly they were lying on their backs in a beautiful field of tall grass and wild flowers. As they gazed into the blue sky, all around them the sounds of nature sang songs of peace and harmony.
But Hosiah didn’t hear the songs his mind was racing so fast he turned every other sound off. Here he was in a strange place, with a strange man. "How, why, where am I, who is this stranger, what about my father," faster and faster his young mind raced. And fear held him is it’s powerful grip.
"Do not listen to the voice of fear my young friend, but listen to the sounds of God all around you," the stranger said.
Suddenly Hosiah recognized the voice as the one he heard on the road. "Who are you, where am I, and what I am doing here," His voice trembled. "I must be going home, if I am late my father will be very angry at me. Please let me go."
"I am called Jesus, and I have taken you to the Valley of the Father where you may rest and learn of me, and listen to the sounds of God," Jesus replied.
"I know of no Jesus or of a Valley of the Father. Where have you taken me," Hosiah asked again?
"I have come to free you from the pain of captivity, to replace your sadness with joy, to heal your body and mind, I have come to minister to you Hosiah. I have taken you to the Valley of the Father where you can leave the darkness of your life, where you can leave all your pain, and all your uncertainties. You will find only hope, love, and peace here. No one will abuse you here, you will learn to love your enemies, you will learn to love yourself, and you will learn that you are my greatest achievement. You will learn of God," Jesus replied.
As Jesus talked the sounds of his father’s fist hitting his young body began to give way to the sounds of God coming from the birds of the valley. As Jesus talked the feelings of pain gave way to feelings of happiness. As Jesus talked Hosiah could feel a warmth growing in his heart for himself.
"Jesus," he said.
"Yes my friend," came the reply
"I can hear the sounds of God," Hosiah said smiling.
"I know," Jesus said with tears streaming down his face, "I know."
Suddenly they were back in the midst of the multitude. "Master please tell us what to do the people are getting hungrier." Peter asked Jesus.
Hosiah proudly held out his basket to Peter, "Here sir take this," he said.
Peter looked at Hosiah and took the basket from him, he then looked at Jesus as if he were asking what to do next. "Place the loaves and fishes on the ground in front of me," Jesus said. After the disciple placed the food in front of Jesus all the disciples stood back.
Looking up and reaching toward heaven he began, "Father in heaven, I am thankful that you have provided the loaves and fish that lie before us, I pray as it is done in heaven so it be done on earth. I bless this food so all may know that I have power to feed the body as well the spirit. Amen."
"Go, feed my sheep," he commanded the disciples.
As the disciples moved among the people they were amazed at how much food there was. After everyone had taken what they wanted the disciples rejoined Jesus.
"Never in my life, Lord have I tasted such delicious fish," Peter said.
"Never in my life have I seen so little feed so many," Matthew added between bites.
"And we have twelve baskets of bread fragments left, Jesus. We can sell what is left to build our treasury," Judas said.
"Judas, you can not sell what is not yours to sell. Hosiah and my Father in heaven has blessed and given this food to us freely. So freely me must give. Take what is left into the village and give to those who are hungry and poor so you may be a testimony to all people that God loves and cares for them," Jesus replied.
Turning to Hosiah Jesus placed his hand on the young boys shoulder. "Hosiah remember, always listen and love with your heart, and always remember no matter what anyone tells you, no matter how anyone treats you are God's greatest achievement, you are God greatest creation. Go in peace my little friend, and do not fear the pain of the body but fear the pain of the soul," Jesus said with tears in his eyes. Before turning and leaving Jesus handed Hosiah his basket.
Never in his life had Hosiah been in such a hurry to get home. He was no longer afraid of what would happen to him. He loved his father, somehow he had felt the pain his father felt and deep inside Hosiah found forgiveness. Deep inside the boy knew things would be different.
As he came in sight of his house he could see his father working in the field. He shouted, "It’s me father," then broke out running as fast as he could and waving his arms.
Zechariah looked up and saw his son running and waving, "What’s got into that boy," he said to himself.
"Father, Father I love you," Hosiah shouted at the top of his lungs!
Zechariah could feel anger building in him, "How dare that son of mine enjoy life, he killed the only one I loved in life, how dare he be happy," he said to himself. And the father made ready to greet Hosiah with a closed fist.
About 100 feet from where his father was standing Hosiah tripped, suddenly an explosion went off in his head as everything went black. "Hosiah," Zechariah shouted paused and shouted, "Hosiah are you okay?" The father took off running to where Hosiah had fallen. When Zechariah arrived at the spot he looked at his fallen son. He could not see his chest rise and the boy did not move.
Suddenly like a bolt of lightening exploding into the earth Zechariah saw in his mind a hideous monster beating his son. Helplessly he watched in anger, helplessly he watched in frustration, and helplessly he felt every painful blow. With each blow he could feel the life of his son growing weaker and weaker. In desperation he cried out, "Is there no one to help me, must I watch my son die as all of heaven stands by helpless?"
Like thunder rolling across the sky a voice boomed, "Zechariah do you love your son?"
"Yes, I love my son, please help us," he screamed back.
Again the voice rolled across the sky, "Zechariah do you love your son?"
"Yes I love Hosiah, I would give my life for him. Why must I hold my son and watch his life be taken from me, while you ask if I love him," the father cried?
"Zechariah if you love your son, why to do abuse him," the voice thundered? Suddenly Zechariah saw the identity of the monster beating Hosiah, it was himself.
"No, not me" he cried, his voice echoed across the heavens, "Have I killed my own son?"
There was silence, deadly silence and Zechariah was left alone with his guilt. He closed his eyes, but all he could see was a giant fist hitting him again and again and each time the guilt would pull him farther into a dark void. He opened his mouth to scream for help but nothing came out. Suddenly from out of nowhere a tiny hand appeared, "Father, take my hand," a small muffled voice rang out.
Desperately Zechariah reached out and grabbed the extended hand and there was light, and he looked at his son and there was life. All of heaven became silent as father and son embraced, all of heaven silently rejoiced as love replaced anger, frustration, and guilt. And God smiled.
As the golden rays of the morning sun warmed him Hosiah started to get up but he moved a little slower this morning because of the beating he received the night before. As the twelve year old boy slowly got dressed he wondered what there was about him that caused him to be a bad boy. He always helped his father, he always learned his lessons, never got into any trouble, he never fought with the other boys, but there must be something wrong with him because his dad was always punishing him.
"Hosiah, Hosiah, are you up yet," an older man angrily shouted?
"Just getting up father, do you want something," the boy asked.
"What kind of dumb question is that, of course I want something. I called you didn’t I. I left money on the table to buy us food, and be back here in a hour or I’ll give you a good thrashing," his father shouted.
"Yes father, what should I buy," Hosiah asked?
"Stop asking me stupid questions, you know what I like to eat, now be gone," Zechariah said.
Hosiah couldn’t get out of the house fast enough. He finished dressing stopped at the table long enough to pick up the money his father had left and headed out the door. After getting out of doors he quickly glanced at the amount of money he had to buy food, as usual there wasn’t enough.
He then thought of the beating he would receive when he got home. "What did you do with all the money I gave you," his father would say.
"You know I don’t like to punish you like this but, you have got to learn responsibility," he would say as he was hitting Hosiah. In his young mind he could hear the slap of his father’s hand on his bare skin, he could feel the pain, he could feel his anger building, he cried as he walked.
It had not always been this way, once they were a happy family before Hosiah’s mother was killed by bandits. They came one day as Hosiah’s father had gone to the village and left him in charge. "You’re twelve now Hosiah and that’s old enough to take responsibility for the farm," Zechariah told his son. Hosiah could feel the words cut deep into his spirit as he remembered seeing his mother jump in front of him saving his life and giving hers "Father’s right it should have been me," he said out loud, "It would have been much better."
It took Hosiah a little longer to get to the village mainly because he was in no hurry to get back home to the beating that awaited him. "That’s what bother’s me the most, knowing what lies ahead," he thought to himself. His pace slowed even more. With each step he could feel the anger building and building in him. "I wish he were dead," he tried deny his thoughts, but it was no use as the thought of his father being dead slammed into his mind it brought tears to his eyes. Then the anger turned from his father to himself, then he wanted the beating. "I must be punished for such thoughts," he said out loud.
About an hour later Hosiah was standing in front of the market wondering just how much food he could get for the little money he had. As he slowly counted the change his heart skipped a beat, "Looks like a few more hungry days for me," he said to himself.
"That you Hosiah," a voice called out.
Looking up he noticed the owner of the market standing in front of him. "Yes sir, it is," he replied, "Father sent me to pick up some food for us. I must have lost some of the money on the road because father gave me much more than I have now."
Jonah could see that the boy had been crying. "Don’t worry Hosiah, it happens I’ll give you some extra and you can bring the money back to me in a couple of days," the man replied. Jonah knew that he would never get the money back because he knew Zechariah had never given Hosiah any more money than he had. Jonah moved to put his large hand on the young boys shoulder to reassure him it would be okay but quickly pulled it away when Hosiah winced in pain. As the big hand come to rest on his shoulder a sharp pain shot down his arm and back but Hosiah dared not react previous beatings taught him discipline himself.
"You okay Hosiah," Jonah asked?
"Yes sir, just a little sore, sir. I was in a hurry leaving this morning and tripped and my shoulder is still a little tender," Hosiah replied.
"Some times I wonder about you young people, always in a hurry," Jonah said smiling. But he knew what was going on, he knew Zechariah was abusing his son. He talked to him on a number of occasions about it but the abuse still continued. "I wish I could do more," he thought to himself, "But I’m doing all I can now."
Walking through the market he picked up some food placed it in Hosiah’s basket and handed to him. "Here you go Hosiah," he said handing it to the young boy. "Don’t worry about the money and try not to fall again."
Hosiah carefully took the basket from the man and looking at the floor and said, "Thank you sir, my father will really be happy. And thank you for being so concerned about me, I’ll be okay," and started his journey home.
Just outside the village Hosiah stopped to see what Jonah had put in the basket. Folding the cover cloths back there were 6 barley loaves and 3 small fish. After a few seconds of mentally adding it up he only had money for 3 barley loaves and 1 small fish. Looking back toward the village he again thanked Jonah. It was at that very moment when his stomach growled that it was empty. Reaching in the basket the hungry, hurting Hosiah removed a barley loaf and a fish then began eating. It was the first time in 3 days he had eaten and it sure was good.
After walking for several hours he found himself in the middle of a crowd of people. As he glanced quickly toward the direction the crowd was headed he noticed a small gathering of people already there. As a man hurried by Hosiah asked him, "Sir, can you tell me where everyone is going?"
"We are following Jesus of Nazareth who teaches with authority, who performs all manners of miracles, who speaks of freedom and speaks of peace. Come with us," the man hurriedly said.
Glancing quickly at the position of the sun he knew he had better be getting home. "I’d like to but it’s getting late and I had better get home," he said turning in the direction of his home. As he began walking a nagging feeling persisted in the back of his mind, "What did that man say about freedom and peace," he thought. With each step the feeling got stronger and stronger yet he knew if he gave into it he would be getting home late. With each step the pain from the lashes his father would give him increased.
As tears again formed in his eyes he heard a voice. "Hosiah, listen not to the voice of fear, but listen to the voice of my Spirit," the voice called out to him.
Hosiah stopped dead in his tracks, looked around for the source of the voice. There was no one. Again he started walking toward home, again the voice repeated the message. This time with out hesitation he turned around and headed for the crowd.
"Master, the hour is getting late and the people who followed us are hungry. We are afraid that they are going to get mad, what are we going to do," a disciple asked Jesus.
"Do you not know that I have come so that the hungry will be fed," Jesus asked?
"Yes master we know that you have come to feed the hungry, but we have no food and we do not have enough money to buy food for such a large gathering of people. The hour is also late so there will be no time to purchase the food even if we have sufficient money. What shall we do, Master," Philip asked?
"Oh ye of little faith, the hour is indeed late, why do you trust only your eyes and not your faith? Have you not learned to trust my Father in heaven for the things you need yet can not see? I have prayed for food for these people and even now the Father is providing food for them. Go ask that boy over there to come here," Jesus replied.
Philip turned and caught a glimpse of Hosiah and hurried away in his direction. Noticing that Hosiah had baskets with him Philip asked what he had in them. "I have five barley loaves and two small fish sir," Hosiah responded.
"Five loaves and two small fish, that is not enough to feed this many people," Philip said to himself. "Please, come with me the Master has need of you," he said pointing in Jesus’ direction.
As the two walked toward Jesus he was talking to the other disciples, "Soon you will know the Son of Man has not only power to feed the soul but power to feed the body as well. Soon you will see that a young child can also provide food to feed my sheep."
"Jesus, here is the young boy you told me about, but he has only five loaves of barley bread and two small fish, hardly enough to feed such a large crowd," Philip replied pushing Hosiah closer to Jesus.
"Philip, Philip, you still worry and fret and do not understand," Jesus said.
Turning to Hosiah, "Let’s you and I go off by ourselves for a while." Suddenly they were lying on their backs in a beautiful field of tall grass and wild flowers. As they gazed into the blue sky, all around them the sounds of nature sang songs of peace and harmony.
But Hosiah didn’t hear the songs his mind was racing so fast he turned every other sound off. Here he was in a strange place, with a strange man. "How, why, where am I, who is this stranger, what about my father," faster and faster his young mind raced. And fear held him is it’s powerful grip.
"Do not listen to the voice of fear my young friend, but listen to the sounds of God all around you," the stranger said.
Suddenly Hosiah recognized the voice as the one he heard on the road. "Who are you, where am I, and what I am doing here," His voice trembled. "I must be going home, if I am late my father will be very angry at me. Please let me go."
"I am called Jesus, and I have taken you to the Valley of the Father where you may rest and learn of me, and listen to the sounds of God," Jesus replied.
"I know of no Jesus or of a Valley of the Father. Where have you taken me," Hosiah asked again?
"I have come to free you from the pain of captivity, to replace your sadness with joy, to heal your body and mind, I have come to minister to you Hosiah. I have taken you to the Valley of the Father where you can leave the darkness of your life, where you can leave all your pain, and all your uncertainties. You will find only hope, love, and peace here. No one will abuse you here, you will learn to love your enemies, you will learn to love yourself, and you will learn that you are my greatest achievement. You will learn of God," Jesus replied.
As Jesus talked the sounds of his father’s fist hitting his young body began to give way to the sounds of God coming from the birds of the valley. As Jesus talked the feelings of pain gave way to feelings of happiness. As Jesus talked Hosiah could feel a warmth growing in his heart for himself.
"Jesus," he said.
"Yes my friend," came the reply
"I can hear the sounds of God," Hosiah said smiling.
"I know," Jesus said with tears streaming down his face, "I know."
Suddenly they were back in the midst of the multitude. "Master please tell us what to do the people are getting hungrier." Peter asked Jesus.
Hosiah proudly held out his basket to Peter, "Here sir take this," he said.
Peter looked at Hosiah and took the basket from him, he then looked at Jesus as if he were asking what to do next. "Place the loaves and fishes on the ground in front of me," Jesus said. After the disciple placed the food in front of Jesus all the disciples stood back.
Looking up and reaching toward heaven he began, "Father in heaven, I am thankful that you have provided the loaves and fish that lie before us, I pray as it is done in heaven so it be done on earth. I bless this food so all may know that I have power to feed the body as well the spirit. Amen."
"Go, feed my sheep," he commanded the disciples.
As the disciples moved among the people they were amazed at how much food there was. After everyone had taken what they wanted the disciples rejoined Jesus.
"Never in my life, Lord have I tasted such delicious fish," Peter said.
"Never in my life have I seen so little feed so many," Matthew added between bites.
"And we have twelve baskets of bread fragments left, Jesus. We can sell what is left to build our treasury," Judas said.
"Judas, you can not sell what is not yours to sell. Hosiah and my Father in heaven has blessed and given this food to us freely. So freely me must give. Take what is left into the village and give to those who are hungry and poor so you may be a testimony to all people that God loves and cares for them," Jesus replied.
Turning to Hosiah Jesus placed his hand on the young boys shoulder. "Hosiah remember, always listen and love with your heart, and always remember no matter what anyone tells you, no matter how anyone treats you are God's greatest achievement, you are God greatest creation. Go in peace my little friend, and do not fear the pain of the body but fear the pain of the soul," Jesus said with tears in his eyes. Before turning and leaving Jesus handed Hosiah his basket.
Never in his life had Hosiah been in such a hurry to get home. He was no longer afraid of what would happen to him. He loved his father, somehow he had felt the pain his father felt and deep inside Hosiah found forgiveness. Deep inside the boy knew things would be different.
As he came in sight of his house he could see his father working in the field. He shouted, "It’s me father," then broke out running as fast as he could and waving his arms.
Zechariah looked up and saw his son running and waving, "What’s got into that boy," he said to himself.
"Father, Father I love you," Hosiah shouted at the top of his lungs!
Zechariah could feel anger building in him, "How dare that son of mine enjoy life, he killed the only one I loved in life, how dare he be happy," he said to himself. And the father made ready to greet Hosiah with a closed fist.
About 100 feet from where his father was standing Hosiah tripped, suddenly an explosion went off in his head as everything went black. "Hosiah," Zechariah shouted paused and shouted, "Hosiah are you okay?" The father took off running to where Hosiah had fallen. When Zechariah arrived at the spot he looked at his fallen son. He could not see his chest rise and the boy did not move.
Suddenly like a bolt of lightening exploding into the earth Zechariah saw in his mind a hideous monster beating his son. Helplessly he watched in anger, helplessly he watched in frustration, and helplessly he felt every painful blow. With each blow he could feel the life of his son growing weaker and weaker. In desperation he cried out, "Is there no one to help me, must I watch my son die as all of heaven stands by helpless?"
Like thunder rolling across the sky a voice boomed, "Zechariah do you love your son?"
"Yes, I love my son, please help us," he screamed back.
Again the voice rolled across the sky, "Zechariah do you love your son?"
"Yes I love Hosiah, I would give my life for him. Why must I hold my son and watch his life be taken from me, while you ask if I love him," the father cried?
"Zechariah if you love your son, why to do abuse him," the voice thundered? Suddenly Zechariah saw the identity of the monster beating Hosiah, it was himself.
"No, not me" he cried, his voice echoed across the heavens, "Have I killed my own son?"
There was silence, deadly silence and Zechariah was left alone with his guilt. He closed his eyes, but all he could see was a giant fist hitting him again and again and each time the guilt would pull him farther into a dark void. He opened his mouth to scream for help but nothing came out. Suddenly from out of nowhere a tiny hand appeared, "Father, take my hand," a small muffled voice rang out.
Desperately Zechariah reached out and grabbed the extended hand and there was light, and he looked at his son and there was life. All of heaven became silent as father and son embraced, all of heaven silently rejoiced as love replaced anger, frustration, and guilt. And God smiled.