Joab's Fire

by Lynn Squire

  She laughed and pulled a Bible from her pocket. Opening it, she said, “The Bible says ‘That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’” She squeezed his hands. “You can have that freedom from self-condemnation, just tell it to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you.”

  Dixon shook as he knelt on the floor before the cell bars. How could this be? A simple act of believing could bring such joy? “Lord, I’ve done wrong. I’ve lived a wretched life.” His shoulders trembled as waves of remorse swept over him and tears poured down his face. “Please forgive me, Jesus.”

  The air stilled. Not a sound could be heard, not even the wind outside. But deep within him surged a Chinook that blew away the damning clouds of guilt and filled him with the warm presence of peace.

  He chuckled and waited, unsure whether the warmth would stay.

  It did.

  Ruth’s hand touched his shoulder.

  He laid his calloused one upon hers and lifted his head to meet her blessed eyes.

  She laughed softly then whispered, “Born again.”

  The warmth of the sunlight coming through the window relaxed his strained muscles. His heartbeat slowed, and he filled his lungs with air, treasuring each breath in a new life. “Born again.”

  The door opened and the cool of the outside flowed into the room.

  “Sergeant?” Barty’s voice cracked. “Ah, did we come at a bad time?”

  Dixon chuckled and rose to his feet. He turned and saw a young inspector standing behind his friend. Dixon saluted and waved the men inside. “You’re Inspector Gilroy.”

  “Yes sir.” The young man removed his wool hat and drew an envelope from inside his serge. “I have a letter here from the commissioner. It contains your Discharge Certificate.”

  EPILOGUE

  March came in like a lion. A blinding blizzard dumped less snow than the last storm, but still it whirled around the icy crystals in such a fury that Dixon wondered if God’s own finger stirred the wind. When Sunday came with sunshine, he needed to escape the confinement of the barn and walked to the low hill north of the building. Life had changed for him these past months.

  He watched the steam of a train passing Gleichen thirty miles across the flat of the white prairies, a good reminder of how life passes. His new collie puppy, Jasper, played about his feet. He scratched the pup behind his ear and sighed. A more peaceful pace suited him.

  The crisp air set sun dogs in the sky, a clear sign of a cold night ahead. The past months, since his discharge, had been happy ones. He shared the barn with Joab’s few animals, but he didn’t mind. It gave him plenty of quiet to pour over the Bible Ruth had given him for Christmas. Who would have thought he’d spend his days helping a family get on their feet, caring for livestock, and reading the very book he once claimed to hate?

  The pup raced westward after a white rabbit. Little did Jasper know that his new home would be in that direction. Dixon had recently leased 160 acres west of Surbank, land deserted by the previous settler who’d returned to Ontario. That was barely enough property to start ranching once the snow melted. It was a giant step for a middle-aged man, but Dixon wasn’t taking the risk on a whim. He’d thought it all through carefully and was convinced it was the best move he could make right now.

  He rolled a small box in his pocket with his gloved hand. One more step to take and his new life would feel complete.

  “You best get inside before you catch a chill.” Ruth’s voice sent shivers of joy up his spine.

  He turned to greet her. A grin played on his lips. “I thought you’d never leave the soddy.”

  “I wanted to help Sarah with the babies. It’s been awhile since I held such a small child in my arms.”

  She pulled her scarf tighter around her neck and offered him a hot cup of tea. He tipped the tea to his lips. “Ah, thank you. Nice and hot.”

  “Those twins are adorable, Clarence. I don’t know how Sarah keeps up with two at a time.”

  Dixon smiled at her and took a few more slurps of tea. “David and Jonathan Black. Fitting names.”

  “I’ve never seen a prouder father.” Ruth slid her arm around his, and he beamed at her.

  “Do you miss being a mother?” His heart beat at the thought of her glowing with motherhood. She would be beautiful.

  Ruth’s lips quivered to a faint smile. “Not when it comes to changing diapers, especially two at a time.” She looked off to the west. “I think I’d rather be a grandmother now.”

  “You’ve got to have children to have grandchildren.” He chuckled, finished his tea, and set the cup in the snow by his feet. “I once thought I’d have a dozen or so.”

  “And who did you have in mind for the mother of such a large brood?”

  He looked at her porcelain face and drank in the scent of lavender that went with her presence. A future, with or without children, would be wonderful with this woman at his side.

  She ignored his silence. “Do you like it here, with the Blacks?”

  Dixon sighed. He’d never experienced such peace as he had the last few months. “I’ll help them get on their feet again, and then I’ve plans to start that horse ranch I’ve always talked about.”

  Her eyelashes rested on her cheeks as she looked to the ground and rubbed his sleeve with her finger. “I see.”

  His skin tingled in anticipation of his intended question. He removed his gloves and took her hand into his own, and then lowered himself to one knee. The cold seeped through his pant leg just enough to cool the heat of apprehension.

  “What are you doing? You’ll catch your death of cold.” Her eyes sparkled.

  Dixon swallowed. He’d thought about this moment for the past several months. The weather, now no longer snowing but bright and clear with sundogs, was perfect. The lowering afternoon sun completed the ambience. “Ruth, would you give me the honor of being my wife?”

  She gazed across the land to Surbank. “I have a restaurant to run, which is doing quite well.”

  His heart sank.

  She pulled away from his hand and walked a few steps down the hill. He watched her look toward the town as the wind swatted her skirts and tugged on the ends of her coat. “I could use a man though, to repair some of the floorboards and the chairs.”

  The rise of joy brought him to his feet. “Ruth.” Did she not realize her power over him?

  “And the building could use a painting. And I tire of the figures. Someone with a mind for math would be so helpful.”

  He stepped toward her. “Ruth.”

  “But I suppose, I’ll …”

  “You just need to ask me. I’ll do it for you.” It would be so easy to slip into that life—a life with her always by his side.

  She pivoted toward him, and her eyes crinkled into a smile so large it filled every part of her face. “You could help me between raising foals and training.”

  Dixon nodded. “Of course. But—are you saying yes?”

  She cast her head back and laughed then threw her arms wide apart. “Yes.”

  He laughed and rubbed his hands together. Never had yes sounded so good.

  Jasper bounded toward them and jumped against his pocket, causing the box to cut into his side. “Oh. One more thing.” He slipped his hand into his pocket. “Before we left Manitoba, my mother gave me this.” He drew the box from his pocket, opened it, and lifted out a gold band with a solitary sapphire. “I’d like you to wear it.”

  He liked the way her lips quivered just then. He leaned toward her until he could feel her breath on his cheek. “It’s—it’s more beautiful than anything I’ve ever seen!” Her hands trembled slightly as she removed her glove and held out her hand. Dixon slid the ring onto her finger, the feel of her soft hands increasing his pulse.

  Memories of his mother mingled with the scent of Ruth’s lav
ender until a lump formed in his throat. “A perfect fit,” he said huskily.

  Tears slipped down her cheeks, and he wiped them away. She tipped her face upward and whispered, “I’d like a June wedding, if that is all right with you.”

  The lump tightened. “June would be perfect.”

  She smiled and took his hand in hers. Dixon looked at the ring on her hand. He remembered when his mother wore it. This ring was all he had to remember her by. He touched it again and twirled it gently around her finger. “When my mother gave me this ring, she made me promise to reserve myself for whomever I chose to give it. I—I want you to know that I have kept that promise, while I dreamed of finding a woman worth loving. Now I know I was dreaming of you.” He studied her face, rosy from the cold, eyes glimmering in the setting sun.

  “I wish to wait for our first kiss until the pastor declares us man and wife before God. Then to kiss you as my wife, the only woman I’ve ever touched in such an intimate way.” He swallowed. Lord, let her understand.

  Ruth caressed the back of his hand with her thumb, and her eyes glowed with something he took to be pride. “I love that you desire this. You are so honorable, so respectful. These I cherish in you. I will be pleased to help you keep that promise. It is only right.”

  He squeezed her hands and whispered, “Thank you for understanding, my love.” My love. Words he once thought he’d never say to anyone.

  “I love you all the more for your desire to wait. It’s a beautiful example of love and honor.” She looked up at him with an expression of tenderness.

  Pride surged through him. This woman, this beautiful woman, would complete his life like no one else. He grinned and let go of her hands. “I love you, too.” Then he lifted his fist in the air and whooped. It echoed across the prairie, followed by her laughter.

  “I don’t believe I’ve ever been happier.” She twirled in the dying sunlight as though a young girl, the smile on her face never broader.

  It was true then. If the bounce in her step were any indication, he’d made her happy. He chuckled, delight filling every part of his body. “I know I’ve never been happier.” And he jumped up and clicked his heels together. They laughed until Dixon wiped back tears. “It’s good to see you so happy.” Ruth beamed at him with eyes reflecting the beauty of the setting sun.

  Just then, a gust of wind carried a baby’s cry. “I best go now,” she whispered and stopped in front of him. “I love you, Clarence Dixon!”

  “And I love you, Ruth Clumpit!” His heart swelled. “I’ll go with you. We can share our news with Joab and Sarah.”

  She grabbed his empty tea cup from the snow and looped her arm through his. Jasper nipped at his feet as they walked to the soddy. Life couldn’t get much better than this—a wife, a dog, land, and above all, eternal life by the mercy and grace of God.

  Later that evening, he fed and bedded down the animals, and then settled beneath the buffalo robes. Didn’t the Bible say, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord”? Ruth would be an excellent wife. Most definitely through her he would obtain favor. He already had the day she led him to the Lord. With a smile on his lips, he drifted to sleep, dreaming of his future with Ruth, and God, and any little blessings the Lord might send their way.

  TO THE READER

  Dear Reader,

  For over thirty years I have suffered with environmental and food allergies, which kept me from leading a normal life and halted my desired career path. Over twenty-five years ago, I spent one more night vomiting until I had no strength. I asked God, “Why?” As clear as an audible voice, I heard Him say, “Read Job.” I spent the rest of that night reading this book of the Bible and was comforted. Perhaps I will never know why I have suffered, but I have come to accept it as God’s will and have prayed the verses in James 1:2–7:

  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

  Ever since that night, I have turned to the Book of Job for comfort, particularly when under the critical eyes of others. Because of my love for this portion of Scripture, I decided to write a story based on it then posted it on my blog. I never intended for it to be published in print, but as I received emails and comments from readers, I began to wonder if perhaps God would use it in that format. After contemplating several ideas on how to use this story to meet my readers’ needs, a friend suggested making it a Bible study. She knew of women’s groups who met to read a portion of a book and discuss it. Why not take this story and make it into a Bible study for these groups?

  I desire to point you to Scripture for the answers to the questions the story raises. If I truly believe that my fiction is to present biblical truths, then I need to direct my readers to where those biblical truths can be found.

  Joab’s Fire was written with my Bible open beside me. You’ll find many similarities between Job’s journey through suffering and Joab’s journey.

  I pray that God will use this story and study both to comfort and to exhort you, no matter what your relationship with God is at the time of reading. But above all else, let His name be glorified, for that is why we exist.

  IF YOU ARE A BIBLE STUDY LEADER, I hope that you and your group read the book of Job while you read this novel.

  The core question to this study is: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” The following list presents central questions for your group to discuss at the beginning and at the end of the story. And, if the need arises, through the middle.

  When you suffer, how do you react? What are your thoughts toward God and toward those around you? What questions do you ask?

  How do people, both Christian and non-Christian, view your reaction?

  When you see others suffer, what is your response? What thoughts run through your mind as to why they might be suffering?

  How do you treat people who are grieving or hurt? What words do you use, and what actions do you take, when you see them suffer?

  How do other people, both Christian and non-Christian, view your reactions to other people’s adversities?

  Can our response to hardships hinder another person’s approach to the throne of God? To salvation?

  What does sin have to do with suffering?

  How does our relationship with God affect our perspective on hardships?

  I love to hear from my readers. If you wish to share your story, or how this book has touched you, please feel free to email me at ldsquire@yahoo.com.

  Chapter 1 Discussion Questions

  Read Job chapters 1 and 2. Describe Job as God saw him. Describe Job as Satan saw him.

  1. Dixon saw himself as the guardian knight of his regional post. How is this like Job in Job 1:5? Are we able to keep our loved ones safe from any harm that might come to them?

  2. Why do you think the stranger went to see Pastor Perkins? Why do you think Dixon was suspicious of the stranger?

  Many people can sense when evil is near. Some are more sensitive to the presence of evil than others, even though they may not be able to explain it. Genesis 3:22 tells us that when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they were able to “know good and evil.”

  In Zechariah 3:1–2, Zechariah was shown Joshua, the high priest, and Satan standing near him. Satan sought to keep Joshua under his control, but in verse two God calls Joshua a brand plucked out of the fire. In the verses that follow we read how God took away Joshua’s filthy garments and gave him new raiment, symbolizing the removal of Joshua’s iniquity. A spiritual battle was being fought over Israel, and ultimately, the world. Thi
s was revealed to Zechariah.

  Jesus often spoke to evil spirits and was tempted by Satan (Luke 4). He recognized Satan speaking through Peter (Matthew 16:23).

  Evil is present in this world. We are capable of knowing it, and an evil spirit is capable of possessing a human being. However, God is more powerful and has the victory, as we see in Zechariah 3:2, when He rebukes Satan.

  When trials come, those who are saved can take comfort in God’s presence. Read Isaiah 43:2–3.

  3. Do you think the stranger had anything to do with Rupert’s death?

  Read Judges 2:21–22. The Bible tells us that God allows things to happen to us in order to test and prove us. When the Israelites entered into the Promised Land, they were told to keep God’s commandments and to drive the inhabitants from the land. However, they failed to obey.

  Read I Peter 1:6–9. God tells us through the Apostle Peter that we should rejoice through opportunities to prove our faith when we endure hardships. Trials and hardships will come our way. What can we do to prepare for them mentally and spiritually? Read I Peter 5:6–11.

  Chapter 2 Discussion Questions

  Read Job 1, and note Job’s reaction in verses 20–22 to the devastation that came to him.

  1. What were Joab’s concerns when he went to Sarah?

  Read Proverbs 16. Joab and Sarah worked hard to build the farm they had. What does Proverbs 16:9 say about our plans?

  2. How did Sarah view her home with respect to her neighbors? What does Proverbs 16:18–19 say about pride?

  3. The death of a child seems so unfair—a harsh reality of life that often stirs anger in one’s heart. Do we have a right to be angry with God?

  Study II Samuel 12:1–23, and note King David’s reaction to the death of his newborn son.