Rebekah Redeemed

by Dianne G. Sagan

  Rebekah took the hint and went back to her task. She watched Martha go to the doorway and stand watching the group of her guests talking with and listening to Jesus. Martha said, “Master, tell Mary to come and help me.”

  Jesus paused and said to her, “Mary has chosen the more important thing, to listen. I will not be with you forever.”

  Martha blushed and turned away—chastised. One of the women who traveled with Jesus and his followers came into the kitchen. “Martha, the master does not chastise you for your hospitality but wants to be sure that we all know his message and the way we should live with one another.”

  Rebekah stopped her work momentarily and listened to the exchange between Jesus and Martha and then the woman visitor. How could it be that Mary chose the better thing to do when we are trying to fix a meal for so many people? Jesus sounds like he is only visiting for a short time. So many people are still waiting outside the house to see him. You’d think that they would go home and eat.

  Lazarus, his sisters and their visitors shared a meal. The women served the meal as was their tradition, and they ate off to the side, listening to the conversation. After the meal together, Jesus departed “I must see to the people. We will return later.”

  The crowd that had waited outside Lazarus’ home followed Jesus into the countryside. Mary grabbed Rebekah’s hand and pulled her along. They picked their way through the crowd and found a place close to where Jesus sat on a large rock.

  Jesus’ voice carried across the field, gentle yet strong enough that everyone heard him. He said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

  The crowd sat quiet, intent on hearing the Nazarene. Rebekah thought, How many times did I ask for something in my prayers and never received an answer? I wanted to be loved. I wanted people to care about me. I know I prayed for these things and heard no answer. But this man is telling me that my prayers will be answered, that God really loves me, that if I seek God I will find God. I would like to believe him, but I don’t.

  Many people whispered of their hopes that Jesus would perform miracles. Some hoped for healing. Others wanted to find peace.

  Rebekah’s focus went back to what Jesus was saying.

  “God loves you. Do not worry for yourself or what will happen to you.”

  If God loves me then why have I suffered for so long?

  “My father takes care of even the sparrows. Why wouldn’t he care more for you?”

  Her deep-down reaction surprised her. She felt angry. God hadn’t looked after her every need when she was neglected, abused, and worked like a slave in her uncle’s house. She wanted to get up and leave, but when she started to get up Mary held her hand.

  Mary whispered, “Rebekah, please stay. Jesus can give you peace, the peace that only God can give.”

  “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost. I am the way. Pray to your Father in heaven.” Jesus looked directly at her.

  Rebekah sat back down and listened, still feeling angry, but this man’s voice pulled at her heart strings. She thought, How could God know me and love me? Except for Lazarus’ family, no one wanted me. Jesus speaks of peace and forgiveness. How can that be for me, too?

  The next day she returned to the hillside alone to listen and to watch. A woman threw herself at Jesus feet. “Forgive me master, I am a prostitute. Is there a place for me in heaven?”

  “You are forgiven. Go and sin no more.”

  When the woman rose, her face glowed and she danced for joy.

  Could he cleanse her heart and redeem her soul? I hate what my uncles did and what they allowed to happen to me. Why did I have to suffer so much? If God loves children, then why did he let so many people hurt me? These old feelings would be hard to let go.

  Over the next several days, Jesus and his followers spent nights sleeping at Lazarus house, but Jesus went into Jerusalem and the countryside teaching. Almost against her own objections, Rebekah felt like she wanted to follow Jesus around and watch what he did for others. Mary took her when she could get away from household duties.

  Rebekah watched him heal sick people and give peace to their souls. She even saw lepers come to him on the road. Everyone else ran or threw stones at them. Even Mary pulled Rebekah protectively into her arms, but Jesus touched them and they were made whole.

  Rebekah watched Jesus critically at first, filled with doubt that what he said really had anything to do with her redemption. She noticed that when he smiled, he lit up the world around him.

  Even though some of his disciples tried to keep a group of children away from him at the end of the afternoon when he was obviously getting tired, he said, “Let the children come to me, for of such is the kingdom of God.”

  In spite of herself, she felt drawn to this Nazarene.

  Could this man Jesus be the Messiah that Mary and Martha say his is? Rebekah felt at peace when Jesus spoke, but her mind argued with her that she could not be like Mary and the others—forgiven and clean. Like many things in her life, she felt it was for others and not for her. She’d have to think on all this some more. A part of her wanted to believe, but with the rest of her being she resisted.

  One evening, after a meal and after the crowds had gone home, Lazarus’ home grew quiet. Rebekah crossed the small courtyard to the room she shared with Martha and Mary. Everyone else had retired for the night.

  “Rebekah.” It was Jesus. He sat alone.

  She hadn’t noticed him until he spoke her name. It felt like he called to her very soul. She stopped and looked in his direction.

  Jesus held out a welcoming hand to her. “Rebekah, come to me.”

  She hesitated, but felt drawn to him. “Yes, Rabbi.”

  “Sit with me.”

  Rebekah seated herself at his feet and looked up into his brown eyes. He smiled at her and took her hands in his own. She couldn’t tear herself away from his gaze.

  “I know that you struggle with the abuse and neglect you have suffered at the hands of your kinsmen.”

  “Lazarus told you?”

  “He only told me that he redeemed you and brought you into his family.”

  “Then how do you know these things, Rabbi?” asked Rebekah.

  Jesus said, “It is written in your face and in your spirit, little one.”

  “You said in the field that God loves us and that if he takes care of the birds that he will take care of us. But he doesn’t love me that way. He never has.” Her eyes welled up, and she felt angry.

  Jesus didn’t respond to her anger like other people. He stroked one hand over her head as if she were still six years old. “You were never alone, Rebekah. Yes, you felt alone, but God the Father never left you, and I am with you now.”

  Rebekah felt confused. “I don’t understand. What about my uncle Benjamin and the beatings I received at the hands of Mara, my aunt?”

  “I know it is hard for you to understand these things. You cannot know the mind of Jehovah, but you can see him through me.”

  Jesus rested his hand on Rebekah’s head and lifted his face to the heavens. “I bless you with peace in your heart and understanding that goes beyond your years.”

  Rebekah felt a calm wash over her that she had never felt before. Tears splashed on Jesus’ feet. “How?”

  “You are a child of God the Father, Rebekah. Believe in me. I am the way.”

  They sat quietly for some time, and then Jesus rose and went in with his disciples leaving Rebekah to contemplate her feelings and what Jesus had said to her.

  After a couple of weeks, Jesus and his disciples left Bethany to return north to Capernaum. Rebekah felt a strange hollow inside her when they left. She wasn’t sure why.

  Her converstation with Jesus came back to her, and she remembered what he had said about God the Father answering her prayers. Could it be that I never received an answer becaus
e I didn’t want one? Then the thought staggered her. Could it be that Lazarus and Mary and Martha are God’s answer to my prayers?

  Chapter 17

  Lazarus and his sisters loved and cared for Rebekah. As they had promised on her day of redemption from a life of servitude and abuse, she truly became part of the family. They taught her all they had learned from the Teacher. Often news of Jesus’ travels reached their door. Even though some in Judea had tried to stone him, many throughout Israel listened and wondered if this was their Messiah—their deliverer—their earthly king. Many wanted someone to lead the people in a revolt against the Romans and push them out of Israel and Judea. Other revolts had only ended in death and a more oppressive Rome. Maybe this Jesus was the One—the long awaited Messiah.

  The little family listened to the rumors and the hopes of others but kept in their hearts their belief in Jesus. Rebekah still questioned. She wanted a redeemer who could completely change her heart and her life, but old feelings tugged at her.

  Jesus and his followers had gone back to Capernaum, but he had promised to return before the next Passover. Rebekah had heard Lazarus and some of his followers warn Jesus against returning to the city.

  As time neared for the Passover, thousands of people filled the countryside. Passover was one of the celebrations when the people were called to the Temple to make a sacrifice to Jehovah for their families.

  Rumors ran rampant in Bethany and the surrounding countryside. Rebekah heard women at the well and men in the streets say that Jesus would return and take his place as King of the Jews and rid them of the Roman occupation the people groaned under. She knew that the Roman’s would crush any rebellion Jesus might mount just as they had before.

  I wonder. I’ve heard him talk about his kingdom, but he doesn’t talk about rebellion like others have. He speaks of peace. I don’t understand. I remember when he healed that centurion’s servant. Everyone in Judea was talking about it. Why would he help a Roman?

  Lazarus and his friends discussed Caiaphas, the Chief Priest, and the Pharisees’ dislike for Jesus because he pointed out their weaknesses and mistakes in public. The Sadducees, as well, looked for ways to trick the Nazarene. But they couldn’t stop the people flocking to hear him in the countryside.

  One evening Lazarus returned home exhausted and feverish. He had been coughing for several days, but he assured his concerned sisters that he would recover soon and all would be as normal. The next day he could not rise from his bed. He was racked with fever and chills. No matter what they did for him, his illness grew worse.

  Martha had called for a physician, but no one could do anything to help Lazarus. Finally, out of desperation, Martha and Mary decided to send for Jesus. They had heard he was already returning from Galilee, but they could not wait any longer.

  Martha instructed their friend. “Go, find the Jesus and tell him that Lazarus is very ill and is dying. Ask him to come quickly.” They waited, but Jesus did not come.

  Lazarus died, and they entombed him before Jesus arrived. Many people had already come to comfort Martha, Mary, and Rebekah. Now the sisters were alone in the world without a brother or a husband to take care of them.

  Rebekah couldn’t understand. We watched Jesus heal people every day when he was here. He didn’t even care if they were Jew or Gentile. How could he not come when we sent for him? Lazarus was like a brother to him. Why, God? Why? Lazarus was the only one who would redeem me and restore me to a family – his own.

  Finally, four days after Lazarus was entombed, a woman ran into the courtyard at Martha and Mary’s home saying in a loud voice, “He is coming! Jesus is coming!”

  “Why didn’t he come before when something could have been done for my poor brother?” Martha wiped tears from her cheeks and ran to find Jesus.

  Mary and Rebekah followed behind her at a distance. They watched Martha running to Jesus. She fell at his feet and cried out, “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died. He has been in the tomb for four days. You are… you are too late.” She burst into sobs as he lifted her to her feet.

  “Your brother will rise again.”

  “At resurrection, on the last day,” said Martha.

  “You will see your brother, and he will live again.”

  One of the women following Jesus with his disciples took Martha’s arm as they walked toward the once happy home.

  Jesus and the sisters sat together in this home he had visited so often in the last three years.

  Mary said, “Why didn’t you come? Now his spirit is gone and there is no hope. You could have raised him like the little girl. I saw you. She was dead in her father’s arms, but you lifted her up and she walks the streets of Bethany and continues her life.”

  Rebekah listened. She didn’t know what to say or do. She felt a deep loss with Lazarus’ death, but just the presence of Jesus made her feel somehow at peace inside.

  Jesus said, “Mary, Martha, and you, too, Rebekah. I am the resurrection and the life. When you believe in me, you will live forever. Even though you will die to this world, as Lazarus has, those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

  “Yes Lord. You are the Christ,” said Martha.

  Rebekah’s mind was racing. She struggled to sort this out. She had heard Jesus teach the people that belief in him gave them a way to eternal life. But didn’t that just mean in heaven? How could anyone live again here on earth?

  Friends crowded around the doorway trying to listen to what Jesus said to his friends. Mary fell at Jesus’ feet. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Lazarus would still be alive if you had been here.”

  “You do not yet understand. I do not have long to stay with you. Come, where is Lazarus?”

  Tears filled his eyes and flowed down his cheeks. He looked at those who had come with them who mourned. Then his eyes fell on Rebekah. She stood a few feet away, shoulders drooping and eyes red-rimmed. As their eyes met, she saw such love and compassion in his eyes that it wrenched at her very core.

  Mary rose, and the women took Jesus to where her brother had been entombed. It was carved out of the rock hillside not far from the Garden of Gethsemane. It was a small cave and had been sealed off with a large round stone. The stone was set into a small trench like a track that went up the hill. Prior to burial, the stone would be held by smaller stones until the tomb was to be sealed. Then, the smaller stones were removed and the stone rolled into place, sealing off the opening.

  Jesus looked around him and commanded, “You men roll back the stone.”

  They quickly obeyed. Their muscles strained as they forced the large stone back uphill, once again blocking it in place.

  Martha said, “But Master, Lazarus’ spirit was gone on the third day. It is now four days, and too late.”

  “You must believe in order to see the glory of God,” said Jesus.

  Rebekah murmured. “I want to believe, help me believe.”

  Everyone watched. Mary, Martha, and Rebekah huddled with each other near Jesus. People passing by on the road stopped to see what the Nazarene was doing near the tombs. Why would he be teaching his followers among the dead?

  Jesus closed his eyes for a moment. Then he opened them and lifted his face toward heaven. In a loud voice he called, “Lazarus, come out!”

  Everyone stood breathless. They had seen this Teacher heal the sick, crippled and blind. Rebekah thought about the story that had circulated of Jesus raising the servant of a Roman from the dead. She thought again about the young girl he raised, but had they really been dead? If they were, it had only been hours, not days later.

  In a moment that felt like an eternity to the crowd, there was a movement in the opening. The men who had rolled away the stone ran away, frightened. At first they only saw a shadow coming toward the opening – as if Lazarus’ ghost would emerge. Rebekah shivered.

  Then, still wrapped in his burial cloths, Lazarus emerged into the afternoon sunlight. People gasped. Some fell to their knee
s worshiping God. Others ran in fear. The voices of the crowd and the people on the road rose from whispers to a roar of thanks and disbelief.

  “The Nazarene has brought Lazarus back from the dead!”

  “It’s a miracle.”

  “He must be the Messiah.”

  “Someone must call the Pharisees. Go to the High Priest Caiaphas.”

  Soon all the voices melted into an uproar that spread across the countryside and into Jerusalem itself.

  Rebekah fell to Jesus’ feet, “My Lord. You are truly the Son of God. Forgive me for my disbelief and my hate for my family and those people who hurt me.”

  Jesus lifted her up. “You are forgiven, Rebekah. Go and sin no more. Follow me with all your heart.”

  She wept, but this time with a heart swelling with the awesome power and love of a God that had not forgotten her. Her spirit soared. The pain and anger were swept away like a flood sweeps away the refuse.

  Jesus hugged her and stroked her hair like she was a small child.

  Jesus then turned toward his friend Lazarus. Martha and Mary wept as they helped their brother peel off the burial cloths. A friend threw his cloak around Lazarus to cover his body.

  Lazarus walked to his friend and redeemer, Jesus. The men threw their arms around each other and wept together for joy.

  The procession back to Lazarus’ house was one of jubilation and excitement. Crowds pressed in to see the risen Lazarus. How could anyone but God raise a person from the dead after their spirit was gone?

  People murmured throughout the area that Jesus must be the long awaited Messiah. He had come to save his people and break the yoke of Rome.

  But for today, the house of Lazarus rejoiced in the restoration of their brother. Rebekah stored away every detail of the day. Her heart felt like it would burst with joy.

  Chapter 18

  Jesus spent a joyful reunion with Lazarus and his friends in Bethany. Everyone wanted to come and see Lazarus, the man who had been raised from the dead. Word of the miracle spread across the countryside and throughout Judea. Instead of teaching in the hills around the village or going into Jerusalem to teach at the Temple, Jesus stayed with Lazarus for a few quiet days. Jesus went off alone sometimes.