Humbled
Humbled
The expected knock came at the door. Justus rose wearily from his chair and walked over to greet his guests. As he opened the door it came as no surprise to find his dear friends Aquila and Priscilla. They had met earlier that day in the market place when Aquila had asked if they might come over that evening. They had something that they wanted to discuss with Justus and his wife. "Certainly" was the response of their elder and friend. But as they determined the time of their meeting for that night, Justus noticed Priscilla's forced smile. Even the jovial Aquila was not himself. As Justus and his wife sat at dinner the couple speculated on what possible problem their friends had that would warrant an evening visit. After all, Aquila and Priscilla were pillars in the church. The whole thing began to feel serious.
After putting the children to bed, Justus and his wife joined their guests waiting in the living room. After a bit of small talk, Justus turned to Aquila, "So brother, what is concerning you?" Aquila glanced at his wife who returned his hesitant look with fear and
determination in her eyes. "Justus, you are a respected elder in the church, and we love you and your family..." The young Aquila paused, he gazed at the floor, praying under his breath for the right words and the grace to speak them. During the pause Justus prayed also, for this gifted, awesome couple whom the Lord had used mightily in the lives of many. Whatever was troubling the two had to be significant.
"Justus," Aquila continued, "we have not been good friends to you, for good friends would have spoken to you much earlier about the behavior of your children."
The shock was immediate. Justus found himself gazing at his wife, she was embarrassed. Then as if on cue, a cry penetrated the awkward silence. One of the children had gotten out of her bed and was aggravating a sibling. Justus left the room, put the offender back in her own bed, and resumed his seat.
"What do you mean, specifically?" Justus asked, trying to maintain a friendly composure. His shock was gone. Now, underneath his facade, anger began to grow. Who are they to think they can judge us as parents? Our children are as good as any of the other kids in the community. I don't need this, thought Justus. Aquila responded, "There have been incidents where your children have shown disrespect to other adults." "And," he added, "they do not seem to have a consciousness of their sinful nature."
"My children?!" Justus exclaimed, in a voice and tone he did not quite have control of. "When have they been disrespectful and to whom?" he demanded. Aquila patiently and painfully related occasions where and when the transgressions had taken place. Justus studied Aquila's eyes. He saw in them sincerity and concern. He realized too that this confrontation had not come easy, but that his friend was living out his convictions regarding the exhortation of the saints.
"Justus." It was Priscilla. Justus turned toward her in time to see the first tears coursing down her cheeks. "Justus," she continued, "we parents have the responsibility to raise our
children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. You, being a elder, should have already taught your young ones about their depravity and the reasons that they do wrong. They need to recognize authority and..." There was no completion of the sentence.
Priscilla placed her hands over her face and sobbed. Aquila reached over and put his hand on his wife's shoulder. The scene made the anger in Justus fade away. These were his friends. They were only doing what was right.
Justus was a busy man. The ministry in Athens had grown faster than the church's leadership. There were lessons to prepare and deliver, new converts to meet with, counseling, the sick to pray and care for, widows who had needs and other ministerial tasks in addition to his own occupation as a tent maker. His wife was supportive and encouraging. But he was tired and had been tired a long time. As a result, his family had moved from the top priority in his life. Lately, he had coasted through his responsibilities in the home-always planning to get things "back in order," but daily failing to.
"Justus," Priscilla began again, barely composed, "we are told that children are an inheritance from the Lord and..." "Priscilla," Justus interrupted, "you came to my house over-prepared. You and your husband are right. I have not practiced my own teaching. I must never let outside demands displace my responsibilities in the home. Even fatigue is not a good excuse." Better to live right and die sooner than to live long and mediocre. Right?" Justus asked through a weary smile.
Aquila and Priscilla returned the smile."My greatest regret in all of this," Justus continued, "is your tears, Priscilla. What a burden this must have been on the both of you as you labored and planned for this meeting." I am grateful to the both of you for being faithful to confront me on this matter. You have proved yourselves to be true friends and have also substantiated your faith in God by your obedience to His word."
"In humbleness is how we prayed you would respond, dear friend. Our concern has turned to joy." Aquila and Justus embraced. "Thanks again to the both of you. By the way, how did that evangelist, Apollos, do last week while I was away? Did he fill the pulpit well?"
"Reasonably well," Aquila answered. "Did you know that we invited him to stay with us during his time here?" "Uh, no, I did not," said Justus. "He too, is a good man." remarked Aquila knowingly. They all broke out in laughter.