Demetrius' Story, Step 13

 Step 13

As he walked on, leading the flock, Alter considered his options. How could he help Demetrius, who carried such a deep wound and nursed it instead of seeking healing? How could he help when he also suffered greatly? There were days when his anger burned hotly, especially when his labors brought him in the proximity of the powerful leaders from Jerusalem. He’d read the same Torah they did. He knew of the passages which limited the amount of time a Jew could keep a fellow Jew in bondage. Yet despite this, Alter knew of many Jewish slaves like himself that remained in servitude long after their six years. Such flagrant disregard for the tenants of the Law of Moses, yet these same men were accorded honor and respect as righteous leaders of the Jewish people. Deep in thought, Alter lost track of time. As Alter turned these things over in his mind, he did not notice Demetrius sidling up to him. He jumped when Demetrius spoke.

“Alter, what do you think of Enosh,” Demetrius asked?

“Well, he’s our master. What else is there to think about?”

“I hate him!”

“You have to be careful with such powerful emotions,” the old man replied, “They will consume you.”

“He only cares about himself.”

“Yes, that is true,” the older man mused.

“He doesn’t provide for us,” Demetrius groused.

“No, he doesn’t. Not well at least. But that doesn’t really matter.”

“How can you say that,” returned an astonished Demetrius?

“Well, it’s hard to explain. But I serve another master.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” said the astonished young man.

“No, it doesn’t. But it would take too long to explain right now. Look here’s where we will graze for the day. It looks like the recent rains have brought new growth. The sheep will do well here for today. We can spend the night here and head for the fold tomorrow morning. Enosh told me to bring the flack down so he could examine them to see when they will be ready for shearing. We haven’t lost any of last year’s lambs, the ewes are getting ready to give birth, and the fleece looks good. He should be pleased,” said Alter.

“What do we care,” grumped Demetrius.

“They are his sheep, and we are responsible for them. He trusts us, and we’ve done a good job.”

“A fat lot of good it does us for all the gratitude he’ll show.”

“Yes, but we should take satisfaction for a job well done. That’s enough,” Alter said, a slight grin crinkling his eyes.

“Alter, I don’t understand you.”

“That’s okay. Sometimes I don’t understand myself,” smiled the grizzled slave.