Before we launch into a new study, I want to thank those who shared their comments about having a quiet time. (Even my own son!) Many appreciated the reminder to “be still.” Others said they like to have their quiet time in God’s nature— sitting on the back porch or taking a walk.

One has been faithful every day for the last four years and found God speaking to him almost every time. Another said he likes to dwell on one passage or truth long enough and deep enough for that truth to penetrate his heart and transform him. We each have our own way and God reaches us with unique revelations. Praise His holy Name!

I’d like to move now to a character in the Bible whose name we do not know. Many are like that—the leper, the blind man, the woman at the well, or the woman who touched the hem of his garment. In this case, not only do we not know his name, he was simply a bystander watching the main incident as it took place. We really know nothing of him, but we know he was there.

Let’s give him a name just for the sake of our story. We’ll call him, Aphiemi. (A fee me)

Aphiemi lived in Jerusalem and worked among the elite of the city. He had handsome features which attracted many female admirers. One ill-fated night, he found himself with one of these liberal admirers which launched both he and his lover, Marnah, on a path that led to a pattern of promiscuity.

A few elders took him under wing in an attempt to draw him back from his waywardness into a life as a scribe. Certainly one who handles the ancient Scriptures would cease to indulge in such sinful ways. Indeed, he studied well, had remarkable penmanship, and found prestige and power in his position. He married the girl chosen for him by his parents and appeared content with his life.

But eventually, it seemed that any slight affection he had for his wife waned. She was disgruntled about the fact that she was childless and nagged him constantly about this and that. Added to that, he became a bit bored with his prestigious position.

One day, as Aphiemi passed the market, he spotted Marnah over by the fruit stand. She was as beautiful as ever. Old desires welled up inside of him and he soon found himself by her side.

 “Hmm, this fruit looks quite delicious,” he said, not taking his sensuous eyes off her.

She cocked her head with a luring smile and whispered, “Enticing, wouldn’t you say?”

“Perhaps we could partake of its sweetness this evening.”

In no time, they had set a time and place for a renewed rendezvous.

Aphiemi contained his lurid thoughts as he made excuses to his wife as to where he would be for the evening.

His heart beat with excitement as he pranced down the dark streets of Jerusalem with youthful energy in spite of his advancing years.

Well, lest you think I’ve gone from quiet time to smut, let me assure you that I’m merely setting up a scenario for the rest of the story. We will get to the Scripture. Stay tuned!

~ Joyce ~