Hoby was alone.
He was an only child. His mother died giving birth to him. His father was always in the market place.
They didn’t have much money but with what his father could trade and Hoby could steal, both scratched out a living.
Survival. That was the single focus of their lonely, outcast life.
Living by wit and will power gets one many things but not friendship. Not peace.
Hoby thought everyone hated him. Everyone that is until he met Festus, the shadow. Shadows became comfortable and darkness became Hoby’s dearest friend.
Festus told him about people; Who to steal from, who to lie to, how to make it fun. With Festus for a companion Hoby got very good at it. He could talk faster and steal more. His father wasn’t entirely happy about it but he sure enjoyed all the stuff Hoby brought home and he was always busy working an angle at market; Too busy to concern himself with his son’s life.
One day Festus wanted something in return.
Hoby would give him anything. That’s what friends do.
Little by little Festus continued taking things from Hoby. Soon Hoby had nothing but his health. In time that too he gave to darkness.
Hoby’s father grew sadder and sadder as the days went on. Unknown to Hoby, his father loved him and hated seeing him this way. Each day he wound his way through the labyrinth of the market place keeping a watchful eye on his son… his only son. When Festus took over his boy’s body, hot tears of remorse and helplessness ran down his cheeks.
If only he’d shown more love to Hoby. If only he’s kept him with him all day. If only….
Wasn’t there anyone who could save his only son?!
Yes! There was a healer in town named Jesus. He cast out demons and wherever he went darkness fled from him. Some said Jesus was the son of God. Maybe he could help him. Would he help such poor sinners like himself and like Hoby?
Paralyzed by his lot in life, the troubled and sad father did nothing until one day Festus threw Hoby into convulsions right in front of everyone. In a sudden burst of love, the father thought nothing about the gawking market goers, he just wanted his son to be free.
He waited for his chance. Festus sometimes left Hoby alone. When he left him the next time Hoby’s father would take him to this Jesus.
They found Jesus’ disciples! They had hope. Nothing happened. A crowd began to gather and argue about demon possession. Festus returned.
When Hoby’s father saw Jesus he said, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.”
“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
In that moment, the only son of the King of the Universe met the heart deep need of one young sinner, the only son of a despairing and desperate dad.
You can find the real story here.
Remember that no matter how long it’s been, everything is possible for him who believes …in Jesus.
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