Reaching for Heaven

Torien nudged Strider forward, holding fast as the horse muscled his way up the steep incline. Word had come only days ago that Torien’s uncle had fallen ill. His mother had sent him to manage his uncle’s farm until he recovered. The journey across Malinor was long and dangerous, leading past the Disputed Lands.

From the top of the rise, Torien had a clear view of the Hindinor Valley. Claimed by both Malinor and the fierce Arbecki who dwelt in the mountains beyond, the valley had been hotly contested for centuries. Even now unrest continued, with frequent raids and skirmishes. His own father had died fighting the Arbecki seven years ago.

Trees soon closed around the road and muted all sound. Torien drew his sword from its scabbard and held it in readiness. Marauding Arbecki were not the only thing that roamed these woods.

Moments later, Strider stopped suddenly, nostrils blowing. A man lay sprawled across the path ahead. Torien recognized the uniform of an Arbecki rider. Only one thing could tear gashes into leather armor like that—a cat-a-moor, the saber-toothed predator that sometimes wandered down from the northern wilds. There was no sign of the man’s mount.

Torien urged Strider on past. He had no love for the Arbecki. This could be the very warrior who slew his father. He made it as far as the next bend before turning the horse around. If there was ever to be peace between the nations, it must start somewhere.

He dismounted and checked the man’s injuries. They wouldn’t be fatal if he could get the man to an inn and locate a doctor. The rider had lost everything when his horse bolted, but Torien’s mother had given him coins for his journey. They would suffice.

With a mighty effort, Torien heaved the man onto Strider’s back, climbed up behind him, and struck out for the nearest town. • Michelle Isenhoff

• Today’s devotion is a fantasy retelling of the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. In Jesus’ day, the Samaritans were hated just like the Arbecki in today’s story. At the cross, we find peace with people who are different from us—because we are all sinners in need of the grace of the Savior (Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:14-16). Who is someone you have a hard time loving? How can you love them the same way Jesus loves you (1 John 4:19)?

We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:19 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Colossians 2:16-23