The Nail

By Joseph N. Padilla

Hello, my name is Joseph N. Padilla. Author of the novel, "Adventure the Long Walk, Afterchrist", now comes "The Nail." The Nail is my effort to recreate some of the mystery and awe that must have surrounded those souls fortunate enough to have encountered the massage of our savior either during his lifetime or soon after. As the story begins, Joshua Saul is about as low in the social scale as anyone can be. A beggar at the gate called Beautiful in Jerusalem of 48 A.D. He is penniless, homeless, illiterate and, for all practical purposes, without faith. Yet, in the story's final scene, Saul stands preaching to an arena filled with scoffers of God, and in an act of divine inspiration, calls on the Holy Spirit to act so clearly that all within sight are made to believe in the power of Jesus Christ - All through the symbolic power of a simple nine-inch nail. Joshua Saul's life begins it's ascent toward spiritual fulfillment on Golgotha - literally. While resting against an old crucifixion log after burying his mother, he finds embedded in the ground an old nail. Strangely soothed by the. nail, he tucks it away in his girdle. Little does he know the profound changes this simple act will bring. Soon enough miracles of rebirth, healing, and spiritual redemption sprout around Saul. With an open heart and a willing soul, this simple young man is transformed into a vessel for the message of salvation brought to earth by Jesus Christ, and so doing fulfills his destiny. A tail of spiritual growth, adventure, and romance. The Nail opens a new window on the story of Christ and the transformation of his holy presence enacted on even the physical objects that he's come in tough with.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Proisle Publishing Services
• Release date: Sep 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959449102

Book preview

SUMMARY

THE NAIL

I came up with this story after I found a large nine-inch, rusty old nail deep in the ground while I was metal detecting at a playground nearby. After digging some four inches into the hard ground; a square nail unseen for many years popped out, maybe from around the turn of century, in the eighteen hundred’s, eaten by rust but well preserved.

It is hard for me to express the feeling, but the only thing that came to me at that moment was the representation or the image of one of the nails that had been used in the crucifixion of Christ Jesus in 29 A. D. in Jerusalem, at the garden of the skull, called Golgotha.

As for the story, it is inspirational, full of adventure, wonderment, and hope; not to forget love: as are all the stories of the time of Christ.

The story takes place some twenty years after the death of Jesus, around 48 A. D.

A young man named Joshua Saul, while burying his mother’s remains in this place called Golgotha, found the nail. Not knowing where the nail came from, he felt a pleasing calm and a warm feeling holding it. Maybe it was because his mother lay there in peace. Days later the nail responded, and he received a revelation in a dream of an angel that revealed he was to give hope to those who are lost but not forgotten. He was given the gift that he and the nail would represent the work of the Lord. He was also told by the angel that not since the one called ‘The Word’ has there been a disciple to lead and heal His people, those who are losing their salvation by

‘He who is in the world: ‘Satan. ’The answers are in the story.

CHARACTERS

Joshua Saul -- Josh Sal – Main character

Aaron -- (A-run) Second character

Monarch – King Cornelius Gibeon

Aliza – Known as Scarlet.

Joram O-Ragee – Estate head servant

Ha-Ron – Hardware supply storekeeper.

Felia – Joram`s aunt – Her dog`s name was Yep.

King- Abele-a Shee Ammon – King of Al-Karak in Moab

Prince Zubulum – Brother in-law to King Abele-a Shee Ammon

Jess-ray – Manassas – Jess – Saul`s friends in Al-Karak

Lady Kathrynn Ku-Ka – (Mama Ku-Ka) – (Samuel) – Her deceased husband

Gabriella Arianna – Abele-a Shee Ammon – (Princess of Al-Karak)

Layla Oni – (Adopted sister of Princess Gabriella)

Estela – Caregiver to Princess Gabriella

Noel – The only son of Saul and Layla

Jorr – Camel driver with the caravan

Brother Peter – A rabbi Jewish priest turned christen.

Guba – (Afro man) with a (Zebra) horse of two colors

Rubin Rah – (Shepherd)

Mama Sarra – Healed

Samuel – (Stock in the mud) – healed.

Ho-San – Healed

Markus Ha-Marr – Healed

Judah & Mary – (Judah`s mother - both healed)

Abel – Young boy kidnapped and lost.

Saint Xui Zim – (Zoo zim) – A priest who the city of Xui Zim was named after

Jo-si-sa and Susana – Parents of Abel

Brother Gillen – Parishioner in the city of Xui-Zim.

Pekah Rezin – (Pak-ha) – Physician at Hell Hill

Amber – A worker at Hell Hill

THE NAIL

Chapter 1

The Boy

In the cool of the morning a young man known as Josh Sal, whose true name was Joshua Saul, which had been changed by the Nomads of his father’s time, was pulling a cart. The Nomads were wanderers of the land with no place in mind; they moved from place to place and had forgotten their heritage, and to them a name was just a name. The name Joshua Saul had been changed for unknown reasons. The pronunciation had been lost in time. Josh Sal, a slender middle size person with light brown hair and pale complexion, was known only to a very few people around the outskirts of the city known as Jerusalem. He had come to bury his mother’s remains in a place some called the Garden of the Skull, but better known as Golgotha. This is the region where the Romans put many to death by crucifixion; mainly the ones called Christians and those who would not patronize them in their pagan ways. The Roman governor wanted to get rid of all the upcoming groups known as Christians; for fear of a turnabout within the patriots and non-Christian Jews, for many were getting involved with one whom they called Jesus, who claimed to be the Messiah, son of God. This place also was where the poor bring their loved ones to be buried for, they have no money to pay for a hewn grave in the main cemeteries. His father was also buried here.

It had taken Sal some three hours to dig the grave; when finished, he stood alone mourning over his mother's death. It was very painful for him every time he shoveled dirt on to his mother’s body. After a short prayer he started on his way home; he was in deep sorrow over his mother’s passing. He walked past an area where three large posts lay. The logs were eroded somewhat; they must have been placed there some time back. They were made from a hard-ridged wood. It was peaceful there where the logs lay. Sal decided to sit down to rest. He leaned against the center log, and noticed a wooden plaque nailed to the end of the log with what seemed to be writing of some kind. The writing could not be distinguished; for it was very faded by the sun. He also noticed the many footprints that were imprinted in the hard ground. Not being able to read he was left to wonder what might have happened here. The footprints looked like they had been there for some time. Maybe someone with a large family had been buried there. He looked around but he could not find any signs or markers to show that a burial had ever been in this area where his mother now lay. As he sat there mourning and thinking about his mother, he leaned back against the center log and took a deep sobbing breath, when something grabbed his eye. He looked down between his feet; something was sticking out of the ground. It was the head of a large rusty nail. He tugged and pulled until the nail popped out. As he held the nail, he heard an echo of a bell that was pleasing and comforting to him. He leaned against the cart’s wheel looking at the nail and wondering where it came from; there was something about it that intrigued him. After looking the nail over, he noticed the nail had a warm feeling and thought it was from the tremendous heat on the ground. He placed it in his girdle belt and thought no more about it; he got up and went on his way. Joshua Saul was called Sal since his birth; he lived on the hillside east of Jerusalem. This is where he was raised from childhood as a farm boy. His father died when he was about ten years of age. Now in his early twenties, Sal had been left to take care of his mother the best way he could. Every day he milked the six goats, feed the chickens and the cow. He also tended a small garden where he raised a few crops that were needed to survive. With the milk, his mother would make cheese and butter; this was their way of life.

As time went on, his mother became ill and they had to sell two of the goats, most of the chickens, and the cow in order to pay the physician due to her illness. Not having any family members left, she was concerned about her son, and she wanted to live as long as she could, for she could not bear to see her only son face life alone. Sal was a bit slow and had no education to speak of and this worried her immensely. With no one else to turn to Sal would be left all alone; he was the last living soul in the family.

Two years back Sal’s mother was stricken with a sickness unknown to the physicians and slowly she suffered until death overcame her.

A short time passed, and Sal decided to depart from the farm. The farm was run down from neglect, a sad sight for him now left alone. He decided to sell the farm. All he could get was twenty-two silver coins and that wasn't much to speak of. With nothing but the clothes on his back Sal went to the city of Jerusalem. He did not have any experiences other than milking goats and tending the farm. Things did not look too good for him in the city. With no luck in finding work, Sal walked the streets and his money soon faded away. The only thing to do now was to beg. His life was turned around. By now Sal was missing the warmth of the old farmhouse, but that was in the past and he now felt lost. He was now looking for shelter to comfort himself, with so many memories of the animals he loved, his garden he so cared for, the calling of his mother to come to eat. But that was then, and this was now.

Early one morning, Sal walked up to the gate known as Beautiful which is the main entrances into Jerusalem City. This was a huge entrance. The city laid spread out at his feet. He stood looking at the beautiful temple wall and terraces that lay before him. As he entered the courtyard, he looked around and saw many begging for anything that was offered to them. This was the first time he had seen people in such poverty. He thought,

If this is what I must do, I will stand here and learn the best way for me to approach someone; it seems these folks have a way of going about it without fear. I just don't know how I will fit amongst this people. The sun was very hot, and it took a toll on everyone, especially the elderly. Many folks were carried away every day to be put in unknown graves never to suffer again. No sooner would one die than another would take the vacant spot. This is how Sal came about this spot near the gate called Beautiful. A space that was occupied by one was respected by others and no one would infringe on that spot unless it was vacant for more than three days or by death. One morning as Sal was walking, trying to learn how to survive among the poor, he came to an abrupt stop; he saw a person fall on the ground, and he walked over to see if he could help. It was an old man. As many people as there were about, no one seemed to care. Sal went down on his knees to try to help the old man, but it was too late; the man had died. Sal sat down on the ground and looked at him. He then unrolled the old man’s blanket and placed it under his head. Then, he took the old man’s cloak and covered his face with it. Many came over and started grabbing the old man’s belongings, anything they could get a hold of. No one seemed to care, for they knew the old man had no more use for any of it. Sal sat there quietly in amazement for this was not of his learning.

After everyone had departed with the old man’s belongings, an elder woman wearing a red wrap around her shoulders walked up to where Sal was sitting. She looked at him as she bent down to take the only thing left in the old man’s possession; it was the old man’s begging bowl. The old man held the cup tightly in his hand. She had a little trouble removing the cup. She looked up at Sal then said,

This cup is yours now, son. Take it in good faith. Sal looked at the cup and noticed that the cup had a few coins that she could have taken for herself but did not. Sal felt somewhat dumbfounded as he sat there. He then asked the woman why she wanted him to have the cup. She then explained to him, saying,

Son, you are new here, I have been watching you. In time you will learn the rules we have and respect for one another here at the Gate. Sal just stared at her.

Son, this spot is now your spot; you were the first to claim it. And the cup comes with it. Sal thought for a moment and decided not to say anything for this was a choice spot. Left with his mouth wide open he thought as she walked away, I didn’t even thank her. He then spoke up with a loud voice, woman! She turned to see, as he spoke,

The least I can do is to offer you a penny for your kindness. Please accept my offer. She came back to where Sal was; she reached and took the penny. (Penny represents a coin of low value.) She thanked him then said,

Be sure to put a marker of some kind to mark your new spot, son. It’s on a very good location and may the Lord Jehovah bless you and behold you. She turned and walked away. Sal felt a much better understanding of some the rules that went along with his new way of life here by the gate called Beautiful. Sal raised himself up off the ground. The nail he had found dropped out of his girdle belt; when the nail hit the cobble stone it rang out with such clarity. He heard the echo. Many turned towards the direction where Sal was standing. He took note of the people looking his way, but he did not care. Sal did not hear the ringing sound per se, only that pleasing echo that sounded like the one he heard at the place where his mother was buried. Everyone was wondering where the sound came from; there were no bells ringing at that time of day, and there were no carts carrying iron parts of any kind that might have fallen off that would make a ringing sound so unique. Soon things went back to normal, with everyone hoping someone would come along and give alms.

Chapter 2

A Man Called Aaron

One morning as Sal stood at his new space with cup in hand, hoping someone would take notice and be kind enough to drop a talent or two into his begging cup, there was a commotion coming from the entrance of the gate known as Beautiful. Many surrounded a man on a beautiful white horse; he was throwing coins all about for the folks to recover. Sal looked up towards the entrance where many surrounded the man. He had a very nice way about him as he rode around talking with many.

This elegant man, tall and of good stature did not neglect anyone that approached him. He seemed to have a heart of gold for the poor. Sal just stood in his place astonished. The stranger was quite away from where Sal stood; he took note of Sal standing and holding his cup in his hand. He wondered why a healthy young man would be begging and withering his life away in this place of the old and decrepit and derelicts. He dismounted from his horse and walked over to where Sal was standing. He looked at Sal from head to toe. Sal was hoping he would drop a few pennies in his cup, maybe a large coin or two, but not so. He looked at Sal and he had to say something. He shouted with a firm voice,

Why should I give you alms? You look very healthy; why don’t you take on a job? You look strong and seem to be of good health. Sal just stood gazing at him, and then replied,

Sir, I have just lost my mother and our farm. I do not have any skills or trade; I cannot read or write, though I have tried. Now you tell me, Sir? Who would hire an unskilled farmer such as me? I don't mean to put myself down, sir, but?

Well, now that you put it that way, I must admit that does make some sense. Now what kind of answer is … but? Sal could not answer. He just stood there looking at him somewhat dumbfounded. The stranger leaned on his horse and looked Sal right in the eye.

Do you know what will happen to you if you continue this way of life? He reached over and placed his hand on Sal’s shoulder, then said, We must talk. Come, follow me. He noticed that the crowd started to follow them. The stranger then took out some coins from his pouch and dispersed them on the ground all about the crowd. He told Sal to mount on the horse with him. They rode towards the lower part of the city. They came to an old inn. The stranger asked Sal to come and have something to eat with him. This made Sal feel good for he was very hungry.

Before we go in, he said. Tell me what your name is, young man?

My true name as I was told by my mother is Joshua Saul, but everybody I know calls me Josh Sal, Sir.

Well Josh Sal, I’m called Aaron. As he looked at Sal this brought back memories of his youth; for he once stood in that same terrace near the gate called Beautiful. Aaron was born with a brilliant mind, very clever at a very young age. This brought fear to his parent’s way of thinking, that he was bewitched and cursed with an evil spell. This was the place where his parents had sold him for a handsome price. Aaron was abandoned and sold into slavery at an early age; just because he was different than other children. His difference was his intelligence, and the knowledge he was born with, and that scared his parents, for he was very wise at an early age. In those days’ superstition and Christianity were the most feared events of that time. Some time back, a man by the name Jesus, who was called the Christ, was born here in Judea, claimed by many to be the Messiah, The Living Son of God. He preached salvation and eternal life in the name of his father God, Jehovah, who, by Him, Jesus was sent with a new testament for salvation and forgiveness of sin. Through this fear, the one called Jesus was crucified and put to death by the non-believers. Blasphemy was his crime, for he claimed to be the son of the almighty God. With this accusation he was brought before the Jewish consul of Pharisees and scribes to judge him. He was taken to the house of the high priest Caiaphas; a member of the Jewish assembly called the Sanhedrin. There he was accused of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. Jesus was also betrayed by one of his own followers named Judas Iscariot, a disciple and an apostle of Jesus. Jesus was taken before the one called Pontius Pilate. The Roman procurator, who was pressured to agree to sentence him to death by crucifixion at a hill called Golgotha. The crime Aaron was supposed to be guilty of was his intelligence. He was one step ahead of his slave masters, and this would put fear with the unusual ways he had with them. With this fear, his peers became paranoid and uncomfortable, but that was another story.

What can you tell me about your past? Aaron asked Sal. What about your parents, do they still live? Did they abandon you or maybe you ran away? Sal was a bit shy. He then commenced to tell Aaron his life story as far as he could remember. He started with his father who was also-called Josh Sal; they both shared the same name, and in order to differentiate between the two, Sal was called by their surname.

You know, Sal, there is no reason for you to waste your life the way you are doing now, I will try to help you. Do you understand why I insulted you back yonder…? No, I do not think you do. You see Sal; I do not like to see good and healthy lives go to waste. You understand what I’m trying to say here? Sal looked at Aaron and shook his head, not understanding quite what Aaron had in mind. He just felt good just to have someone that would talk with him; a nobody as unimportant as himself. Aaron took a liking to Sal, a misfit in life, and this Aaron could not bear to see. Sal’s way of life reminded Aaron of his past, although Aaron’s way of living was of loneliness and slavery. He was sold from slave master to slave master; none would keep him for any length of time, for he was smarter in every way. So, with this fear, Aaron was put on the slave block again and again, and sold to the highest bidder. However, even knowing about his would-be curse, there was always one who would take the challenge with this mystical boy, with the reputation of being so wise at such a young age and this, would frighten most of them. His name was well known in the area.

One day a rich traveler, a monarch that went by the name of King Cornelius Gibeon, heard about this bewitched slave everyone feared. He could not believe the tales that were told about this man who could out smart them all. Being a man of wisdom, he took this slave Aaron on as a challenge.

As time passed, Aaron’s master had gained much wisdom and knowledge from Aaron. He knew that Aaron was much more than just a wizard, a common slave, or servant, for his wealth had multiplied many times over. Eventually, his heart was so filled with gratitude that he felt Aaron had won his freedom. One day the rich monarch summoned Aaron and had a talk with him.

Come, he said, You have been a true and faithful servant. I have learned much from you, and I believe the time has come for you to be a free man. Aaron was left speechless.

I have written a scroll for your release. Take it in good faith, and do not look back. You are a free man no longer a slave, free from bondage; go in peace. By the way, I have something else I want you to have. He motioned to one of the servants who, was holding a pouch that was somewhat heavy. He handed the pouch to Aaron.

Open it, said the monarch, with a smile on his face. To Aaron’s surprise the pouch was full of gems and many gold talents. Aaron could not speak, but once again was left emotional and speechless.

The monarch walked Aaron to the front area where a beautiful white stallion was waiting for him. This became a memorable day, one Aaron would never forget, with King Gabion. Things were turning around fast for Aaron, and he was very thankful.

Aaron spoke to Sal as they rode through the city streets. He asks Sal, to come with him to his house, where he would talk with him about learning, and teach him to understand what he is trying to tell him. He also asked Sal if he would stay with him for a while, because this would take some time. It took Sal only a moment to think about this and he then agreed. Aaron told Sal,

I will explain to you about learning and how to understand all the many things that are simple but look difficult; you can ask me anything you have in mind, starting now. Sal looked up at Aaron then said,

Are you sure you want to help me? You know, I don’t understand many things too well, and…. Aaron interrupted Sal, saying,

You see this, is the very reason I want to teach you; you must look up, take a deep breath and look around my friend, there is much to learn. Sal looked up at Aaron with a smile not seen for quite some time.

Come with me, Sal. Sal, a little bit timid, looked at him and agreed.

After a lengthy ride to the upper city, the two arrived at what looked like a very large dwelling, surrounded by a beautiful wall and garden. Left breathless, Sal could not say a word. Aaron