Trintarious: A Prodigal Son Story

By JR Bray

The parable of the prodigal son is familiar to most of us. In Luke 15, Jesus tells of the son that went to his father, asked for and received his inheritance, and then squandered the money on drunkenness and prostitutes. He then came to his senses and, realizing his father’s servants were better off than he was, went crawling back, only to be embraced by his father who threw a party for him. His brother then became angry, and the father had to explain it all to him. It is a great passage and has many teachable aspects to it. But how did the son grow up thinking he needed to go off on his own, and what were the consequences that led to the realization to come home?

Trintarious is a young man of nineteen who is loved by his family but believes his destiny is to follow his own path and live his life as he wants, making his own decisions. With the encouragement of his friends and the blessing of his family, he sets off for unknown adventures on his beloved camel and learns the hard way that life away from those who love you is difficult and fraught with danger. The story and the outcome is well known, but the how and the why are left to the imagination.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888327005

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Trintarious

A Prodigal Son Story

JR Bray

ISBN 979-8-88832-699-2 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88832-700-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by JR Bray

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Growing Up: The Parable of the Lost Son

First Time in Jerusalem

My Best Friends

Uncle Uriah

Trista

On My Own

Decision

The Plan

Finally Asking

Permission Granted

The Announcement

The Realization

Imri's in Charge

Celebration

On My Own

It Begins

The Plan

Dayana

Jonas

Afraid to Leave

The Journey

Bethpage

Binnui

Our Castle

New Plan

Life Direction

First Market

The Ladies

Pedaiah

Alek's Announcement

Bin's Announcement

Tragedy

From the Farmstead—Trintarious Is Missing

From the Farmstead—Something's Wrong

Retrieving Trista

Decision

Bin and Alek

The Truth

The Return

Reality

Home

Epilogue

About the Author

Acknowledgments

This book would not have been possible without the help of several people.

To my wife, Editha (DiDi), who patiently allowed me to sit at my desk and work, knowing I had no idea what I was doing.

To Jerry and Louie, for allowing me to bounce ideas off of them and for offering ideas and suggestions. You, guys, are the best.

To Christian Faith Publishing, for working with me and allowing me to be the best I could be. Everything you suggested made this book better.

Most of all, to Jesus Christ, who loves even me and allows me to be me.

Prologue

I knew as I was climbing this last hill that my next sight would be the home I grew up in. The sun, near its midday high, was already hot; and the sweat on my head was making streaks down my dirty face. My matted hair clung to my scalp, and what was left of my clothes were barely hanging from my emaciated body. I crested the top of the hill, and there it was. I stopped to sit on a rock under the shade of a tree and drank the last of my water. It wasn't much, but I had saved it for just this occasion. I adjusted my satchel and made sure all the precious contents were secure and then sat for a few more moments before I could gather the strength and courage to move forward.

I'm Trin, short for Trintarious, son of Aryeih of Abu Dis near Jerusalem and named for my grandfather, whom I never got to meet. Though we are a family that has been a part of this land for many generations, and my father is the patriarch and respected leader in this community, he rarely had time for me except when he was telling me what to do. Our land is one of the largest in the region, and there are many servants that help us farm wheat, pomegranates, grapes, and livestock. Though not the largest in the area, it is still big and a great responsibility.

I looked at my father's land and took it all in. I had never noticed the beauty of the land nor thought of the hard work my father must have put in to ensure all those he cared for were taken care of. I saw it all now as if for the first time. The house with its many rooms and a large banquet area, each one designed for comfort and usefulness. The stables where the many animals were kept and cared for. The pens where the cattle, goats, and lambs were bred for sale and for food. And the pastures where the grains, fruits, and vegetables were grown. All taken care of by my family and the many servants that were devoted to my father who took care of them all. They were all dressed better than me and ate their fill of my father's provisions. All better than me. Soon I would hope to be joining them in their labors. Or I could be sent on my way as a traitor and thief. I was prepared for either. I learned a lot on my fateful journey, but I get ahead of myself. I was not prepared for what happened next.

I sat there and reflected on how I got to this place in my life. It was not supposed to be like this. I was young and required my freedom. I knew I would never own any of this; it was to be my older brother's, but I thought I could make my own way. Now I was sitting here, looking down with envy at all my father had and all he gave. Would he allow me to be a small part of this again? How did I get myself into such a mess that I would come groveling back to my former home in the hopes that I could be accepted again?

Part 1

Growing Up: The Parable of the Lost Son

Jesus continued: There was a man who had two sons.

—Luke 15:11

1

First Time in Jerusalem

The first time I rode into Jerusalem was when I was seven. I had never accompanied my abba on any of his trips to the marketplace there and always watched as he and my brother, Samuel, rode away; then waited for them to return at the end of the day. Our farmstead is in Abu Dis, far enough from the big city that they do not bother us but close enough that we can get there in a very short time on our camels. He always promised me that one day, I would be old enough to go with him when he went to get the supplies we needed that was not made ourselves. Well, today was the day!

Trin?! my father called for me from out in the yard by the stables. Aryeih of Abu Dis, as he is known to others outside of our family, is a highly known and respected man in this area of the country. I remember his beard has always had some gray in it, and his thick, black hair is always tied hack with a bit of leather; though now, there is a lot more gray in it. I do not recall seeing it any other way whether he is at home going about his business or riding to meet other men. People would come from far-off lands—I call anything past Jerusalem far-off lands—to do business with him and seek his advice. I just called him abba.

Coming, Abba, I said as I went running from the house. I thought he was just going to tell me goodbye as he and my brother and the others rode off on their camels. I had already helped load the carriers on the camels and donkeys as I always did and was surprised when I saw an extra camel knelt beside them.

Come here, boy. Would you like to go into town with your brother and me today?

Yes! Yes! Yes! I would love to go, I said excitedly as I ran to him, my hair flying behind me and almost tripping over my own feet.

I jumped into his strong arms, and he lifted me onto my tarfa, smiling as he put a new green turban on my head. A young man must have a fine turban when he goes into the city. He was laughing as he made sure I was secure and gave me a wink. He commanded the camel to stand and then handed me the reins. After he mounted his own camel, we were off.

I had ridden camels many times around the farmstead but never for a long distance. It didn't take long for me to get into the rhythm of the camel's easy gait as we rode toward the city of Jerusalem. A soft breeze was blowing from the west, and the sun was coming up over the mountains in the east as I excitedly looked around at all the new sights. This was a day I knew I would never forget. There were other farmsteads, trees, and even animals I had never seen before.

It took about an hour to get into Jerusalem, and during that time, my father and Jedaiah, our crop master and one of Abba's most trusted men, rode in the front each, leading donkeys that would be used to bring supplies back to the farmstead. Next came my brother Samuel and me, each riding a camel, and then two more men on camels loaded with carriers full of wares that could be traded then used to carry back all that was bought in the city.

It was a sunny day, and everyone was in great spirits. I kept asking my brother, What's that? pointing to a tree, or What do those people do? pointing to someone working in the fields I saw for the first time. At first, he would try to explain what it was he thought I was talking about, but he soon grew tired of that and told me to be quiet and just look. I was too excited to be quiet. Everything was new to me, and I wanted to know about all I was seeing.

Everything went well during the journey, and we soon arrived at our destination, the market square in Jerusalem. Abba led us through the square, and I was trying my best to see everything at once. There were more people than I had ever seen before, and each one was selling or buying the most fascinating things and wearing clothes in colors I had never seen. On top of that was the most amazing smells I have ever smelled, and my head soon became dizzy with so much information I nearly fell off my camel. Each time I now go to any market, I can relive that first experience just by the smells.

I also remember this day in particular because not only was it the first time I got to ride into Jerusalem, it was also when I met my best friends for the first time. They would be a very important part of my life for many years to come.

When we reached our destination, a building with several camels waiting, my father let out a yell that brought a boy about my age running to him. Binyamin, good to see you, boy. Where might your father be?

He looked at my father and the rest of us before he answered. He is inside with some men doing business.

Good, good. Tell him that I have arrived then come back out so you can meet my young son.

With that, Binyamin ran inside and was back before I could get off my camel. He is expecting you, he said, looking over at me.

Thank you, Abba said as he got off his camel then came to help me. This is my son, Trintarious. He helped me off my camel as he added, I promised he could come with me on one of my trips into Jerusalem, and today is that day. He was smiling as he introduced me to my future best friend (though I did not know this at the time). Now, let us go see your father so that we might get a little business done.

I watched my father go into the building and stood with Binyamin, waiting to see what was next. He pulled on my sleeve to get me to move. Call me Bin. Let's go.

Call me Trin, I said as I followed him in.

We went into the building, and what I saw there was beyond amazing. There were tools that I recognized from our own farmstead and many more things I did not know what were. I was trying to look at everything at once and wasn't watching where I was going and bumped into the leg of a man I did not know. When I looked up at the strange face, I let out a yelp and ran to my abba, grabbing onto his leg.

Ah, Trin, I see you have met Ephraim, Binyamin's father. Then turning me about to face the man I had just ran into, he said, This is Trintarious, my second-born son I have told you about. He is here in Jerusalem for the first time.

Ephraim looked me over, leaned back, and let out a big laugh and then knelt down to examine me closer. My, but you are a good-looking lad. I am very pleased to meet you. Your father has told me much about you, and I was hoping you would come to meet my son.

He stood up and addressed my abba, He most certainly is a fine son. Allow my son Binyamin to show him around a little while we get our business done, and then we can all meet at the inn later and have some food before you must go back.

A great idea, Abba said as he turned to Bin. Would you like to show Trintarious the marketplace while I do business with your father?

Bin jumped at the chance to get away from the older men. We were about to leave when Abba knelt down and had me face him. He place his hand on my shoulder as he looked at my face. Do as Binyamin tells you, and we will meet you in a short while to have some food before we go home. He then placed a denarius in my hand. Also, one must never go to the market empty-handed. He stood up laughing and playfully spun me around, giving me a loving shove toward the door. I heard him and Ephraim laughing as we ran out into the street.

2

My Best Friends

You hungry? Bin asked as we ran toward the market.

A little. Why do you ask?

Come on. I know where we can get the best food. Our fathers will be busy, and we can meet them later. Try and keep up. Your father will kill me if you get lost. We'll have some fun, and I'll show you around. He then took off, and I did my best to follow.

We ran into the marketplace, and again, I was amazed at everything I saw there. I would stop and stare every few feet and try to take everything in. Bin was trying unsuccessfully to get me to hurry, but the sounds, the sights, and the smells were just too overwhelming.

He finally just stood there with his hands on his hips, strands of his black hair blowing in his face. Wait, you've never been to the market? Bin asked as he looked at me from head to toe.

This is the first time I have been to Jerusalem with my father. He told me there were wonderful things here, but I have never seen so much in one place.

He swept his arm wide and stood a little taller to show his superiority. Stick with me. I know where all the best places are. He snatched a small loaf of bread from a merchant and started running, slowing just enough for me to catch him. I realize now that those were very prophetic words Bin told me. Through the years, we have gotten ourselves in and out of many jams. He always seemed to know the best way out and could escape anything we got ourselves into.

He tossed me half of the bread, and we slowed to a walk as we were going through the streets of the market. He was pointing this way and that, telling me about the different merchants and people of interest, and I was trying to see as much of it as I could. I was truly amazed at what I was seeing. When I saw something of interest and would stop for a look, Bin would pull me in another direction, and we would be off to something new again.

After a couple of hours or so, though it seemed like just a few minutes, Bin led me to the inn of Jonas where he said was the best bread and cheese in all of Jerusalem. Your dad and brother should be here by now, and I'm hungry. Let's get something to eat.

When we got inside, I noticed several people sitting around, talking and eating. It didn't take long to find my father. He was reclining at a large table with several other men. Trin, there you are! he exclaimed. Come, meet my friends, and then you and Binyamin can get something to eat.

He introduced me to several men I had never seen before whose names I would never remember but was happy to be a part of his life. He talked for several minutes, telling his friends all about me then released me to go with Bin to find some food.

The banquet hall was very large, and as we were looking for a place to sit, I saw several people at the different tables and a few people serving the food and drinks. I learned they were the owners, Jonas and Priscilla, plus their children. One of these was a young girl who, I learned, was also close to my age, though a little taller than Bin and me. I also learned that her name was Dayana, and she also became one of my best friends.

She saw Bin and I looking for a seat and came to our rescue. Hang on a few more minutes. I have an idea, she said and then disappeared into another