Bible Times 96

The Lamp and the Shadow   There was once a man named Eliab who was deeply afraid of shadows. One evening, as he walked home, he saw the shadow of a bird cross the road before him. Eliab stopped. “Something bad will happen,” he whispered. “A bird crossing my path is a sign.” He turned around and took another road. The next morning, a black cat ran across his doorway. Eliab immediately closed the door. “This is another warning,” he said. “I must not leave the house today.” Day after day, Eliab watched for signs. If he heard an owl at night, he feared disaster. If he broke a cup, he expected trouble. If someone sneezed before he began a journey, he postponed it. Soon, he was no longer living his life; he was living in fear of signs. One day, an old farmer named Nathaniel came to visit him. “Why do you remain inside?” Nathaniel asked. “I am waiting for a good sign,” Eliab replied. Nathaniel smiled and lit a small lamp. “Tell me,” He said, “does this lamp fea...