The Labor Divided

And it came to pass that two men together were appointed to labor in a work concerning the word of God, that it might be carried forth, taught, and understood among people in distant lands. The calling was given in partnership, that the burden might be shouldered together in humility, and that unity and counterbalance might preserve the work from corruption.

But one of the two aspired not to labor in equality. He was equal but moved to be more equal than his brother. For his heart inclined toward his singular authority, and he was troubled that the work should proceed by mutual persuasion rather than by his own righteous judgment. In time his irritation waxed and he perceived an opportunity to cut off his nuisance.

And it came to pass that he accused his brother of wrongdoing, and yet when asked to declare the matter plainly he could not support the charge with witness and fact. And the accused pled, “If I have erred, tell me my offense, that I may repent.” But the accuser answered him not.

Instead, the man drove his brother from the work, declaring him unfit, though no damage could be identified. And because the accusation did not stand openly, it was quietly carried to women aligned with the accuser so that they might hold counsel against him. 

Judgment was rendered as planned. And all nodded and agreed among themselves, “His removal is necessary, lest the work be hindered.” Thus the laborer was cut off—not for sin, but for his resistance to their secrecy, for he did not recognize their disfigured body.

And it came to pass that the Lord said it is enough — but allowed the effort to continue despite one of His laborers being cast out. He placed an ominous load upon the one who remained, saying that he alone would answer to Him when he had accomplished the future, specific work. Unlike the previous appointment, the true nature and narrow parameters of his new assignment were declared publicly for all to see.

But the lone servant, instead of receiving this charge with fear and trembling before God, inferred confirmation of his own set course. He set about his work as he had designed, this time unhindered by his brother in arms. 

A record had been rendered into plain speech so that the posterity of the common lineage could have true understanding. But the servant continued to clothe it in an ancient tongue; in a form suitable to learned scholars rather than simple disciples. He supposed that its impressive form would legitimize authority and satisfy reputation among those who seek for things they cannot understand. The book could not be returned to its original reformed and altered manner of speech; therefore the man employed scholars to instead render the plain book into the language of the learned. This would expose hearts and hold them accountable for the words of the book.

 

Certain people began to discern the stumbling block, puzzling among themselves, “Why is a record once made clear translated again into obscurity?”

 

And counsel answered, “So religious leaders may justify it.”

And others agreed, “They will surely recognize the Lord’s truth in their ancient tongue.”

Thus the language of the record became an obstacle before it was ever carried to those in the distant land. In this obfuscated state, many could be made dependent upon the stiffnecked few.

The Lord warned that many arguments among the people arise not from truth, but from pride, stubbornness, and the desire to control rather than serve. He warned that His patience should not be mistaken for approval, for though He bears with the people still, awaiting natural fruit, the season of harvest draws near.

And it was seen by those with eyes to see that contention had not arisen from doctrine, nor from sin, nor to protect the people—but from reckless indifference toward God and one another. Thus the man first removed his fellow laborer, then continued his work that would leave the masses without understanding, and rationalized both as righteousness.

Yet the vineyard yielded no natural fruit from such a course. For the Lord does not call men together to divide them by accusation, nor does He make His word inaccessible to preserve men’s position, nor does He accept a work that fails to accomplish all that is required. 

Many perceived that the laborer who cried most loudly of righteousness had rejected the very humility that righteousness demands. And so the labor was divided.

Unbeknownst to the laborers, the Lord had been preparing the ground in this distant land. He made provision that their ancient book should also be rendered into plain speech. The truth of His word, now illuminated, is available to their nation.