Renegades Redemption

Lysimachus spat vehemently in the direction of his masters retreating form.  The very sight of him caused the scars on his back to burn like fire.  How he hated him, hated slavery, hated his miserable existence.  Yet here he was, trapped in bondage to a cruel man with no way of escape. Many times he had tried and failed; each attempt more desperate then the last.  Now even that faint hope was gone.  He was a marked runaway.  On his neck he had fastened an iron collar which read: "My name is Lysimachus, I am a runaway slave.  Please return me to my master, Archelaus."  In addition to this he was made to wear shackles about his ankles as he worked and was chained to his bed every night.  How he longed to be free!
Freedom was something Lysimachus had never known.  He had inherited this bondage as a result of a debt his father owed when he was but a child.  After the death of his mother his father had come into heavy debt, he didn't even know the complete sum, and he had come to Archelaus for help.  When his father failed to recover the money he borrowed, Archelaus demanded that payment be exacted through labor as a bond-slave.  When his father died Lysimachus was left to work out the payment of the debt.  He spat once more, allowing his heart to be filled with venomous rage.  He would do anything to be free!
******
Archelaus had a host of friends, though no one knew how he had acquired so many.  He was not a pleasant fellow and was known throughout the land to be a cruel task-master.  Perhaps it was his silver tongue that drew people to him, but more likely it was his golden purse.  Frequently Archelaus would have one or more of his friends for an extended stay.  It was one such occasion that marked a turning point in the life of his most troublesome slave.
Being the proud, haughty man that he was Archelaus always made sure to show every guest his wealth and prosperity; this was best displayed, he believed, by the amount of slaves he owned.  One morning his most recent acquaintance came for a visit.  As they were walking about the fields the man noticed Lysimachus chained to his plow, sweating  profusely under the torturous rays of the midday sun. 
"What has that lad done to require such bonds?"  The man asked his companion.
"Him?  He is a worthless renegade!  Caught him attempting to escape half a dozen times!  I have half a mind to send him to the Colosseum in Rome!"  Archelaus replied with scorn.  He laughed as he continued,  "What a sport that would be!"
His companion didn't respond but stared pensively in Lysimachus' direction.  After a few moments of silence he finally spoke.  "I would like to purchase him from you, what price do you ask?"
Archelaus was flabbergasted, shocked into silence.  "Y-You... want t-to buy him?"  He stammered.  "Why he is a wor..."  He stopped short.  He was about to recount the utter worthlessness of this slave when he came to his senses.  This was a once in a lifetime opportunity!  He could be rid himself of the brat and make a profit at the same time.  Any slave with Lysimachus' record would never bring much at the market and that would be a grave loss.  The boys' father had owed him over 2000 denarii, no matter how troublesome the boy might be Archelaus would never part with him for less.
"I, um, er, as I was saying, he is worth a lot to me.  His bondage is to pay a debt which his father owed me.  It is a considerable sum; unless his debt is satisfied he must continue to work for me."
"Tell me the sum of his debt against you; I will pay it in full."
Archelaus was pleased by this response; this must be his lucky day!  Greed being the foundation upon which his fortress was built he determined to make the most of things. 
"The sum is, as I said a moment ago, one of considerable number!  His fool of a father lost all he had and came whimpering to me, asking for a loan.  Surely you don't wish to pay such a price for so worthless an object!  But, since I see you are determined to have your way the price of his debt is no less than 5000 denarii." 
The greedy man had no scruples about lying and didn't even experience the slightest prick of his conscience.  His friend looked at him intently for a moment.  He seemed to looked into Archelaus' very soul and read the truth behind his lie. 
"I will pay the price for his redemption."  The man said softly.
*****
Throughout the whole discussion Lysimachus had been steadily drawing nearer with his plow.  He had noticed the approach of the two men several minutes earlier and had done his best to ignore their presence.  He was just within hearing range when he heard his master say:
"Done!  Here he is now.  Would you like to inspect your property?  I am sure you will find him to your satisfaction..."
Anger mounted in Lysimachus and burned a hole in his already wounded heart.  They were discussing him!  The humiliation he felt was unbearable! 
"Open your mouth boy, show your new master what good teeth you have."
The angry humiliation he felt reached its boiling point and exploded his better sense.  Lysimachus looked up, his face filled with hatred, and spat in the strangers face.  No sooner had he done this then Archelaus raised his fist to beat Lysimachus back into submission.  Lysimachus braced himself for the blow, determined not to wince, when the stranger stepped between them.
"This boy no longer belongs to you; you have no right to touch him."
Speechless for the second time that day Archelaus stammered, "But sir!  He spat in your face!  He deserves to be punished!"
"The offense was against me and likewise the response is also mine."  The stranger turned and looked at Lysimachus, "You are forgiven, my child."
It was now Lysimachus' turn to be speechless.  What did this stranger mean, forgiven?  What sort of man forgives a worthless slave who spat in his face?
"What is your name, son?" The stranger continued.
"L-Lysimachus, sir."  He said, remembering his tongue.
"Lysimachus," the man said, "I know of the debt you owe this man.  Today I have purchased your freedom.  I would like you to come with me and be my son, but you are free to make that choice."
What wonder was this?  Was he dreaming?  Had he really heard what he thought he heard?  Freedom!  Could this be real?  What kind of man would want a slave to be his son?
By this time Archelaus had about all he could take of this man.  First he purchases the redemption of this slave for more than he was worth, then he forgives his offense and sets him free!  Surely the man was a loon!  No man in his right mind would set such a slave at liberty!
Lysimachus continued to stare at the stranger, mouth agape, dumbfounded.  Finally he managed to ask:
"Why, good sir?  Why would you set me free and want me to be your son?"
The stranger smiled, "My son, it is I to whom your father was indebted.  I would gladly have forgiven him his debt if he had only asked.  But, like so many he sought to pay his debt his own way.  I have seen your hardship and know your toil; will you not accept the gift I offer?"
What was he to say?  His life had been completely changed in a matter of minutes!  Could this day possibly get any better?  Then came the dreadful realization:
"Sir, I am not worthy to be called your son."  He hung head low in shame.  He knew the full weight of his sins and could not possibly accept what the man offered him.
"The gift is not conditioned by your merit but by your acceptance, my son." 
The love in the man's voice was balm to the boys wounded soul.  Hope fluttered again in Lysimachus' heart!  Could it be?  Could it really be true?  He could feel the wall of anger and bitterness melt away from his heart as the love of the stranger overtook him.  He would go and be this man's son!  He knew he could never repay him for this kindness but he would show himself worthy of this man's love, even if it took him the rest of his life!