The Time is Right

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him will be the obedience of the people.” -Genesis 49:10

“Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’  It will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.” - Daniel 9:24



Yeshaya welcomes his younger brother Moeshe as he steps from the faint early morning light into the one room home. An oil lamp burns by a table and Yeshaya eagerly proclaims, “The time is right, Moeshe, the Messiah will come soon.  I am certain.”  He takes a scroll from a nearby cupboard and unrolls it upon the table.  There is a list of generations of their family dating back to Abraham marking both ancestral history and the passage of time.  Yeshaya points to a father on the list and continues, “Here, right here is about when Daniel’s prophecy of sevens begins.  I have added the years according to the prophecy.”  Yeshaya then shows a separate parchment filled with calculations that add up to a window of time that spans around thirty years.
    Moeshe looks at the parchments with a skeptical eye. he doesn’t share his older brother’s interest in prophecies, and there is much work to do today at the stables. Though he feels he will regret it, he decides to humor him.     
    “These thirty years are now?” Moeshe asks.
    “Yes, it is this generation.  The time is now.”
    “Yeshaya, this prophecy is a great mystery.”
    “But, I have deciphered it, and we are instructed to know and understand it.”
    Moeshe sighs, shaking his head,  “How can you be sure?  How can you know this?  Do you think God will announce the arrival of the Anointed One as though heralded from heaven?  The Romans and King Herod would have him captured, tried, and executed before Passover.  Any threat to power would be met with devastating  consequences.  You, too, will be dealt with harshly if you continue to speak of such things.  You know how talk of the Anointed One incites our people.”
    Yeshaya quickly replies with a stern edge to his voice, “You think Rome is more powerful than God, do you brother?  It is in the signs, dear brother, they will point to the Messiah!  We are to look for the signs.  This is how we will know.  Rome and Herod should be the least of our concerns.”
    “You say this in the shadow of Herodium, Yeshaya?”
    “I do not fear Herod or his fortress.”  The Herodium built in memorial to the victory over the Parthians only 40 years prior loomed over the surrounding hills of Judah only three miles from Bethlehem.
    Rolling his eyes, Moeshe speaks calmly attempting to reason with his older brother, “So, why worry?  Thirty years is a long time.  Let us wait then for the signs and the restoration of the kingdom of Israel.  There is no need to be caught up in this now.  The Messiah, as you say, will be irrefutable to this world, but he is beyond our reach.  He will be king and his court will rule like the days of David, we will be blessed again to be Israelites, but do not expect a throne for yourself with all this study.  Stop being so consumed with this.  The registration will soon be upon us, and our small village of Bethlehem will be overflowing with the descendants of David.  We must be prepared at the stables, and set up the tents for those who will come to be counted.  Think of all the money we will make, dear brother.  The decree from Rome to be registered is a blessing sent by God.  As you know, I must go to Jerusalem and check on the additional feeding troughs.  Are you going?”  Yeshaya shakes his head and Moeshe leaves the room in haste without his brother.
      In the corner of the room young Elkan has heard every word as he practices tying with a small section of rope.  This is not the first time his uncle and his father have had disagreements over the coming of the Messiah.
      “You believe me, don’t you son?”, Yeshaya asks.
      Looking up at his father, Elkan replies, “Yes, father, I believe in the coming of the Messiah, and that we should be prepared or else we could miss him.”  This brings a broad smile to the face of Yeshaya and he bends to hug his son.
      “Go and get ready Elkan, Odeda will be here soon to take you to the tomb of Rachel to pray,” Yeshaya instructs as he pats his young son on the back.  He thinks of Elkan’s mother each morning as Odeda, her sister, comes to take his son to morning prayer.  Once it was his wife, Elkan‘s mother, Matana, who went alone to pray at Rachel’s tomb like many other woman desperate to be mothers.  She was believed to be barren, but faithfully she prayed to be blessed with children.  The answer came with Elkan,  however, Matana did not survive the birth.  Yeshaya’s greatest joy in life is forever mixed with his greatest sorrow as inseparable as bone and marrow.  In Odeda he can see much of his departed wife, her smile, some of her ways, and her laugh.  Like her sister, Odeda is also believed to be barren, thus she makes her early morning trek to the tomb to pray.  Her husband Iram, an olive grower, loves her dearly and is frightened that she could die giving birth like her sister.
      Elkan trots out of the small one room house and climbs the stairs to the roof, which is more of an outdoor second floor.  Yeshaya soon joins his son as they watch the splendor of the morning sunrise together.
      “Father, explain to me Daniel’s prophecy again,” Elkan requests.
      Yeshaya gazes into his son’s eyes and begins to explain, “The prophet Daniel was told by Gabriel, that from the time of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah shall come will be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens.  After the sixty-two sevens, the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing.  Now, Nebuchadnezzar had the holy city razed to the ground at the time of Daniel’s prophecy. Everything lay in ruins.  It has been four-hundred and fifty years since Nehemiah began to rebuild Jerusalem.  I believe the sevens are periods of seven years, so seven and seven would be forty-nine, and sixty-two sevens would be four hundred thirty-four. The total is four hundred eighty-three years.  That means this is the  generation.  My son, you will live to see the Messiah, just as surely as the sun rises.”
    “Why doesn’t uncle Moeshe see it that way?”
    “He is consumed with the pursuits of this life.”
    “Father, why then aren’t you?”
    “Ah, you and I, Elkan, we are cut from the same cloth.  We ask questions and seek answers.  This life is not forever, there is something greater beyond the divide across the pit of death.  I believe this life is merely preparation for the next. Therefore I shall not be obsessive about this life.  I will live this life in light of forever, and avoid the deceptive trap that this is all there is.” 
    “Are you speaking of aunt Shimrith?”
    “You are too smart,” Yeshaya replies with a laugh.  Shimrith was the wife of Moeshe, she was from a wealthy family of Sadducees, who did not approve of her courtship of a poor nobody from the tiny town of Bethlehem.  Regardless, Simrith, who always got what she wanted, gained her family’s approval.  Her father even bribed a Roman official to confiscate stables in Bethlehem where her father then bought it for mites on a shekel.  He then awarded it to his daughter and new son-in-law.  The Sadducees did not believe in life after death, and were epicurean in how they lived, indulging in what ever pleased them.  They hold only to the five books of Moses, spurn the oral tradition and do not observe the writings of the prophets.  They also collaborate  with Rome without concern.  In spite of the differences, Elkan is fascinated by the intelligence, beauty, and sophistication of his aunt Shimrith, though he would never admit this to his father. 
    As the conversation ends, Odeda is padding along the dusty lane heading toward them.  Elkan tells his father he’ll be back in time to go to work and he descends the stairs running out to meet his aunt. 
    “Good morning Elkan,” Odeda says with a cheery voice.
    “Good morning,” comes the reply as Odeda drapes her arm around Elkan and they walk back up toward the crest of the hill of the town. Neither are talkative as they bask in the early warmth of the sun as an orange sky gives way to brilliant blue.  Elkan loves Bethlehem.
    The town is built upon a hill amid the hill country of Judea.  The low valleys are fertile and the high hills more unproductive. To the east vast hills are filled with sheep in the warmer months watched closely by shepherds. The valley between is known as the fields of Boaz and Elkan has heard the story of Ruth many times.  Soon they are just beyond the town to the north on the road to Jerusalem.  A pillar of stones are arranged marking Rachel’s burial place.  The two kneel and begin to pray silently.  Odeda prays to be blessed with children and Elkan prays for various things ranging from his father and his quest for the Messiah, to a pleasant day of work at the stables.  His mind tends to wander as he prays and he feels shameful that he can’t devote this time to better prayer, although he is uncertain what better prayer is.  He always waits for Odeda to raise from prayer first. 
    When they are finished, Odeda senses Elkan‘s distance and asks, “Elkan you are quiet this morning, what is on your mind?”
    Elkan pauses then replies, “Father thinks he has determined that the Messiah will be coming soon from the prophecy in Daniel.”
    “And, what do you think?’
    “I’m not sure.”
    “Your father is a very wise man who is astute with the sacred writings.  Do you doubt him?”
    “No, but I struggle to understand it.”
    “You are not alone, Elkan.  As the great prophet Isaiah said, ’God’s ways are not our ways.’ You shouldn’t be alarmed by the mysteries of God.  Just pray and ask for Him to help you know the Scriptures.”
    These words had a calming effect on Elkan’s anxiety, but there was a question he had to ask, “Do you believe the Messiah is coming soon?”
    “I don’t doubt your father’s understanding of Daniel.  Moses also wrote that the Messiah, which he called Shiloh, would come before the scepter passed from the tribe of Judah.  Even in the Babylonian captivity of seventy years, our tribe kept our tribal staff, and possessed our own judges and lawgivers as is told in the writings of Ezra.  Now, I sense Rome is ready to remove our ability to pass sentence to the full extent of the Law of Moses.  We also have not had a Jewish king since the Maccabean princes of the tribe of Levi.  I'm not sure any tribe will continue to have an identity much longer.  The temple has also been rebuilt and Scripture is clear that the Holy One of God will come to His temple. So I would say, yes, the time is right for the Messiah.”
    Elkan listened carefully and allowed her words to seek deep into his soul. Questions however, always bubble to the surface.  “Why then has God been silent?  There have been no prophets for more than twenty generations.”
    “I do not know dear one, but there will be one who comes before the Messiah, a great messenger, who will proclaim the way of the Lord.  Isaiah says he will be a voice crying in the wilderness.  Perhaps we should wait for that sign.”  When Odeda finished saying this she looked up to discover they were back at Elkan’s home.  She bent and gave him a gentle hug and they bid farewell until the next morning.   
    Elkan didn’t bother going into the home, because he knew his father was already at the stables a short distance away.  He raced there and discovered his dad repairing some fencing.  He would be cleaning the inner stables, which were part of a cave with his friend Galon. 
    The cave was fairly open and not very deep with several nooks and crannies.  The animals had been relocated and Galon had already started cleaning the area.  The two had been friends for many years, and their date of birth was only a few months apart. 
    Galon was very busy removing straw and waste.  “You are late,” he chided.
    “Not that late, maybe you are early,” replied Elkan.
    “No.  You are late, as usual.’
    Galon was the son of a shepherd, therefore his family was not held in high esteem.  They weren’t permitted beyond the court of the Gentiles at the temple, but this social circumstance did not dissuade Galon in the slightest.  He loved his father and read in the scriptures where shepherds had gone on to greatness.  There was Amos and King David, who both were used mightily by God.  He didn’t understand how things had changed, and this fueled a passion aspiring to become renown.  He wanted to become a Zealot, and not just any Zealot, but he wanted to become one of the Sacarii.
    Whispering as though it were a great secret, Elkan asks, “Have you joined the Sacarii yet?”
    With his face red, Galon said, “You can have your fun, but be aware that it will be us, the dagger men, who will liberate Israel from Rome.  I shall put to death many tax collectors, collaborators, traitors, and Roman officials, if not Caesar himself.”  The word Sacarii literally meant “dagger men”, and they would conceal their weapons until they attacked often catching their targets out of the way of others.  They were very successful.  Joining their ranks as a shepherd’s son would not be easy, for connections were needed, not just anyone could become a Sacarii.  Changing the subject Galon continued, “Father will be out of the fields soon just after the registration.  I look forward to him being at home for the winter.”  The winter months were too cold to keep the sheep outdoors and shepherds moved them to stables.  The Feast of Tabernacles had been accomplished and winter was just around the corner. 
    Not willing to change the topic yet, Elkan asks, “Tell me, Galon, will the Messiah be a Pharisee, Zealot, Sadducee or Essenes?”
    “The Anointed One will most assuredly be a Zealot.  In the great writings there is a song of David that says the ‘Zeal for your house consumes me.’  The Messiah will be zealous for the truth and turn back all that the Pharisees have done with their rules and regulations.  They have taken the law of Moses and made it their own like a rented field.  They only half-heartedly stand up to Rome.”
    “Do you think there are signs in the writings of songs?”
    “Most do, I think.  I listen to those who call themselves Rabbi.  They don’t always agree, but most look for anything that tells them of the Messiah.  I believe the songs of David, a man made after God’s own heart, would be full of signs.”
    “Father says now is the time for the Messiah to come.”
    Galon stops his work then so does Elkan in response.  “Then I believe him.  Your father knows much about the scriptures, writings, and Law.  He should have been a Rabbi.  I for one will be ready when the Messiah comes and rolls back the Romans like toy soldiers and establishes his kingdom.”  They begin to work again, and clean the last of the cave. 
    Moeshe returns with the feeding troughs from Jerusalem.  Galon and Elkan are assigned to distribute them through the stables.  Elkan notices that his uncle has paid a minimal expense for the troughs.  The wood is rough scrap wood laden with knots and splinters.  He places the one in a small nook in the cave as a nasty splinter sticks into his wrist.  Blood pours as he winces from the pain.  Turning to walk away something draws him back.  He stares about the small space as though someone is watching him, with him, near him.  He looks back at his wrist and shockingly discovers no wound.  It is as though the splinter never pierced him.  No wound.  No scab.  No scar.  Elkan’s mouth drops open and he backs from the room watching the feeding trough on the floor.
    Elkan decides to tell no one of his experience in the cave.  He has heard of dark spirits who invade the body, but the presence he felt was not the slightest bit sinister.  It was different though, as if he had been in the midst of something far greater than he could imagine.  He wondered if it was the same spirit that had descended upon Gideon, the other Judges, and the many prophets.  When he woke the next morning there was a scab on his wrist.  What was going on? He convinced himself he had seen things.  He didn’t feel the presence in the cave stable again.

The Place is Right

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”  Micah 5:2

A few days later, after sundown at the close of another Sabbath, Moeshe and Shimrith held a great meal at their home.  Iram, Odeda, Yeshaya, and Elkan were all invited.  Iram and Odeda had no children, and Shimrith had no desire to have children, which was fine with Moeshe, who was content to earn wealth.  Elkan wished Galon could come.  He tired of being the only child at these family gatherings. 
    Moeshe’s home was a short walk away just down below the stables on the edge of a hill.  It was the finest home in Bethlehem with two full floors and windows that overlooked the lush valley below now bare after the harvest.  Behind the house was another cave and a small level garden where Shimrith spent much of her time.  There was an olive and fig tree, balsams from Tiberius, palms from Jericho, an arbor of grape vines, which held massive grapes in season, and several flowers like lilies, acanthus, hibiscus, gazania, and many others.  It was a small piece of paradise and rumor was the cave was being prepared for their tombs. 
    Shimrith was ever the gracious host, dressed in the finest clothes she employed a young attendant from Corinth named Mustavo.  He was originally Macedonian and saw to the washing of feet and all accommodations.  The home smelled of spice and flower, a pure delight.  Elkan was awash with the whole experience as though he were visiting the palaces of important people.  Laughter filled the room, and a large table laden with food had been prepared as though for a feast of hundreds. 
    “Please, do hurry to the table, the food is prepared and there is plenty.  Today is a celebration of the coming prosperity from the registration.”  Shimirth was virtually glowing as she made the invitation her voice rising with excitement.  Nothing suited her more than entertaining, even the low life family of her chosen mate. 
    As they made their way to the table to recline, Shimrith sauntered up to Elkan, “You will sit next to me.”
    He blushed.

    Her brown hair dropped in graceful curls collecting about her shoulders framing her face, which appeared like fine porcelain without a single blemish.  No part of her face was abrupt, all her features were carved as though by the greatest of artisans to exquisite symmetry.  Her eyes were like shimmering pools of light bronze bordered by thick black lashes.  Perhaps her most striking feature, she could melt the world with those eyes, and often did to accomplish her desires.  Her smile brightened the room as the family took their places.
    Moeshe, as the man of the house, offered thanks in ten words or less and they began eating.  “Yeshaya, your brother tells me the great Messiah will be here soon.  Care to elaborate?”  There is a hint of sarcasm in Shimrith’s voice, but not enough to draw a reaction.  There is a pause as they all cut their eyes toward one another expecting a confrontation.  Elkan wishes to run away.
    Yeshaya had been concerned that Moeshe had been talking to his bride about their conversation, and he was determined to keep his head.  “No need for elaboration other than I am certain that the Messiah will come in this generation by the prophecy of Daniel.”  As a Sadducee, Shimrith only observed the Torah, the first five books ascribed to Moses. 
    “And, this is the town, is it not?” she asked perfectly willing to play along for the benefit the others (if only in her mind).
    Yeshaya confirmed, “Yes, Bethlehem will or has been the birthplace of the Messiah.”
    “Our little hillside town, amazing.  Why wouldn’t he be born in Jerusalem?”
    “I am not sure Shimrith, but the scripture is clear. Who are we to question the ways of God?  Certainly His purposes are brought forth without our consultation.  The sacred scriptures give us signs unto His ways and revelations of His plan. I know it is the way of your people not to hold to the writings of the prophets, but I believe they are authentic words of God.”
    Shimrith nodded acknowledging Yeshaya’s edict.  “Well said, Yeshaya.  Tell me then are you beholden to the Pharisees?”
    “No, I am not.  I hold to the words of God only.”
    “Maybe then you are an Essene as Iram’s family.”  As she said this she engaged Iram with her eyes.  Iram was a quiet man, a strong man, who tended the soil and peddled his olives far and wide.  He had shunned Moeshe’s invitation to invest in the stables for the registration saying he would not take profit from the actions of Rome. Shimrith then motioned to an empty place set at the table, “Iram with all the talk of the coming Messiah, I thought I would honor your beliefs as well by leaving a space empty for him.”  If she was patronizing Iram, no one could tell.  Shimrith was a master at the art of communication.  She had told Elkan that when she was younger she performed with the Greek hypocrites on stage at the grand theatre in Sepphoris. 
    Iram nodded and replied, “That was thoughtful of you Shimrith, but as you know I am not a practicing Essene as my father was.”  Iram’s father still lived in the caves above the Dead Sea in the community known as Qumran. They kept to themselves completely removed from society and morphed into their own belief system. While Zealots fought against Rome, the Essenes fled from Rome literally underground, out of sight, in desolate places.  It was their custom to leave a seat open at every meal for the coming Messiah as no other group anticipating his coming more.
    “But, you shun Rome,” Shimrith retorted.
    “I shun Rome not because of my family heritage as an Essene, but because of what I have seen on my travels.  If you have ever seen a village that was plundered by the heavy hand of Rome, your heart would be set against them. They are ruthless and without mercy.”  As Iram said this he wondered how Shimrith would react to something as bloody and nasty as he had seen.  He kept the thought to himself, but there were others thinking the same thing, even Moeshe.
    “I have traveled much in our province, but have not seen such a sight, Iram.”
    “With all due respect, Shimrith, I frequent some villages you most likely avoid.”
    “Good point, I’ll concede that, and hope to never see this heavy hand you speak of.”  Shimrith, seemingly finished with Iram, turns again to Yeshaya, “Now tell us of how Bethlehem will be the birthplace of the Messiah.”
    Yeshaya humors Shimrith as the others listen, “The Bethlehem birthplace is one of the most recognized signs of the Messiah. In the writings of the prophet Micah, he gives a sign in the midst of warning saying that out of Bethlehem of the region of Ephrathah, though small in size and stature among the clans of Judah, a great ruler will come forth.  He goes on to say that this ruler will be from the days of eternity. Micah explains that untill that time, we, Israel, are abandoned as we are now.”
    The sounds of eating can be heard as Yeshaya returns to his meal having stated the prophecy.  “Do you feel abandoned, Yeshaya?” Shimrith asks.
    “Certainly, we have had no prophet in twenty generations, but all this must come to pass.”
    Moeshe, who had not uttered a word then asks, “What did Micah mean when he said the Ruler would come the days of eternity?  That makes no sense to me.”
    “There is much debate there, dear brother.  Some think this means he existed before as another person, perhaps one of the prophets.  Others think he will be from the time before time.”
    “What do you think, Yeshaya?” Shimrith asks.
    “It does not matter what I think.  Who am I, but a mere hand at the stables who reads too much and talks too much of the sacred scriptures. Perhaps you should ask your Rabbi.”
    This ended the conversations of the Messiah and the celebration meal continued.  They spoke of a new tax on travel for trade goods going to Jerusalem, and how to avoid the tax booth by going through Bethany.  There was much talk of the registration which would begin to bring thousands to Bethlehem starting the next week.  Moeshe had worked hard to expand his stables, place tents, and load up on supplies.  Iram was certain the registration would increase their taxes and burden toward Rome. Shimrith was just as certain that this was necessary to insure proper civilization.  She told everyone of the streets of Rome.  The city of seven hills with more magnificent structures than anyone could imagine - palaces, baths, theatres, grand villas, temples, arenas, and stone paved roads.  Everyone knew that over half the population of Rome was slave, but no one mentioned that fact.
    Two days later after morning prayer Elkan climbs a nearby hill and watches as people filter into town.  Families and animals make their way into the town of David to be counted.  He has never seen so many different looking people, some haggard, some well appointed, some downcast, others happy, some angry, some content, some poor, and obviously some with wealth. Regardless of their disposition they come, one and all.  Homes were the first to fill up with the guests.  Shimrith forbade Moeshe from allowing anyone into their home, cave or garden, much to his dismay.  However, other homes welcomed travelers as was the Jewish tradition.  There was a buzz of activity all about town. 
    Elkan felt something sharp against his back.
    “Are ye of Rome or against Rome?”
    “Against of course,” Elkan replies.
    Galon removed his dagger in the form of a stick and plopped down next to his friend, “Then you shall live.”
    Knowing they both should be at the stables, Elkan asks, “What is happening at the stables.”
    “The usual,” Galon says, “Moeshe is beside himself with glee over all these travelers, so I crept away to come find you.”
    “I can not help but think God’s hand is in this,” Elkan states.
    “How so?”
    “All these people from all over the province are being forced to come here to Bethlehem to register. Is the Messiah’s birth being arranged before our very eyes?”
    “Not likely, Elkan, God surely would not work through the authority of Rome. That would be an abomination.”
    “Perhaps, but did he not work through Pharaoh to attain His purposes during the exodus?”
    Galon flashes his makeshift dagger at Elkan, “Careful, you appear to be a sympathizer.  Egypt was not as bad as Rome.”
    “That is absurd, Egypt was worse.  We are oppressed by Rome, but we aren’t slaves, Galon.”
    “Whatever the case, but I know as Moses rescued us from Egypt, so shall the Messiah rescue us from Rome. Israel will be restored and the world will bow before her like never before.  We will rule forever, and never taste the bitter meat of oppression again, no - we will dish out the oppression.  The people of God will be justified before this world.”
    Elkan listened and tried to make sense of the future and the Messiah’s role.  Somehow deep down he sensed that the Messiah wasn’t coming to establish a kingdom as Galon thought. Daniel had said he will be ‘cut off’, and there were other prophecies of suffering and rejection. He could hear his dad say to him as he had thousands of times, “Keep to the signs, Elkan.  They will show you the Messiah, it is all in the sacred writings.”  Elkan wanted to believe that, and if the Messiah came as Galon suggested, then it would be much easier.  In his mind this was even further evidence that Galon was wrong. He felt there was something far greater at stake than the kingdom’s of men and nations.  Briefly he thought of the presence felt in the cave, and he almost told Galon.  They walked back to the stables and worked until after sundown.

The Person will be Right

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  -Isaiah 9:6

The tax office line stretched all the way out of town.  Registration was in full swing.  Odeda had cancelled the early morning prayer, so Galon and Elkan made early work of feeding the animals in order to mingle in the crowd. 
    As he kicked at a loose pebble, Galon says, “Mother has completely filled the house and tonight I am to go and spend the night with father in the Shepherd’s fields.” 
    “I have been sleeping on the roof with three other boys from Elam,” Elkan replies.  “They are strange and do not talk much.  Would your father mind if I joined you in the fields tonight?”
    “It shall be so.  Bring and extra tunic for the weather is severely cold this time of year.”  The two explore their town filled with new people. Everything looks different, and for a brief moment they sense what it must be like to live in the larger cities.  The streets are so crowded that going from one end of town to the other takes much longer than normal. For the most part the people wait patiently for their turn at the tax office.  It is a dogged patience that has been developed over years of rule at the hands of others.  However, underneath the surface and on every face there is the sense of rebellion that pervades. They believe that justice will be served and retribution will be dished out like a Sabbath meal - and sooner than later.
    On the edge of town leaning against a small acacia tree is a beggar.  Galon, who is sympathetic to outcasts, approaches him. 
    “How are collections?” The ragged man turns toward Galon and looks in his direction.  It is clear he is either blind or nearly blind.
    “Who dares speak to me?” the beggar asks.
    “Galon of Bethlehem”
    “Has your father not told you to avoid the unclean, boy?”
    “My father is considered nearly unclean.  He is a shepherd.”
    “I see.  Come and sit,” he replies as he pats the earth and dust stirs.
    “Who is this other boy?” 
    “I am Elkan, also of Bethlehem.”
    “Ah, two fine boys from the city of the coming King!” He said this so loudly that people turned and looked, some laughed, some shook their heads.  A coin hit the ground near the beggar’s feet and his hands filtered through the earth until he grasp it.  He places it in side a small pouch.
    Galon asks, “What is your name?”
    “I have no name.  Just call me beggar, cursed, or unclean.  Those are my names now.”
    Elkan, not knowing what to say asks, “Where do you hail from?”     
“In another life I was born and raised in the region of Galilee near Arbela.  My father owned a beautiful vineyard until Herod decided it needed to be used for royal purposes. We moved around a lot after that, but never settled.  I was sent to Jerusalem to study under the Rabbi’s of the Law, and I never saw my parents again.  When I became a man my health began to fail and I was said to be cursed.  Then I was banned from synagogue. I could not find work or a wife, so I became who I am. It is my lot. From Hannah’s great prayer Samuel wrote, ‘The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.  The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.’ I am content in what the Lord has made of me. It matters little what others may think.”
    “In what ways did your health fail?” asks Elkan.
    “It started with having pain in my legs and I lost strength about my whole body.  I couldn’t do half the work of normal men, and found I needed to sleep much just to accomplish my half day effort.  My legs and arms shrank up to nothing.”  He pulls up a sleeve to expose and arm of loose skin and bone.  “Next for some reason my eyesight started to fail.  With my strength going, I had been give an opportunity to become a scribe.  I poured myself over the writings, prophets, and the Law.  Scribes are very important, but they need their eyes.  In a year I couldn’t see a single word on a page.  According to the others, my curse was complete.  I was steeped in sin.  I did not fight it, but gathered what little I had and took to wandering and begging.  I am totally dependent on others, but more on Him, for it is God who feeds me, clothes me, and cares for me through those whom He pricks in the heart.”
    Galon thought for a moment then said, “What was your sin?”
    “Which one?  How many do I have?  Shall I write them in the dirt?  Don’t we all have a list?  Tell me how the sinful can drive the sinful from the Temple of God?  That I want to know.”
    There is a rather long moment of silence.  Nothing is said, but the beggar smiles, not in triumph, but what looks like peace.  Elkan asks him, “You spoke of Hannah’s prayer.  You have been blind for years, how do you know the scriptures and how do you get from place to place?”
    The beggar laughs and searches for Elkan’s head rousing his hair.  “I was right about you boys from Bethlehem.  I like you, straight to the point you are, the both of you.  If the world was like you then everyone would stop and get to know me, maybe then they could see I am no more cursed than them.”  A tear welled in his eye, but there was no hint of sadness, no dismay.  “I know the scriptures because I studied them when I could see and they never left me, as though a gift from God those words are kindled in my heart.  I also do something most don’t.  I listen well.  As I move about I can many times get close enough to a rabbi to hear his words. When your sight is gone you are granted more skill in hearing.  If you close your eyes when you listen for a long period of time, you will know what I mean.  You boys see fine detail in all you see.  I am not totally blind.  Everything is more or less blurry muddled shapes.  I can stay out of the way of a horse, discern where the road is and isn’t, and tell when it is day and night.  The Lord did not allow me to be totally blind, and for that I am blessed. Come, let’s walk for a spell.  You boys invigorate me.”
    Elkan and Galon rise to their feet as the beggar struggles with a staff that was by the acacia tree.  He is a bit wobbly at first, then after the first few footfalls he gains a more steady gait.  The crowd gives them a wide path, and Elkan and Galon observe how others cut their eyes away or look beyond them.  It is as though they don’t exist to be seen until they are too close, then the way clearly parts.  They walk down a spur off the main road just outside of town and stop at the edge of a bluff that overlooks the fields of Boaz. 
    The beggar begins speaking unprompted, “When the Messiah comes you will know Him by his deeds in sign.  The Lord said to Moses, ‘I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.’ When the Messiah comes you will know Him by the truth and authority He will speak.  His words will be unlike the words of men, no they will be the very words of God.  Isaiah wrote that He will be called Immanuel, God with us.  It is as though God will descend from the very throne of paradise to put on the sandals of flesh.  He shall be proceeded by a messenger calling out from a wild and desolate place, a new Elijah.  Isaiah says to look to the lowly lands of Zebulun and Naphtali, to the region of Galilee.  That is where it will begin.  His works will be mighty.  Again it is Isaiah who wrote, ‘Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.  Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the stilled will sing with joy.’  He will have great power over what the men of earth call curses.  Curses to Him will be nothing more than chaff to sweep away with the hand. Sadly, He be greatly rejected by those who are called the people of God, those who are His own.  But, through this something more profound than creation will heal us beyond earthly curses to the very core of our innermost being.  Isaiah wrote, ‘He will be wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace, our peace… will be upon Him, and by His stripes we will be healed.’ He is not coming to liberate us from Rome, but ourselves.  He comes not only for us, the lost sheep of Israel, but the nations.  Abraham was told plainly in his old age that the promise of His offspring, the Messiah, would be a blessing to all men, not just some.  This will cause great strife for Israel, but even the Romans will eventually walk in the way of salvation.”
    Galon’s blood is nearly boiling.  He can hardly stand to listen to another word as Elkan believes he is hearing the truth like never before.  It is all in the signs, he knows now more than ever. 

    “We really should be getting back,” says Galon.

    “I have upset you?” asks the beggar.

    Elkan interjects, “No you have spoken truth and for that we are grateful. Thank you, let us help you back to your tree.”

   “No, I want to rest here above the fields of Boaz and ponder on the Lord. You boys run on back from where you came, but heed my words as you get older. You live in Bethlehem, the birth place of the Messiah, and that birth will be accomplished soon. Isaiah said, ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light: on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest time, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppression, Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment soaked with blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the governments will be upon His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no bounds, border or end…”

    Elkan listens like he never has before as Galon pulls him by his arm away from the old beggar, who continues preaching to no one except the empty fields of Boaz. He is all alone again.

    As the boys walk back toward town hardly a word is spoken. Elkan’s mind is filled with images of the lame walking, the blind seeing, and the mute shouting with joy. He has never seen his mother, but it is though she too was restored walking with him, saying nothing, just being. A smile crept across his face.

    Galon, on the other hand, is distraught with anger. He sees a vision of Gentiles and Jews eating unclean food together and praying to the same God. The apostasy of the thought nauseates him. He knows Elkan has heard the beggar’s words as good news, he can tell his friend is soaring as they weave their way in and out of the crowd.

    The stables are almost full and all work is accomplished. Yeshaya and Elkan walk home as Elkan shares the beggar’s words with his father. Yeshaya is impressed by what he hears and is sparked with pride listening to the passion of his son for the Messiah. He breathes easier than he ever has knowing Elkan will be prepared when the time comes for the Anointed One. As they arrive home Elkan takes some bread, collects warm clothing, and bids farewell to the house guests. The sun is sinking low on the horizon to the west and the shepherd’s fields are illuminated by the last of the day’s light. He picks up his pace as he is joined by Galon and they head East.

The Night is Right

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.” -Luke 2:4-7

The conversation had turned from scripture reading beggars and the coming of the Messiah to how they would surround Bethlehem in battle should Rome ever fortify it.  They negotiate the gentle slope from town to the empty fields where the last of wheat chaff blows along the ground and dry earth crunches under their sandals.  Galon gathers verve as he describes his army’s encampment on the hills that border the town.  His plan is to starve them out until they are as desperate as accounts of such in the sacred scriptures.
    “We don’t want to destroy them,” Galon explains, “for we need slaves and many of them.  So, we starve them out to surrender then put them to work.  Oh yes, soon the town of David will be greater even than Jerusalem.”
    “If you do that the slaves will always be looking to revolt and fight back in retaliation of your oppression.  To enslave your enemy only leads to strife for you have given them reason to hate you more than ever.  Generations may pass, but the ill will shall not be forgotten.” 
    Galon thinks about it for a moment, then replies, “Perhaps you are right, we should just annihilate them.”  Elkan shakes his head at his zealous friend.  He knew that response was coming.
    Crossing the valley the boys come to the shepherd’s fields and begin to ascend the lower slopes.  They can see the sheep dotting the upper regions and the last of the day’s sunlight is just now cresting the top of the fields.  The temperature is dropping and the arid air grows crisp with the coming night.  This ground is far more rugged than what they left across the valley.  Craggy features with caves, holes and crevices pot mark the hills. The going is much slower.  Finally, there is a shout, “Galon!”  In the distance up the slope is a shepherd holding his staff aloft a white garment tied to it. 
    Galon’s eyes widen, “Father!”  He begins to sprint. Elkan can not keep up.  The father and son plunge into one another’s arms and the joy of the moment is palpable.  Galon’s father is a thin gaunt man who looks much older than Elkan remember, but he knew shepherd’s aged quickly as they were exposed to the fury of earth more than anyone else. 
    The sheep have huddled into small groups here and there fortifying against the cold.  The sun finally gives way and the alpenglow landscape begins a rapid march to darkness. Galon’s father ushers them to a small fire and they sit on cold stones.  Galon and his father get caught up as Elkan takes in little of the conversation.  His mind wanders to his own father and his incessant quest for the signs of the coming Messiah.   
    As the fire dies down to embers Galon’s father says, “I need to show you boys something. Come, follow me.” 
    The three rise from their stones and start up the slope to the crest of the hill.  The path is barely discernible in the dark and Elkan is surprised how much cooler it is away from the fire. As they reach the top the sky appears to surround them on all sides from the heights of the heavens right down to the earth.  Elkan and Galon had never seen the night sky like this before.  Without a cloud in the sky and from their lofty perch, the universe appears to be sprawled out before them like a banquet. 
    “There.  Right there.  See that star?” Galon’s father asks as he points to a star that looks as though it is directly over Bethlehem yet still far away in the night sky.
    Galon confirms, “I see it father, it is just a star.”
    “Maybe, maybe not.  It appeared last night for the first time.  It is a new star.”
    “How can you be sure?  There are more stars in the sky than sand in the desert places.” Galon replies as Elkan was thinking the same thing.
    “I am a shepherd my son, we have ample time to gaze upon the heavens and we know the sky as well as the star gazers from the East.”
    “What does it mean, father?” Galon asks.
    “That I do not know.  I just know it is a new light in our sky.”
    “Could it have something to do with the Messiah?” Elkan questions.
    Galon’s father turns saying, “I thought that could be the case.  Isaiah wrote that the Gentiles shall come to Your light, and kings to the brightness of Your rising.  This could very well be a sign to those who know to look for it, but this prophecy is controversial for it mentions those who aren’t the people of God.  We are the true Israelites.  Or, at least I once was, but my profession makes me unfit for God according to our authorities.  And, Galon dear son, that is nothing Rome has done.  I fear that if that star has anything to do with the coming of the Messiah, we’ll be the last ones to know.”
    They stood there on the hill for moments upon moments taking in creation above as though viewing an incredible work of art and craftsmanship. 
    “Sir, do you believe the Messiah will be for all men?” Elkan asks.
    “I do not know, but I pray so.”
    “But father, how could God just grant anyone His blessings when they are born into evil empires that oppose us and Him?”
    “Son, I don’t have all those answers, but I sense that many of those you call evil have never known of the truth.  The Messiah, though He can and will be rejected by some, will have words of truth that shall endure for ever.  His truth will be the truth of God, His words the words of God.  He is to be Immanuel, God with us.”
    With that the three eased off the hill to go make preparations for the night.  When they returned to the fire only a few embers remained.  Galon’s father led them to a place that looked down on a small huddle of sheep and they reclined on smooth stones bundled in as many pieces of clothing as they could heap upon themselves.  As Galon’s father sang an old pslam of David, the two boys fell fast asleep.  The old shepherd sings on:

The Lord is my shepherd.   
I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
He restores my soul.
He guides me upon paths of righteousness
For His names sake.
Even though I journey through the
Valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil,
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
They comfort me.
You prepare a banquet before me
In the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil
My cup is filled to overflowing
Surely goodness and love will follow me
All the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

    When Galon’s father finishes the song a second time through, he checks the boys finding them sound asleep and sufficiently covered for the cold night ahead.  He looks back at the star and then down at the sheep he is in charge of guarding.  They are sacrifices.  The sheep of Bethlehem were the sheep set aside for temple sacrifice, he was guarding lambs that are designated for slaughter for forgiveness of sin.  As the boys slumber, the old shepherd finds a smooth stone to rest his weary body against.  He sleeps lightly, a prerequisite of the job, and his eyes are almost closed when something extraordinary happens…
    There is a bright light that flashes through the field as though the sun has fallen from the sky.  Galon’s father opens his eyes then winces from the sheer brightness of that light.  He scrambles crawling behind a larger rock and covers his eyes with his hands peeking through the cracks of his fingers.  He can make out a silhouette of a man standing on the side of the hill with light radiating from him in stunning rays shimmering with white light.  Galon and Elkan rouse from their sleep and both flee for cover.  Elkan catches his heavy tunics on a scrub brush and crashes to the ground.  He rolls for cover behind the same bush struggling to focus his eyes at what he sees.  Galon drops into a small crevice and stands looking out, his head barely above the opening. The other shepherds also are awake and watching from the hillside each hidden and frightened to the core.  They all realize they are in the presence of something far greater than man, it is something from heaven.
    Most believe it is an angel, a messenger from God, but they are not sure since there is no real way to identify such a thing.  They feel the glory and power emanating from the creature and the only response they can conjure is utter fear.
    Then a transcendent voice erupts from the angel saying, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people of earth.  Tonight in the town of David  a Savior has been born to you; He is the Anointed One, Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a feed trough.”
    At the end of this proclamation, the sky fills with heavenly beings of every imaginable shape and form and they sing in such praise that dispels all fear.  They sing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”
    Then in a moment as abrupt as the arrival, it is all gone.  The angel departs and his brightness with him.  The heavenly choir is no more, just the dark night filled with the vast darkness of forever.  No one moves for a moment, then Galon’s father stands and says aloud, “Shepherds of Bethlehem come quickly we have seen and heard a great thing.  For the Lord has seen it proper to share the news of the coming Messiah with us and He is born this evening in our town.”
    Another shouted, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
    So they left their lambs of sacrifice in the fields east of Bethlehem and started their journey to the town.  They did not know exactly where to go other than a place of feeding troughs, so they just went with great urgency and expectation.  Elkan and Galon trail behind them trying to keep up as best they can virtually running most of the way.
    “Can you believe this?” Galon asks breathlessly.
    “Father was right!  The signs were right!  We saw the angel of the Lord!” 
    Galon replies, “They must be at the stables.  That is the only place where there are feed troughs!”  Elkan runs faster and Galon struggles to keep up.  They race across the valley to the dark town on the hill, the shepherds just ahead of them.  Elkan looks up at the star and tingles with excitement.
    The streets are deserted. Quiet has settled over Bethlehem in the late hour.  The shepherds say little more than a whisper to one another and make their way to Moeshe’s stables figuring that to be the only place where a baby might be found in a feeding trough.  They check the stalls making their way through a maze of passages and gates.  Galon whispers to his father about the caves used in the back, and they ease that way expectantly.  Elkan begins to remember the strange presence he felt in the one stable a few days before.  It wasn’t unlike the feeling he just had on the hill when the angel spoke.  As they approached a fire could be seen flickering in the night as the light danced off the wall of the cave.  There was the strong smell of manure, and the discernible sound of a mother cooing to her baby.  Eyes are wide as the shepherds peer over a gate into a cave stall that reveals the scene.  Cattle are down and asleep on the opposite side of the pen, and a young Jewish girl who did not look a day over fourteen summers is huddled over a feed trough.  There is also a young boy about her same age, he stands with worry as the shepherds watch. 
    A shepherd asks, “Who are you?”
    “I am Joseph of Nazareth, this is Mary my pledged.  What do you want with us?”
    As Mary turns the baby is seen lying in the feed trough wrapped in strips of cloths from head to toe just as the angel had described.  Some of the shepherds cry, some have broad smiles that beam from their face, some actually hit their knees in pure reverence.  Elkan is at a loss, he doesn’t know what to do, he just stares at the scene unable to take his eyes away from the baby.  The Messiah sleeps amid the cattle near a small fire in the back of the cave lying in the same feeding trough that had pierced Elkan’s hand.  He will be pierced for our transgressions, Elkan thinks to himself.
    One of the shepherds replies to Joseph, “We have heard from the Lord that this night in the town of Bethlehem a Savior is born to us.  The angel told us what we would find as a sign and we have most certainly found it to the full praise of God.  Did you say you are pledged, but not married?”
    Joseph says, “We are pledged, and what the angel of the Lord has told you is so. Mary was with child through the miracle of the Holy Spirit.  She has never been touched by any man as Isaiah foretold she is a virgin maiden, He is God with us.”
    The shepherds one and all including Galon and Elkan worship the baby Savior. “We must tell of this,” one of the shepherds proclaim, “This good news must be shared with the world.  The world must know that the Messiah has been born.” 
    They leave the stable with great haste and the streets of Bethlehem are suddenly alive with the shouting of the shepherds proclaiming what has happened.  People stream from their sleeping quarters and are amazed at the sight.  Word spreads quickly of the Messiah and traffic fills the streets as though it is mid-day. 
    Elkan runs as fast as his legs can carry him with his tunics encumbering him toward his home and his father.  Yeshaya is already awake looking on with astonishment on the doorstep of their home.
    “Is it true?” asks Yeshaya as Elkan approaches.
    “There is a baby born in the stables to pledged parents.  He lays in a feeding trough and is wrapped in strips of cloth.  When we were in the shepherd’s fields, we were told by an angel to look for this sign.  I saw it, father.  I saw the One who will be Savior, the Messiah.”
    Yeshaya is unable to speak, so for a long moment he just stands outside his home watching as the streets of Bethlehem are alive in the dead of night.  People are running around shouting and praising God.  There are shadows and light mixed in a whirl of activity.  Many are asking questions, and there is some confusion, but there is an air of amazement on the face of all who heard the shepherd‘s message. 
    Finally, Yeshaya turns to his son and speaks, “Now, the waiting.  It will be many years before the Messiah takes hold of His destiny.  The waiting will not be easy, some will doubt, others will forget this night as just another night where folks got excited about the advent of the Messiah.  Do not let that happen to you my son,” Yeshaya stoops and gathers his son’s face in his weathered hands.  “You have seen the sign.  There will be many more and one day that baby in which you saw tonight will bring all the prophecies of our scriptures to full completion.  There will be a new order to things and many will reject it, but don’t you forget what you saw in the fields tonight.  You saw the hosts of the Lord proclaiming the arrival.”
    Elkan smiles. “Come father, and see this thing that you have studied and waited for.”  There is no reply as the two walk slowly toward the stables. 
    When they arrive there is a man struggling to find a way in.  Elkan recognizes him right away, “Beggar! Come I will help you in.”
    “Ah, young Elkan, and who is this shape with you?” asked the beggar not being able to see with great detail.
    “I am Yeshaya, Elkan’s father.”
    “Greetings.  They say the Messiah is here. Is this true?”
    Elkan tells him of the events of the night as tears streak the dirty face of the beggar.  The three of them wade deeper into the stables.  A crowd files by looking onto the scene.  People have brought things like blankets, more warm clothing, and the fire has been banked with wood.  Some people sing psalms of praise.  Some are praying to God for all manner of pursuits from liberation and deliverance to conquest and power.  All eventually leave except the beggar, who beds down in a nearby stall of small lambs.  Lambs that are destined to be sacrificed.  “You lambs and that baby are destined for the same purpose,” the beggars says to the lambs, “but, His sacrifice and victory will forever put an end to the sacrifices, no more scapegoat, no more blood spilled.”  The beggar would be found the next morning still preaching to the lambs by Moeshe, who throws him from the stables and points him down the road.
    Odeda is on time as Elkan greets her from his house full of travelers.  He wipes the sleep from his eyes and tells her about last night.  “I had a feeling you would be in the middle of this thing that has happened.” she says.
    Odeda tells Elkan how she and Iram ran to the stables and saw themselves after the shepherds had awaken them.  Moeshe and Shimrith slept through the evening without a twitch, she reports.  Furthermore, they fell the baby in the stables is merely a baby for the Messiah would never be born into such humble beginnings. 
    As they near Rachel’s tomb, Elkan asks, “I know that the Lord gives and takes at His great discretion, but why did my mother have to die?”
    Odeda stops.  Her eyes soften and she smiles, “I have wondered the same many times dear boy.  You had to be born and I think she knew that, and if asked her today, I think she would say that her life for yours was no decision at all.  It was her prayer and the Lord’s will.  She would do it again, even as I pray for my own child knowing the same could happen to me.  His ways are as mysterious as the stars and the sun.  He is too big for us, too hard for us to know. When we have questions answered they only spawn more questions that are deeper still.  Do not fret Elkan, trust in Him and He will direct you, but never with more information than would override your faith in the unseen.  Never forget what you saw last night or the signs your father teaches you.  You will not lose your way.”
    Elkan smiles and replies, “I think I understand what I can.  Thank you aunt Odeda for taking me to this place to pray.  I feel my mother here not because of this tomb, but because of you. Perhaps God is getting ready to do a most unusual thing.  If that baby is from everlasting and if He is to be called Mighty God and Immanuel, then it appears God has joined us on earth. Maybe the Messiah will make God more knowable and less distant. Last night in the field what I felt was fear in the presence of the heavenly hosts.  At the stable, I felt peace, a peace I can not explain.”
    Then they kneel and begin to pray.  Elkan finds his prayers to be a seamless flow of his heart toward God.  He has never prayed like this before as Odeda rests her hand upon his back. 

Epilogue

The family of the Savior did not leave Bethlehem right away with the baby too young to risk long travel.  However, they did make the five mile journey on the 8th day after birth to have the Christ circumcised as was the custom. 
    Elkan visited often and each night he would check the star in the sky.  Yeshaya continued to teach him of the signs and what to look for when the long wait for the Messiah to come of age happened.  Joseph found work as he was a skilled carpenter, and he and Mary found a small house.  As the boy grew from infant to toddler, He was visited by three Magi, who were Gentiles from the eastern lands of Persia and South Arabia.  They brought tributes of significant wealth and presented to the Messiah, Jesus.  Having seen the star from their lands they interpreted it to be a sign of a great future king.  Before coming to Bethlehem, they had stopped in Jerusalem where they met with Herod, who told them to report to him where the child was, so he too could worship him.  However, the Magi went home via a different route after a warning in a dream.  Herod was up to no good.
    One day, Joseph, Mary and Jesus took off for where no one knew at the time.  Some said an angel had warned them that Herod planned to kill the young children of Bethlehem, others said they decided to go home, and some doubted everything that had happened. 
    Not long after this Herod perpetrated a most horrid act.  He ordered the slaying of every male child under the age of 2 years in Bethlehem.  This took the life of Benjamin, Iram and Odeda’s first born.  A total of 37 boys were killed and an entire generation was dented by the cruel staff of Herod.  There was no evil he would not attempt to insure his control and eliminate threats to his power.  Yeshaya showed Elkan where the prophecy of the slaying of the young boys was told by Jeremiah.  “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
    Odeda and Iram were both devastated by the loss of Benjamin, and Iram sold his olive grove and they moved near Caesarea.  Iram planted a great vineyard and they had ten more children, seven boys and three girls.  They became very happy.      Iram and Odeda died within three weeks of one another during the winter before the one they called John the Baptist began to preach repentance in the wilderness north of Jerusalem.  Their children all became followers of Christ after the great day of Pentecost.  Their cousin Elkan was very instrumental in helping them know the signs that told of Jesus. 
    Galon became disinterested in the Messiah in spite of his father’s objections.  The Gentile kings coming greatly offended him and after the slaying of the innocents he stole away with a group of Zealots.  He was not yet a man.  No one ever saw him again.
    Shimrith and Moeshe collected a huge fortune from the registration and left Bethlehem for Rome where they operated a merchantile. Moeshe died ten summers later, and Shimrith married a prominent Roman official.  She died with extraordinary wealth in her old age eight years after the ascension of the Christ.  She was never a believer even denouncing her Jewish heritage for that of Rome.
    Yeshaya stayed in Bethlehem.  Moeshe gave him the stables and he operated them for the rest of his life.  Many times travelers heard the story of the Messiah’s birth and all the signs that pointed to the event.  He died when Elkan was twenty years old of a fever.  Elkan sold the stables and moved to help Iram with the vineyard.  He left the vineyard when John the Baptist began preaching.  He followed John until the day he saw the Messiah, Jesus, for the first time in 30 years.  Elkan became a follower and was one of the seventy that Jesus sent out on mission.  Off and on Elkan continued to follow the Messiah until the crucifixion.  When he heard of the resurrection, he knew the signs and was one of the 120 that assembled in the upstairs room when Peter proposed a replacement for Judas the traitor.  After Pentecost and the Spirit being taken to Samaria, he accompanied James the brother of John, on a journey as far as the land they call Spain.  When James returned, Herod had him killed and Elkan moved to Antioch where at an old age he married, planted his own vineyard, and had one child.  That child was me, Isaiah, named after his favorite prophet.  My father helped establish the church at Antioch where he was an elder.  He died on the Lord’s Day in the Spring just before Paul returned from his second great journey.  Father was very old and was teaching of the signs of the Messiah until his last breath.  It was a beautiful sunny day with a  warm gentile breeze the day he died.  His last words to me were, “Keep the faith, and tell others of the story of the signs, for no other matter on God’s earth matters more than the story of who the Messiah was, is, and is to be.  Tell them, my son, with the same urgency as your grand-father, Yeshaya.  Tell them the story I have told you.  When we meet again we shall laugh, dance and hug in paradise.”    

The end.