Love of Writing discussion

We are inviting writers to write flash fiction, 1st person POV as a Jewish person in 1st century Israel who is waiting for the Messiah.

Word length, up to 1200 words
Poetry welcome

Here is some of what David Russell who is heading this project said about what he is looking for. David wrote: "Write a short story or reflective first-person narrative that might imagine being raised with values and customs observed by Miriam (Mary) and Yosef (Joseph) around the first century?

Examples:
*going to Jerusalem three times a year to keep the festivals, selecting a spotless lamb to offer for Passover, being trained to do carpentry by your father, etc.
*Maybe some aspect of daily life while waiting for the Messiah and living under the oppression by the Roman rulers.
*Present the Christmas story from perhaps a possible first century mind-set.
*Even to take an English word from our Bible, do a Google search of the Hebrew equivalent and base a story around that definition would be enriching.

TIMELINE:
Dec 2016 – Feb 28th deadline for story submissions
Apr. – June editing, Permission Letters, author’s acceptance of changes
July – Sept. for marketing / publishing / promoting


On line, there is a link to an interview from a 2011 NPR talk show called Talk of the Nation with author Scott Korb, who authored a nonfiction title about Life In The First Century. Some notes from that:
(1) Crucifictions kept people in line as they were public and the bodies remained on hanging afterward to be scavenged;
(2) Ritual baths were commonplace.
(3) Foreign cultures ate pig, Jews did not.
(4) Bandits and assassins were a threat to public travel.
(5) Life as a carpenter would have been on the same level as an artisan, pretty low-scale.
(6) Nazareth was a small town, so likely everyone knew everyone else. I found this by googling life in first century Israel.
~ David"

Hello Writers:

My second story appears below. Again, this reflects the tone I hope to have our submissions reflect. Thank you.
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Yeshua The Rabbi
Copyright
David Russell
Note: Shabbat is the weekly Sabbath from Friday evening sundown until Saturday evening at sundown.
Scriptures are from the Hebrew Names Version of the Holy Bible with English names in parentheses.
This account is a reflection from Luke 4:14-42.

I heard the crowd voice accusations in all directions, faces reveal stern expression in unison, as in haste they escorted Yeshua from the synagogue in his hometown. The mats used for floor seating would be picked up later. The quiet solitude of Shabbat as Scriptures were read, eyes fastened on the reader, now became pandemonium fused with collective passion over Yosef's (Joseph's) son from Natzeret, (Nazareth), Yeshua, (Jesus). From all appearances, the assembly of about 75 persons may be shoving him off the cliff silencing him forever. He may have suggested being the messiah in the ears of several today. References to Elisha and Eliyah (Elijah) did not offend me, but this guy does speak with persuasion.

"Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." The passage he read was from the Prophet Yesha`yahu, (Isaiah). The words were,
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted; to proclaim release to the captives; recovery of sight to the blind; to deliver those who are crushed; and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

He was articulate. He mentioned that his hometown folks would want him to perform miracles like those he had done in neighboring towns. Yosef and Miriam, (Mary), his parents, were a respectable Jewish couple who kept the annual feasts, attended synagogue and Yosef had trained Yeshua in the carpentry trade too along with James. His words stirred up nearly 75 people in this assembly. They were going to make his rabbinic tenure short-lived. If the group had its way, it would literally be over the cliff and downhill from here. As we walked to the brow of the hill, one of the elders said in a booming voice,
"No more considering an amazing teacher, healer, or even, long waited messiah." Some cheered and clapped their hands. I thought, the prospect of Yeshua as messiah seemed too far-fetched. Had not Moses risen in esteem above the prophets like Hosea, Joel, Isaiah and Daniel? Yeshua may have healed sick persons, raised a few dead children, and turned a few heads with Torah interpretation, got some disciples, but messiah? The verdict was still being formulated in Israel, but as for his hometown ..... No go. Move on Yeshua.

Again, pandemonium spread through the croud of about 75 persons as we approached the cliff. It was as if Yeshua was no longer present. He was not in front nor last in line. He was not in the middle clustered within a family, nor on the fringe. Somehow he had managed to save himself from the ending that was desired of him. He had vanished and was nowhere to be seen.

Wonder was conveyed in collective facial expressions. Recurrent conversations made it impossible to gauge specific thoughts. A sense of amazement that Yeshua could vanish would probably rank high among the choices if one were to make assumptions. This would be yet another report of the extraordinary done by the citizen from Natzeret.

I thought briefly what Yeshua might have experienced just then. If he had some means to transport himself supernaturally beyond the large group of people and it brought him a sense of safety, would he try and use this means again?

Would he try and mentally impose his wishes on a group of people ande cause them to act out what it might be he would want in that given moment?

Gossip spread in short order that in Galil he continued to teach in synagogues; he was liked by his audience, astonished listeners was one description of his words. Many found him to speak with authority unlike several other synagogue teachers. On one occasion, Luke was overheard to say that Yeshua took up residence at Shimon's house where he healed Shimon's mother-in-law from fever. Shimon had a comfortable home that accommodated his small family and mother-in-law who had been a widow for a couple years. Moreover, several others by report were ministered to by Yeshua and received healing from many conditions.

The word outside Natzeret seemed to favor Yeshua. While the question about him being "the anointed one" remained open, it seemed few complained of his ability to minister, to heal, to counsel, and the Gospel writers would later note people in some instances expressed thanks to him for showing them mercy. Word had gotten around that Yeshua instructed many he healed to keep silent about their recovery. In many instances, healing brought the recipient to faith in Yeshua as Messiah. Since travel was less during evening, some people took their chances to see Yeshua. Roadside robbers or publicans were out to get what they could from the people. Either the tax-man or the criminal was reaching into one's pocket. Of course, taking precautions if traveling and leaving what valuables one could at home was always wise.

I hearde discussion about Yeshua's appearance at our synagogue for quite some time after that Shabbat. My uncle Nathan said,

"When he said the Scripture was fulfilled in your hearing, that's what got me upset. If he was talking about himself, he is no greater than a artist or a craftsman."

"He's probably in need of a good woman to settle him down," my mother said.

"Yeshua does have a loving manner with people who are passed up. I have seen him give several people attention that others simply ignore," said Rivkah. She was a young woman who had just started attending our synagogue. Rivkah had moved here from Bethlehem.

I said,

"There is something about Yeshua that is causing people to either before him, be quiet about him, or definitely be against him. We got other possible messiahs running around, but Yeshua, there's something about him the others cannot claim to possess."

He keeps using this phrase "good news of the kingdom." I'm not sure what it means. There are several who think he is going to toss out the rule of Rome, which would make life considerably more tolerable. Taxes are high, and the tax collectors can ask for more anytime they feel like it. Sure, Herod has work for many to do and tourism is pretty good. Most of us have the basics, food clothing and shelter. Being human beings, we wait for messiah, and we wait for, and want a bit more from earthly life than just basic. Yet, others understand "good news of the kingdom" to mean something spiritual. People will be interested in having the wisdom in Torah guide their daily life with one another. I cannot say either way, but like many am paying attention. This moment in time feels high with anticipation.



End

Here is my submission:

One Glorious Night!

Copyright Ronnie Dauber (December 13, 2016)

I will never forget the amazement, the wonder of that glorious night! As I sit here alone in my tent, the fire in the hearth stoked to keep my feeble body warm, my mind seems to forever wander back to that night when I saw the greatest miracle this world has ever known.

I will never forget this night as long as I live, even though it was so many years ago. I was in the field with my father and my brothers, along with many other shepherds. It was in the early spring, which is the season when the ewes deliver their baby lambs. Many of the adults helped with the birthing, but I was too young, so I just sat nearby and watched the miracle of one lamb after the other being born.

It was a peaceful night with clear skies and stars that sparkled with articulate splendour; almost as if they were set out intentionally for that night. I sat on a sheaf of hay and watched this one little lamb test out his legs, and then he came to me and my heart melted. Every year I seemed to find that one particular lamb that I'd just fall in love with, and this year was no exception. He was perfect in every way, and I knew that his destination would likely be the sacrifice of his life as an offering to God. Only the best of the flock were good enough for our God, and I felt so blessed to be able to witness these events again this year.

And yet, this night felt very different. As I held him tightly in my arms, I felt something very unusual. As perfect as this lamb was, he was not going to be the highlight of the evening. I felt deep inside that the ultimate lamb was yet to be born!

My father was devoted to God and read the Torah diligently. He especially liked to read the book of Isaiah to us because it spoke so passionately of the coming Messiah. I knew the verses off by heart, the ones that spoke so promising of the Messiah's birth. My favorite was the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 about how the Messiah would be born of a young Jewish virgin. My father was very sure that He would be born in his lifetime and he talked about it often. But I have to be honest, and maybe it's because I was only a boy at the time, but as much as I believed it would happen, I never ever dreamed that I would witness it.

Every night when we were in the field watching over the sheep, my father and the other men would worship God and tell Him how much they looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. And this night was no different. They praised God for each new baby lamb, and just as my father was about to lift one of them in his arms up to God and give Him thanks, the skies lit up brighter than daylight.

We all looked at each other because this was so strange. And then we heard a voice from behind us that took us all by surprise and caused us to gawk in fear. There beside my father stood a tall glorious angel! No one moved. We watched in utter amazement as the angel called out to us, and I'll never forget the excitement in my heart as He spoke.

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

I was completely taken back by the glory that shone from this mighty angel of God. I looked over at my father and he just stood there. He didn't say a word as the tears flowed like rivers down his face. I glanced around at my older brothers and my uncles and at all the other shepherds. Their faces were also soaked with tears. They all raised their arms and praised God.

And then suddenly, the skies were filled with a host of angels! I could barely believe my own eyes as I watched Heaven open and heard them praise God. We all fell to the ground and worshipped God as the angels cried out, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

It was some time later, perhaps a few minutes or maybe an hour; it was hard to say because time seemed to stand still when this miraculous event happened. But then the angels disappeared and the skies returned to normal. The men gathered together and began to talk among themselves. They spoke with excitement and my father could barely contain himself.

"We must go to Bethlehem and see this miracle of God," he told us. "God has revealed this to us and we must go and give honour and respect to the One who we have longed to see, our Messiah."

Some of the shepherds had to stay behind to watch over the flocks and the new lambs, but my father, my brothers and me, and several other shepherds took off by foot to venture into the town of Bethlehem. The tears flowed down my father's face even more as we approached the barn where the angel had told us to look for the new baby. It was a lot easier to spot than I thought it would be because it was lit up with the glory of God as angels encompassed the skies above it.

We ran the last few yards and my father almost dropped the new baby lamb as he rushed forward to open the barn door. As he did, Joseph and Mary looked up and smiled at us as they welcomed us inside. "We have come to give honor to this baby, the promised Messiah," my father told him. Then he and all the others fell to their knees and cried as they lifted their arms and praised God.

I got as close as I could to the baby and I fell on my knees, too. Then I reached out and touched his tiny hand and a peace and a joy that I will never be able to explain flowed through my entire being. And it has never left me.

Truly, Isaiah's prophecy came to pass that night. Messiah was born and I got to witness this miraculous event! The years passed and I also got to see Him as an adult as He taught the people and prepared them for the greatest sacrifice to come. I saw Him when He was born, and I watched Him die on the cross from the distance. God kept His promise and Messiah came and saved us.

My time here on earth is almost over. But I know that our Messiah saved me from my sins and when I leave here, I will be with Him forever.

When Will I See Your Salvation?
By Glenda Reynolds

I was bone weary as I lay in my bed with thoughts of what transpired that day. Another false Messiah was stoned to death. I looked on as his followers carried off his body for burial. The Roman soldiers just wagged their heads, not comprehending fully why the man was killed. They kept their distance astride their mighty horses, knowing that Jewish matters like this one would resolve itself without them getting their hands dirty. What is one Jew in the scheme of things? Life would go on under Roman rule.

Most of my friends have departed from this world. They lived as devout Jews, abiding by the Torah, and rearing godly families. Yet, it seemed they did not expect Messiah to come in their life time. My spirit felt differently. It bubbled with anticipation, with joy unspeakable. Yet my physical body reminded me that I was nearing the end of my life.

“Adonai, how much longer will I live before I see your salvation? Have I not served you faithfully? How long must Israel wait for their coming King?” Tears formed in my eyes and trickled down this old man’s face. Yet I continued to complain to G-d, “My body grows weak, and my mind is not as sharp as it used to be.” Silence followed only broken by the sound of my sobs.

But wait. A voice can be heard with my spiritual ears, “Be strong, my faithful one. I am El Shaddai (God Almighty, our God is All-Sufficient) When you are weak, then you will be strong through my Spirit. I will provide for your needs. Behold, you will not see death until you see the Christ.”

I felt peace that I had never experienced before in my life. As I lay there in my bed, the words by the prophet Isaiah in chapter 9 verse 6 came to mind, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

The Mighty God? The Everlasting Father? That sounded like a Son of G-d.

I stopped my musing to notice that the room seemed much too bright even with the windows closed. I rolled out of bed and threw the door of the window open. How strange to see a very bright star in the sky, and over Bethlehem no less! What could be the meaning of this wonder? What an odd contrast: the brightness of the star compared to the silence of the night. I returned to my bed and slept deeply and peacefully.

After eight days, the Spirit of Adonai led me to the temple. Rabbi Azrial greeted me.

“Simeon, how are you? You look well. Adonai’s blessings be upon you.”

“Greetings, Azrial. The spirit of Adonai has led me here today, for what I do not know.”

Their conversation was cut short at the sound of a baby’s cry. I excused myself as I searched the temple until I found the babe in Mary’s arms. She and her husband Yoseph were making a sacrifice of two turtledoves according to the Law of Moses. I asked to hold the babe as Mary obliged me. I was overcome with emotion and wonder when words burst forth from me as I blessed G-d.

“Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

All of the sudden Anna the prophetess appeared. She was widowed forty-four years ago. She consecrated her life to G-d and never left the temple as she served Yeshua with fastings and prayers both day and night. She also gave thanks to Yeshua for the babe, Jesus. From that day forth Anna spoke about the Messiah that she saw with her own eyes to people in Israel who looked for redemption.

As for me, I had much to tell my friends and family about. I continued living for my great G-d.

Moses on the mountain saw only the back of Yahweh, but I looked into the face of the Prince of Peace. I eagerly anticipated the journey home to be with the G-d of my fathers.

730 words

Faith
by Gina Burgess (c) 2016

Light gradually seeped through the window. I tossed the light covering aside along with the wisps of dreams from happier times. My father had no son, only me, so I received the vast fortune he’d spent his whole life building. He schooled me well in business.

His precious gift was the marriage he arranged. Iddo was Nethinim, the given servants of the priests. My devout father wanted me to marry a Levite, but since we were not of that tribe, Nethinim were the next best thing because they could marry merchants’ daughters, and in order to minister, they must be pure and clean as the priests. Abba thought this would protect me from harm and divorce, and his grandchildren would inherit their father’s Temple servanthood.

I slipped on my robe gazing at the breaking morn. Cold stone sent an ache into my bones while despair gathered the corners of darkness and wrapped around my soul. Defeat tied the knots. One day melded into another without relief for the scarlet thread ruined everything. I looked forward to morning only because I hated the loneliness of night. No warm, loving embrace during the night. No husband whispered sweet love words in my ear, his breath warm against my neck. I had lost everything.

One day I had a cramp or two. Nothing serious but Iddo, my ishti, (beloved husband) would not hold me that night for the red river would flow. I began niddah (separation) because tohorah, family sacredness, decrees that when tum'ah, world-things, such as menses begin it takes the mind off Holy Things and makes a person unclean.

I was young. I was in love. I had so much passion for him and not just his body. His smile lit up the room. His soft voice sent velvet peace through me as he read the Torah or the prophets or the songs. He was my haven that protected me from the storms of life.

I laid happily on his breast through the night since our marriage. What was seven days in a lifetime of love? We had the rest of our lives to lavish love on each other. It would only be seven days.
So we abstained in separate chambers because expressing our love for each other would mean being be cut off then my ishti could not minister in the Temple. No sacrifice, however expensive, would cover that sin.

Seven days was not so long.

But the red river did not stop flowing. I tried remedies handed down from mother to daughter for centuries. For months it never stopped.

The day my husband came in with a bit of paper with writing all over it, my heart drained of all joy. What little hope I had cherished was ripped from me as I read the bill of divorcement: It wasn’t my fault; I was released from my vows; he required an heir that I could not give. I was divorced.

I sent out servants to the four corners of the earth in search of learned physicians to heal me. The servants came back one by one with recipe after recipe of the vilest concoctions, but still the red river flowed. Each smiling physician clutched a new medicine only letting go when his empty hand was filled with gold. The bag that used to merrily hit my leg as I confidently strode the marketplace grew lighter and lighter.

Women talk. We gather at the well. We share recipes, cures, hope, gossip. That last one… oy vey !

The gossip wasn’t noticeable at first. Then hands quit dropping to the task at hand. Eyes followed me down the street. Whispers crushed my soul as I passed groups of twos and threes with pity or scorn on their faces.

I was shunned… cut off.

I awakened this morning to a pale eastern sky; the sun not ready to break the day. A cramp dropped me to my knees.

“God,” I cried out. Shoving pride aside, I begged, “God, remember me this day,” I had nothing left with which to bargain. I had nothing to offer Him except a shriveled and tattered heart. “Remember me like you remembered Rachel and she became pregnant. Remember me like you did the countless times you remembered Israel in the travails before the kings. Remember me, oh Adonai, as you remembered Hannah.”

The sun reached across the horizon and warmed my cold face. A tiny spark of hope lit a single corner of my heart. Then peace settled my soul; I knew I would be healed. Where… how… when… not important. The hope of healing took my breath.

Then I heard the whispers. Lips that once held scorn now raised hope.

He is here today. He is coming today. He will pass along this way for He is teaching. He has healed hundreds. That demon-possessed man out by the cemetery was cured! He heals the lame and the feverish.

My heart leaped as I stepped into the crowd. I dare not let them see my face for then they would hush, and I’d hear no more.
I must hear more...hear it all. “Who?” I wanted to scream. I wanted to grab an arm and shake until I heard the whole.

Jesus of Nazareth.

Finally, I heard the name. It flowed through me washing peace over me like the waters of the cleansing mikveh, which I had not felt in twelve years. The crowd packed around me so I used elbows and heels to break through.

I found him talking to Jairus, one of the synagogue rulers. I knew this Jesus was God’s remembrance.

I crouched down and crawled forward.

I drew back. He was Holy. I was unclean. He was of God. I was filthy. I was shunned and cut off.

The crowd pressed closer to him drawing me with them.

How dare I touch Him and make Him unclean? I could not. But His prayer shawl I could dare to touch. If I just touched his prayer shawl, his talit, or just one tzit tzit, a tassel on the corner of His prayer shawl then I would be healed. The tassel was all I needed. I reached out. The tassel brushed my fingers, the barest of touches.

The red river ceased and I was well. The filth of twelve years disappeared just as if it had never been.

“Who touched Me?” Darkness and despair became a wisp, blown away by a word. His voice was full of compassion, love, and the waters of His words washed me clean for the first time in years.

Overcome, I could do nothing but fall at His feet. Years of grief drained away, and He replaced it all with such joy I could not contain it all.

“Daughter,” He said. Daughter an endearment so sweet, and his eyes so kind. “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be whole from your plague.”

I rejoiced in song, “Ah, Lord God, thou hast saved me this day. I sing a song of thanksgiving to You and proclaim the name of Yahweh. Hallelujah!”

Ronnie, Gina, and Glenda, I've enjoyed reading your stories as well. They've given me some idea of how to write a story from the New Testament as though I were living in first-century Palestine.

Glenda, there's some confusion with names in your story When Will I See Your Salvation?. Yeshua is the name for Jesus, not G-d. Otherwise, however, your story was excellent and very moving. I could feel the character's growing frustration with waiting on G-d to deliver His promise.

Connie, if that is the only flub you caught, I'm doing good ( I say as I smile) David has already told me that Mary's name is different in Hebrew. I edited my story above, removed Yeshua and replaced with Yaweh. I also added an additional interpretation to El Shaddai (God Almighty, our God is All Sufficient) as when the Lord appeared to Abram and said, "I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect..." Thank you for catching that.

Hello and Belated Happy New Year Greetings:

It is January 5, and there has been much back and forth (several comments) since I posted a second revision to "The First Gentiles."

A final draft appears below, as there have been a couple more redos sent off group. It is about 1635 words long. As we may end up with a small anthology, we have currently five potential stories, and about 85 days before our deadline. I am trusting G-d for the story amount and Him for leading you into what you may or may not present.

Some comments ago, Gina provided us a website link concerning biblical dates. I noted that URL as:
http://www.cgsf.org/dbeattie/calendar/
-Christene inquired about story timeline? I suggested just before birth of Christ to around the close of the first century. Use Credible sources for your story. Perhaps mention in by line.

Now, my final redo of, "The First Gentiles"
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The First Gentiles

by David Russell
WC 1635

My compatriots and I had just hosted a public forum on a topic that drew occasional interest, but never conclusive answers. Is the world round, flat, square or some other shape we haven't considered?
We agreed earth itself is flat. As to the rest of the universe, well, opinion varied.

WeMagi of Babylon study and ruminate on the sciences, health and medicine, some philosophy, and give the intellectuals and people in power things to ponder or discuss at their round tables and court symposiums. Furthermore, we have a keen interest in astronomy. One clear night, while peering into the eastern sky, we all noticed a particular star among the myriad of bright stars often seen. This one gave off a particular glow or color scheme unlike the others. I said,

"Do you think this is the sign about a king being born among the Jews?"

"We know the teachings. They have been around for hundreds of years," replied one of my company.

"It appears to be remaining in one place, almost in front of us," I said.

For a few moments we discussed and pondered this possibility; then we concluded this was the sign spoken of in the Hebrew Scriptures concerning the birth of a king for the Jewish people. We decided to pack provisions, and make plans to go to Yerushalayim, consult with King Herod and pay a visit to the newborn king and his family. It would be about a 1500 mile trip that would include travel through barren desert and a detour around a portion of the Euphrates. We had to assemble a caravan including animals, guards, servants, wagons, appropriate food and nutrition for all concerned including ourselves to ready for this sojourn. The star continued to appear in the night sky during our time of preparation as well as throughout our westward travel.

Though we did not encounter any marauders on our journey of nearly two months, we did experience a couple dust storms. One delayed our travel by almost two days. Our day started at sunset and concluded at the next sunset. The dust storm occurred during the time when the sun was at its highest point into the sky lasting into the next day. We covered the camels, provisions, and ourselves as best we could and rode out the intensity of the storms. The second dust storm by contrast was less intense presenting for a much shorter time span.

Our provisions included plenty of water for crossing the desert, dried fruit for sustaining energy, and dried meat along with other protein sources that would nourish us for both going and returning, as well as hay and other food stuffs for the animals. During the time we encamped, we talked about what we might find when arriving in Yerushalayim.
Would the king be hospitable?
Would there be a sense of revolution in the air if word had gotten out concerning the star and the sign it conveyed?

****
When we arrived in Yerushalayim, the mood seemed tense and turbulent. We were informed King Herod met with the Kohanim and Torah-teachers, grilling them about the emergence of a Jewish Messiah.

"I want to know anything and everything. Where is this Messiah to be born. Who are his parents? From what lineage does he come? Tell me every detail possible."

The priests and Torah-teachers mentioned the writings and the prophets to Herod. He didn't seem fully satisfied and ordered a private meeting with us. During our time with Herod, his mood and temper seemed to become more hospitable. One of my company had mentioned to him that the Messiah would, according to the Hebrew Prophet Micah, come from Beit-Lechem, land of Yehudah, and rule the people of Yisra'el like a shepherd. We told him exactly when we first saw the star and how long we had traveled. Herod got a strange expression on his face, turned to me and said,

"Go and search diligently for the young child; when you have found him, bring me word so that I also may come and worship him."

We momentarily exchanged glances before making our departure. I had never met Herod before, but was taken with his short stature. This man executed those who opposed him and building programs across the region, mostly monuments or fortress-like structures, that bespoke influence, might and power. In person though, his demeanor conveyed a sense of agitation and paranoia. My reservations were high concerning his intentions to worship the newborn king.

****
We asked around the city where the newborn child might reside, and someone directed us to Beit-lechem; actually it was the star we had seen from the east, not a personage. I occasionally thought of how the Exodus trusted the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night to guide their travel during the wilderness era. It was truly a walk of trust for them, and a walk of trust for us.

We did bring bags containing treasures of gold, myrrh and frankincense that we would present as gifts to the child and his parents after we arrived. The myrrh is an ointment that has been used throughout the middle east for some time as it is believed to help be a prevention for arthritis. The gold is a precious metal and given to honor someone of prime importance. The frankincense is burnt as incense. It represents someone in the position as priest, and is also an offering to G-d, given as a pleasant aroma. Each of the gifts too, are a type of picture as to the extent of G-d's love for his people and humanity at large and the great lengths taken to bring about reconciliation.
****
Our travel direction changed again. We were now going southeast from Yerushalayim toward
Beit-Lechem. We were still following the same star seen in the east. I felt a sudden sense of joy as we arrived at the house in Beit-lechem, which means house of bread. The star rocked slightly back and forth in the clear sky, but was above the house and basically immovable. I felt my heart swell! Something new was happening. Something unexplainable was occurring within our group as faces indicated a sense of shalom and collective acceptance and receptivity. Looking around, I noticed a modest appearing dwelling but clean both inside and outside. The guards and servants remained outside while me and my four other companions entered the house. We noticed Miryam, the mother of Yeshua, was singing to him who sat beside her in the main room. I introduced myself and my four companions to her.

"We are sent by King Herod and have also brought gifts to present to you from him," I said.

Miryam smiled, stood and bowed in reverence.

"It is we who should bow in reverence," I said.

As soon as Miryam was again seated, we knelt before Miryam and the child named Yeshua, and offered a song of praise and thanks to Adonai for His lovingkindness. We divided the gifts among the five of us and each presented his share to Miryam so to honor her and Yeshua. We knew within, that he was the Messiah for the people of Israel and the nations as Peace filled our beings and the room in which we were assembled.

That evening, we had a simple meal with the family, and Yosef invited us to sleep overnight. The next morning we prepared to leave, but would be returning by a different route. All of us had the same dream about Herod wanting to slaughter Yeshua; To protect him, it was necessary that we make our sojourn back to Babylon by a different route. We were certain Adonai would aid our steps.

Meantime, Herod was said to be troubled, agitated and beside himself. He called his court together and pronounced,
"I have been mocked by the Magi. They did not report to me about this newborn king! There is no King of the Jews but me, none! Thus, I hereby issue an order. Every male child age two and under in the region around Beit-Lechem is to be killed! None but me or my heir will be king of Israle, none!"

News travels fast, especially when a mob is involved. Herod's decree was carried out. Countless lives of male children, age 2 and under, in and around Beit-Lechem were taken. Grief was widespread and the cries and wails were truly gut-wrenching. Mothers and Fathers were not to be consoled, and mourning was continuous for several days. This fulfilled the words of the prophet, Yirmeyahu.

"A voice was heard in Rama, lamentation and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; she wouldn't be comforted, because they are no more," (Matthew 2:18-19, HNV).

Yosef was visited in a dream by an angel. As a result, he and Miryam followed divine instruction to pack their possessions and the child. They were to go to Egypt and remain temporarily until directed to return. Herod who sat on the throne would pass away while they were in Egypt, and that would be the event to signal their return to the Galil. This too had been foretold by the prophet who wrote, "Out of Egypt I called my son." And, "He will be called a Natzri." (Matthew 2:23 HNV).


Messiah Yeshua would not be lost nor destroyed. His mission in part was to seek and save that which had been lost. Lost souls to other gods and the ways of Hellenism; lost souls to social oppression; lost souls to human vanities that have been around since our first parents were lovingly banished from the Garden of Eden.

Whilst Miryam was the first Jewish person to carry the gospel, we may have been the first among the nations to receive the gospel.

Redemption of a Thief
By Glenda Reynolds

My life growing up wasn’t so bad, although having no mother did make life harder for a young boy. My father Uriah raised cattle. It was profitable selling cattle for temple sacrifice. Only the wealthy and the priests could afford it. It also paid well for celebrations where people feasted. Both gentiles and Jews knew that the house of Uriah sold the best cattle.

Helping my father as a cattleman helped toughen me up physically. Inwardly I was a stubborn, wayward boy. I was rebellious and spoiled. He tried to impart his knowledge of the scriptures. I tolerated his reading of the scriptures before I went to sleep. He read Yeshayah 40:1-5 more times than I care to remember. Maybe it was the times we were living in that gave him hope.

“Can’t you find a different scripture to read tonight, father? You’ve read that one so many times.”

“Ah, Tobias, please indulge me for a moment.” He cleared his throat and read, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, says your G-d. Speak ye comfortably to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), and preach unto her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she hath received of the Hashem kiflayim (double) in payment for all her sins. Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, ‘Make a road for Adonai through the wilderness; make him a straight, smooth road through the desert a highway for Eloheinu. Every valley shall be raised, and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged places a broad valley. The glory of Hashem will be seen by all mankind together; for the mouth of G-d hath spoken.’”

I closed my eyes and shook my head.

“Very well. I will read another. I won’t have it said that I am long-suffering to my son’s ears.” I smiled at him and he ruffled my hair. Father picked up another parchment and read from Malachi 3:1, “‘Listen: I will send my messenger before me to prepare the way. And then the L-rd (Moshiach) you are looking for will come suddenly to his Temple—the Messenger of G-d’s promises, to bring you great joy. Yes, he is surely coming,” says Hashem Almighty.’”

He stopped and tears welled up in his eyes. Father raised his hands to heaven, giving thanks for Hashem’s many blessings; he thanked G-d for His promises. He placed one hand on my head to pray over his wayward boy. I would’ve knocked his hand away, but I respected my father and loved him. Why did G-d take my mother?

A few days passed when Roman soldiers came to our house. They dismounted and pounded on our front door. When no one answered the door, they proceeded through the gate where we were tending to our cattle. The leader of the guards read a decree from Rome.

“All Jewish cattleman will hereby give portions of their herds to the Roman garrison in your area, for it is decreed by divine Caesar,” the soldier declared with a pompous look on his face.

“You cannot do this! It is my livelihood! You cannot steal from me.”

“We can and we will!”

Father tried to resist. Other Roman guards held him as the leader punched my father’s face. I rushed in to stop them. One of them slapped my face with the back of his hand. I fell to the ground. My father pulled a sword out of a soldier’s sheath. Another instinctively pulled his sword and drove it into my father’s stomach. He sank to the ground not far from me. The soldiers gathered the herd and vacated our land. I pulled my father’s body out of the way to prevent him from getting trampled. That’s when it all began.

After my father’s death, I chose the life of a thief. As I grew to be a man, my skills had gotten better. I prided myself in that I never killed a victim - all except for one man.

I was with some of my friends who were also thieves. We were stealing from people just outside of Nain. They had next to nothing as far as authorities there. It was easy pickings - that was if we were fortunate enough to come across people who actually carried money bags. The filthy Romans taxed our people so much that purses were very light.

There happened to be one young man with his widowed mother. The three of us surrounded them. The young man was obstinate, not giving up his money without a fight. He pulled out a dagger and thrust it at me. I hit him in the head with a large rock. He went out cold. His mother’s screams could be heard for a mile. We stripped them of their valuables and went on our way. I thought I heard the last of it.

Yeshua Hamashiach or Rabbi as some called him, entered into Nain with his disciples and a great crowd. As He entered through the city gate, the same widow was now going to bury the son that I murdered. I stood in the shadows as I regrettably watched my handiwork. Yeshua came up and touched the bier (coffin), and the bearers stood still.

Yeshua said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”

At once the young man sat up and began speaking. My mouth dropped open. How could this be? He was certainly dead by my hand. I was filled with awe and relief. But I still doubted.

Others around me said, “A great Prophet has arisen among us!” while others said, “Hashem has visited our people!”

One thing is for sure, I never forgot what happened that day.

I carried on with my life of crime. I decided to travel to Jerusalem for Passover. I knew many people would be traveling there, some that could be easily robbed. My pride would be my downfall.

I chose to steal from a wealthy man who traveled with a small caravan. I singled him out and demanded his money as the tip of my blade poked his chin. He reached for his money belt just as his comrades attacked me from behind. They roughed me up a bit and tied my hands. I was tied to a cart and forced to follow the caravan until I was given over to the Roman authorities. They placed me in prison.

A few days went by when the mob outside of my prison grew loud with shouts of, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Soon I was aware what my own fate would be. I was forced to march down the road out of the city walls and on to Golgotha (the Skull) where Roman soldiers nailed me to a cross. I could see the faces of some of my victims stare at me, raise their fists, and declare that G-d was serving justice. Then I saw Yeshua Hamashiach bearing his own cross on his bloodied back which was stripped of skin; He also bore a crown of thorns. This made me hate the Romans even more to see them treat a holy man like this. They continued to mock Him even after He was nailed to His cross.

The criminal on the other side of Yeshua said, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

I replied, “Don’t you even fear G-d while you are dying? We are getting the rewards of our deeds. This Man has done nothing wrong.”

I addressed Yeshua Hamashiach saying, “Yeshua, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

He answered me, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

It was at that very moment that I felt peace beyond understanding. A love came down from heaven and bathed my filthy heart in its warm embrace. It was then that I truly understood the scripture that my father cherished for so long. My iniquity was pardoned for Hashem was paying double for my sins. I will abide in the house of G-d forever.

Born Again (final Revision)
David Russell
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Born Again briefly examines the meeting as recorded in the Gospel of John that took place and the changed life that likely resulted when Nakdimon and Yeshua the Messiah met in the privacy of nighttime. I contend that Yeshua did not dismiss the understanding Judaism held of what "born again" meant, but added the Spiritual part or component to further enrich the life of faith and Torah observance.
Born Again
David Russell
Note: Scripture citations are from the Hebrew Names Version.
Commentary notes are from www.hadavar.org

The feast of Passover was going on and Jerusalem was teeming with people who were here for this annual celebrative occasion. We celebrate our past enslavement in Egypt and mighty deliverance by Adonai through Moshe's astute dealings with King Pharaoh. Thanksgiving to Adonai for protection as we recall crossing the sea as Egyptian forces pursued us on horseback; the forces though were drowned when Adonai caused the sea to return to its normal flow. We celebrate our present freedom as a people. We are ever challenged to remember the collective promise we made to Adonai when he gave us the ten words at Mt. Sinai. Our declaration was that we would keep his words and obey them.

Today, I was in the crowd as Yeshua continued to administer healing to those in need, having observed him for a while and admit feeling perplexed from within. Being a ruler of the Yehudim and a teacher of teachers, longstanding member in the Sanhedrin, I know the Hebrew Scriptures and the Talmud. Students have heard me instruct on how the writings spell out how a Jew can be born again. My meeting with Yeshua this night ought to resolve my conflict. It sounds like he is talking about a change that is easy for the young, but quite burdensome for one to make when life experience has played out for several years. One may become more cautious with the choices they make as time progresses.

The night was clear when I arrived at Yeshua's temporary dwelling in the Galil. Crickets were chirping and a gentle breeze was blowing as we sat outside. Yeshua saw me approaching and invited me to come take a seat by him. He knew I was a Perushim and ran a Yeshivah, which is a school for training rabbinics. His smile was warm and encouraged me to proceed.

"Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God. No one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." I knew several people were accepting his claims and others remained open but cautious. I considered myself leaning toward accepting his claims to be sent from God. Yeshua cut to the chase with his response.
"I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can't see the kingdom of God."
Because I was intimidated, I responded,
"How can a person be born when they are old?
Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb?"

Yeshua and I both know the answer to that question. One is born physically by water; a gentile is born again by proselyte conversion; royalty is born again when crowned king; an adolescent is born again when bar--mitzvahed; when a man takes a wife he is born again and assumes responsibility for home and marriage; annually one is born again when they repent especially at Yom Kippur; when one is ordained as a Rabbinic they are born again into service to Adonai and his people. But Yeshua said something that did not sink in until some time later.
"The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

I had been teaching for years that a Jewish person is born again when several of the above occurrences happen in one's life. Yeshua did not deny that. He added the missing link, the Spiritual component. At one point in our conversation, he put his hand on my shoulder and said,

"Nakdimon, most assuredly I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can't enter the kingdom of God! That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

"I understand the physical components of being born. I have instructed students about those times and occasions in one's life when they are born again. What do you mean by being born of the Spirit?"

Yeshua smiling said, "You're a teacher throughout Yisra'El are you not? If you ask me to explain earthly things and don't believe my explanations, then how will you believe explanations for heavenly phenomena?"

We were both silent for a short spell as I considered our exchange. I was further becoming receptive and settled that Yeshua of Natzeret is indeed the Messiah.

My colleague, Yosef of Ramatayim was also a "disciple" of Yeshua and personal friend of mine. We would occasionally get together after meetings of the San Hedrin and discuss Torah together. On one occasion we discussed some words he had heard Yeshua declare.
As we shared some olives and dates he asked,
"Do you think Yeshua is trying to neutralize things by saying he did not come to abolish Torah but to present a fresh new meaning behind its instruction?"

Give me an example."

"He pointed out that adultery isn't just having extra-marital relations, but even considering having extra-marital relations with someone in particular is the same as the act itself."

"That sounds similar to the school of Hillel. Hillel put more credance on motive than action."

"I think what Yeshua is possibly challenging is the continued interpretation some of the leadership keep adding to the oral Torah. It feels like a stranglehold for many," Yosef said. I nodded in agreement.

Tensions seemed to grow with time passing. It was the second Passover season since I had my meeting with Yeshua, and rumor had it that he was going to be betrayed by one of his own, arrested, falsely accused, tried, found guilty by the authorities and then crucified for claiming to be the king of the Jews. I was in Yerushalayim for Passover and close enough to actually witness all this come down. I felt utterly shocked and horrified. Learned men acting like fearful children about to lose something that was monumental in their own sight. Some, in leadership saw Yeshua not as a fellow-Jew, perhaps even a Pharisee, but as one who would only upset an internal goal, ambition, desire, or some sort of prize they imagined receiving at some point for their effort as an elder or scribe. To them, the only way out was to do away with Yeshua. Of course, fulfilling Scripture, one of the twelve, Yehudah, short-sighted enough to help fulfill the plan to betray Yeshua was but a small part of G-d's redemptive plan. Yeshua became truly a man of sorrows acquainted with sin and grief on behalf of humankind.
Every ill-thought, action, perpetrated plan, vindication, not only by those present then, but those present down through the centuries would be atoned for on the stake and in the death, burial and triumphant resurrection of Messiah Yeshua!

During the hours Yeshua was on the execution stake, Yosef of Ramatayim pleaded with Pilate to have burial rights, and I met with him to plan the time to cover or anoint the body of Yeshua with spices such as myrrh and aloe as part of the burial process to occur befor the arrival of Shabbat. Pilate did grant the request, and I gathered nearly eighty pounds of the mentioned spices to anoint Yeshua post-death. Yosef had a new tomb that he had secured nearby the grove of trees where Yeshua was being crucified.

We had a sense though from Yeshua's teaching that he would be raised again after three days and nights. The Scripture would be fulfilled. As the prophet Yonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so to the Messiah was in sheol for the same amount of time. I often reminded my students that the Exodus spent three days preparing to receive G-d's Torah when at Mt. Sinai. Our G-d fulfills His plans and purposes on a time table befitting the Almighty! After the dramatic moments of his passing, the earthquake, the temple curtain being torn, dead bodies resurrecting and marching around the city, thunder claps ongoing and a darkened sky, display of extraordinary phenomena as described later by the Gospel writer Matthew, once all was quiet we took the body of Yeshua down from the execution stake, cleaned it, wrapped it in linen and applied spices for anointing, and secured it in the fine tomb provided by Yosef of Ramatayim.

Concerning the immediate, I knew Adonai would be watching out for my welfare, though still an active member and ruler on the Sanhedrin. I had been cautious in life to love my neighbor as myself and do that in such a manner so as not to reap disgrace but ensure integrity. We Jews live in this world to try and make it better. Providing one human being, who in my mind is the Jewish Messiah, a decent and proper burial, is one small way to make a spot outside Yerushalayim restored to a state of cleanliness following an eventful day in the history of humankind.

Hello Writers,
Earlier, I had posted a free verse or essay titled "Musings Of A God Fearer." It has been graciously edited by one of our members, Connie, and I would like to re-present the edited revised version again, here. My original is on the DropBox site, but would ask it to be replaced in time with this "fresh" retake.
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Musings Of A God-fearer 
© David Russell 
262 words
 
An upheaval has come that will reshape the lives and identities of people of faith throughout Israel for an inordinate time to come. Our city and its treasures lie in ruin: treasures of pottery made by our people are but shards; a treasury of ideas, produced by the minds of our people, have been rendered senseless and chaotic; even our greatest treasure, the Temple, the earthly dwelling of Adonai,
Who lives and reigns forever, is despoiled.
A great wailing is heard, for our temple is destroyed. Holiness and mercy were present in this
dwelling-place made for Adonai by His people. Where, now, will we find peace from our travails,
mercy for our transgressions, convergence with that which is holy?
 
The fragrance of our offerings to Adonai is replaced in our nostrils by a lingering, acrid stench issuing
from caustic decrees made by a merciless world power bent on global domination!
 
The conflict has been simmering and boiling for months, years, generations.
Conflict dressed as old versus new; together follow only Adonai as our G-d, versus discordantly follow Adonai and any other gods of one's choosing; bring on the miracles to show us Messiah,
versus grant us wisdom, self-realization, understanding, and peace.
 
Adonai, Blessed be He, knows our Messiah from before creation of the world.
- Adonai knows the name of Messiah.
- Adonai knows on what date the Messiah will arrive.
- Adonai knows when and how the Messiah will establish his kingdom.
 
" His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
 
 

Here is the story I wrote. I am not sure it fits what you are looking for and it is too long, but I am going to post it here and let you decide what to do with it. Thanks
A Mother’s Tale by Karen Hopkins

I had a visitor last night. An angel named Gavriel. I’ve always trusted in G-d’s mercies. I ‘ve always believed G-d hears and answers my prayers. I believed He has a purpose for me, but this? This was beyond anything I imagined. It is beyond anything I ever felt or knew. I can hardly say the words out loud, so I whisper them even to myself. “G-d has chosen me to be the mother of HaMoshiach, our messiah.” I need time to understand what is happening, what is to come. There is no one I can talk to about this. Who could comprehend the things I have seen and heard? Who would listen?

I have decided to go away for awhile. I am not ready to talk to my parents, or to Yosef. Maybe my cousin Elisheva will let me visit for a time. She is much older than I. I think she’s older than my mother even, but she is a woman of understanding. For some reason when I think of sharing this news she’s the one person I know I can talk to.

Elisheva met me on the road before I’d even gotten to her house. And she knew immediately! What a relief. We stood and cried together. What joy to be able to talk with her about everything that’s happened, to ask advice, to plan for what’s coming. And Elisheva had a surprise of her own. She’s expecting. And her baby is an unexpected blessing!
Three months. The time here with Elisheva and Zecharya has been heavenly. When Elisheva and I work together time flies by. Zecharya reads the words of the law and of the prophets with such understanding, and there is so much we need to know. I have many things to do, many things to learn. But Elisheva’s baby is coming soon and it is time for me to return home. I have my own preparations to make. I wonder what Yosef will say. I hope he can understand.

When Yosef saw me the smile froze on his face. I’m not even halfway through this pregnancy, but before I could say a word he turned and walked away. I called after him, “Pray about this Yosef; it is not as it appears.” What did I expect? How else could he react? My mother accepted all I told her, but she treats me as if I’m made of glass. How I wish these people I love could have Elisheva’s discernment. But if this is what being chosen means, so be it. If only they could share the joy I feel, instead of passing their confusion into my heart.

Yosef came to the house today and asked me to go walking with him. How he has changed. His face radiated happiness. He told me of the struggles he’d had, that he had planned to have me put away. And then as he prayed an angel came to him explained that this child is the son of G-d. As his shame and doubt fell away Yosef was filled with joy. We are to be married immediately. I thank G-d for this good man who will stand with me through the days to come.
I see the other women looking and whispering when I go to draw water. I should have expected as much. All they can see is that Yosef and I married suddenly and that I am now very obviously with child. Is there anything I could say that would make a difference? We know the truth, and G-d knows, so I smile and nod as if I don’t see the stares or hear the gossip. Rachel was so bold as to come up to me and say, “I knew it. As soon as you and Yosef wed, I knew why.” She leered at me, but I smiled and looked at my belly before I replied, “Every baby is a blessing, Rachel. Is it not so? And this baby is a very special blessing.” It was all I could say.

There is to be a census taking. Yosef and I are both of the House of David and we must travel to Beit-Lechem (Bethlehem) and register. I am very close to my time. Yosef suggested that I stay behind; the trip might be difficult for me and the baby, but I felt that I should go. We read the words of Michoh (Micah) the prophet together last night, “But you, Beit-Lechem Ephrathah, you are so little among the thousands of Yehudah (Judah), yet out of you shall come forth to Me the one to be ruler in Yisroel (Israel), whose goings forth are from of old, and from everlasting.” Yosef said Michoh was talking about my son, and that he should be born in Beit-Lechem. We agreed that we should all go; we’re prepared for this baby to be born there, in the city where David was born. It is getting close. I will be a mother soon. What a responsibility G-d has given me. I pray daily for strength and guidance. And Yosef is one of the answers to my prayers. I wonder if our people will remember the birth of my son as we now remember the birth of David. Oh, little Beit-Lechem, you will be twice blessed!

I am so tired. We must have walked thirty leagues or more, but we’re finally in Beit-Lechem. The city is packed of course, and we don’t have enough money to rent a house or even a room—as if there were any available. We don’t know anyone here. We have walked from one end of town to the other. Yosef is talking to the owner of a traveler’s inn. It seems pretty rough. The owner is pointing to the stables in the central courtyard and Yosef is shaking his head. My back aches and I am tired. I need to rest even if it is on the hay beside the animals.

Finally, we are in a stable, a cave, out behind the inn. The owner took pity on us. I’m glad the animals are here. They provide some warmth. What a night this has been. The limestone walls seem to glow. And why wouldn’t they on this night of all nights? I knew my labor was beginning the moment I sat down, and I really wished my mother were here to advise me, to hold my hand and tell me I would get through it. But very soon I quit wishing for what could not be and concentrated on what was happening. Yosef did his best to help me. He has attended animal births. It isn’t quite the same, but the baby came, and I can’t stop smiling. I have a son, a tiny beautiful son. “The son of G-d,” I whisper, and here he is in the flesh. We washed him and I wrapped him in the swaddling clothes I’d embroidered so carefully for this very moment. I never imagined his birth would be like this, in this place with only my husband in attendance. But now tthat it’s over, it was perfect. And he is perfect. Perfect. I never imagined I could feel such joy, such peace, such contentment. It seems as though the universe is alive tonight. Is it just me, or is there music in the heavens?

So much has happened. Jesus is fifteen, our oldest son. Yosef passed away last winter. He whispered to me to rely on G-d. Perhaps Yosef now has His ear. Yosef’s health began to fail shortly after our trip to the temple in Yerushalayim for the Passover, the year that Yeshua (Jesus) stayed behind and nearly scared us to death. It was a timely reminder; he is more than my son. I knew, but still I needed the reminder. He is learning, beginning to understand his calling, his mission if you will, in life. But at this point much of the carpentry work falls to him. All that he does he does in the name of his father. Yosef taught him well. Oh, I miss Yosef. What adventures we had. I never could have imagined, starting with Yeshua’s birth. I remember the shepherds who came to us that first night when all I wanted to do was sleep; Yeshua glowed in the reflected light off the limestone. We stayed on in Beit-Lechem during niddah, the forty-day purification period following childbirth, and we were still there when the men from the East came, bringing gifts for my son. Those gifts were a blessing when we had to flee into Egypt. It seems like whenever we were in need G-d provided us with the way; we are in His hands.

Help me Father, I am broken, broken. How could this have happened? Let me die now. Why have you taken him, my firstborn son? Did you not see how he suffered? Take me; I do not want to live.

Father; I did not understand. Forgive me. I weep, but now my tears are tears of joy. Never did I imagine such pain, such sorrow, and such joy. My son lives. Father, he lives. Our HaMoshiach lives and we too will live. I walked with him; I’ll walk with Him again. My work is finished. Great are thy works my Lord. All glory be unto thee. I shall spend my days in singing praises. Your humble handmaiden is content. Truly salvation is come to all people.

Here's my story.

Free At Last

As he walked into the temple, he saw two old men struggling to set a pigeon free from a cord that bound its feet. He could see that it was not an easy task for them at all. He chuckled faintly. The pigeon had to be set free if it would prove useful for sacrifice. It was the Ceremony of Purification. The faithful came with eager hearts and animal offerings to the temple as required by the law of the L-rd. It was Moshe Rabbenu who handed down the law that the newer generations continued to observe. That was a very very long time ago, he thought, longer even than he had waited for Yisrael to be saved. Ahh! But Ruach Hakodesh was with him and kept assuring him that he would not die before he had seen Hamasiach. The people of Yerushalayim often said he was good and he was G-d-fearing... He didn't want to think about that so he shook his head vigorously.

And his eyes caught something to his right. A family. A young woman and her husband and their child. Mum and Dad were offering a pair of doves, he could see. The child wriggled slightly then stopped altogether. It was cradled between Mum's right hand and her gentle breast while her left hand supported Dad's hand as they offered the birds. The continuous flickering of the baby's right leg fell out of the shawl returned his eyes to the child. Its face was alight. He was transfixed. Then the two appeared before him; their walk was mesmerising -

"Navi Shimon, our child", the man said as the woman gave him the child. He lifted it, it was a boy!

And he knew immediately.

"Now L-rd, you have kept your promise, and you may let your servant go in peace", he said "with my own eyes, I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Yisrael."

The couple gasped at what he was saying. The husband called the wife, "Miryam" and she answered with a soft, "Yosef". So those were their names. Fine. He turned to the unassuming mother, "Miryam, this child is chosen by G-d for the destruction and salvation of many in Yisrael. He will be a sign from G-d which many people will speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword will break your own heart".

As he patted her soft hands, a lone tear dropped from her eyes on their joined hands. Raucous noise a few metres from them made him turn and he saw the two old men rubbing each other's backs while laughing, yellowed teeth showing.

And he knew immediately.

The pigeon had been set free.

©Ugommaeze

WAITING FOR THE MESSIAH

In Full Unity

"Beulah, I do not understand why Avi does it—sit there day after day weaving away, hardly sleeping."

"Shh, Ephah, she will hear you. Whatever Avi is doing she has her mind fixed on it and there is nothing we can say to change that. Now, come," Beulah said as she tugged on Ephah's arm.

Ephah pulled away and reached for the long cloth covering Avi's open door. "I think we should go in and sit with her and find out what she is doing, Beulah."

"No! Ephah, do not."

"Are you not curious?"

"Yes, of course I am, but it is none of our business. We should go. We have work to do. The men will be home from the field soon and I must cook lentils and lamb stew for dinner, at the request of my husband."

"Tomorrow then," Ephah said, sorely disappointed that they did not have time to go inside and probe Avi about her sudden withdrawal from her people. "Tomorrow we will make her tell us."

"No. Tomorrow, and all the days thereafter, we must leave Avi alone. We have too much to do to prepare for the Pesach. Come, go quickly. There is so little time."

A slight breeze blew the thin covering nailed to Avi's door and cooled the stillness in her one-room bavith. Plumes of dust entered the room as the two women outside scurried away. Avi stopped weaving and listened. "Adonai, thank you. It is peaceful again."

Avi stood then stretched her back and wiggled her toes, shook the mat and repositioned the blanket that she had folded underneath it. The earthen floor of her bavith was smooth, hard packed; the walls made of clay. The bavith was old, built by her late husband and two sons—all dead now. Her roof had a beam that ran from wall to wall and atop was a healthy crop of grass, barley, and the dying beginnings of a fig tree that wouldn't survive the summer's heat.

Simmering in a corner was a pot of lentil soup. From the market, she had purchased a leg of lamb and placed half of it in the pot; the other half she shared with a neighbor. A small basket protected a portion of raw grain, enough to last three days. In a tiny bowl covered with a cloth were a handful of dates, olives, and a small serving of buttermilk cheese to nourish Avi if she needed to eat before dinner.

On the opposite side of the bavith where she was hard at work, was a bed mat rolled up neat, pressed against the wall. Next to the mat, all the clothes she owned lay wrapped and tied with a string.

For nearly a year, without fail, she rose early to fetch water from the well, filling two goatskins to capacity, doing so before the other women came to gather and participate in idle talk. Then she'd rush back to her bavith to cook today's meal before returning to her sewing.

Avi shared Ephah's need to understand, but even Avi didn't know why weaving the garment until the wee hours of the morning had become an obsession. Sewing this garment, a man's ef'-od, was a mystery to her, and she had no idea who would wear it. Without knowledge of his breadth, height, and age, everything about this undertaking seemed pointless.

With a week left before the Pesach, her people's commemoration of G-d passing over them when he slew the first born of Egypt, her determination increased. Everyone in Jerusalem anticipated the holiday—buying and selling goods to ensure they had enough to host kinsmen and friends coming from afar.

Avi worked tirelessly and as she did so she kept the rumors of a man claiming to be the Messiah close to her heart. Ancient stories of the coming King had circulated throughout Israel long before her birth. As a child, she remembered the elders talking around campfires, saying, "He will rule the earth and bring us peace." Recent rumors of this miracle worker who had come to save Avi's people spread through Jerusalem like warm honey. Avi couldn't ignore the possibility that perhaps he was another imposter who might leave her people downtrodden once again, casting doubts upon the ancient tales of the patriarchs.

She'd been too preoccupied with the task at hand to take the time to find him and witness the teacher everyone raved about. The vast majority of her people reported he had healed the blind, made the lame walk, turned water into wine. The entire countryside went into an uproar when he supposedly raised Lazarus from the dead. The most absurd story of all, at least for Avi, was his ability to walk on water. Avi couldn't put that story to rest. It agitated her, woke her in the middle of the night, caused her to call upon Adonai and cry herself to sleep.

Not long after the dreams ceased, for reasons she still couldn't comprehend, Avi saved every denarius earned from repairing neighbors' old garments and bought fine expensive yarn. Since Avi's family died many years ago, it didn't make sense to buy it. What would she do with this elaborate twisted fiber? Avi wondered if she had acted foolishly. So taunted with worry, she wrapped the yarn of fine linen inside her cloak then sat near a lamp and stared at it as if expecting it to move about her bavith and perhaps convey a message that she had somehow missed from the Holy One.

Then one day about ten months ago, she set her loom in the middle of her bavith. Upon a thin strip of leather, she placed seven needles. She commenced to inserting these sharp splinters of bone and bronze in and out of the yarn to begin the painstaking task of weaving a seamless garment from top to bottom.

Everyday since Avi sewed, stopping long enough to fetch water, cook, eat and drink, bathe and lie down. Her source of income came to a halt for she had given up mending her neighbors' cloaks and scarves and belts, but was never without necessities.

Three days before Pesach, something strange occurred. She fastened the hem then clipped the thread and held the finished ef'-od up to examine it. "Perfect," Avi said. Delight filled her eyes. She started to mount it to the wall to stretch and shape it in case the man who would wear it proved to be much larger, but an eruption outside interrupted her. Avi held the undergarment tight to her breast, refusing to allow it to touch the ground as she stepped outside.

Not far away, people shouted praises, fanning palm branches high and low. Something moved her forward, arms gently caressing the ef'-od in her hands, her feet unable to stop until . . .

Their eyes met.

There was much more to him than the miracles they proclaimed. Avi searched for a word to describe him, but all her mind could come up with was love—something she felt the moment they locked eyes. The crowd all about him shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” As if someone had bellowed a thunderous command, the people stepped aside, making a clear path for Avi which led directly to him. Before she drew in a breath to speak, he said, "Thank you."

"My Lord, are you the one they speak of . . . Yeshua . . . the chosen one . . . the one who has come to save us?"

"I am he," Yeshua said.

Avi loosened her grip on the garment, knowing without a doubt that the ef'-od belonged to him. She gave him the robe then fell to her knees and hid her face. In a low muffled voice she praised him. Overcome with unspeakable joy, Avi couldn't articulate her thanksgiving above a whisper, but Yeshua heard every word. Yeshua touched her. Avi stood.

"Thank you, my Lord," Avi said, "for I have received endless joy on this day and forever. All is now well with my soul." As Avi gazed upon the Messiah, everything in her was complete and fully satisfied.
———————
I was inspired to write this story out of my curiosity about ancient women's ability to sit for hours and sew by hand.

Donna B. Comeaux is a freelance Christian writer, resides in Oklahoma with her husband, and has two children and eight grandchildren. She writes for Ruby for Women Magazine (www.rubyforwomen.com) and her blog can be found at: www.awriterfirst.wordpress.com. In 2014, Donna wrote devotionals for Hopeful Living, a publication designed to encourage senior citizens, and for Believer Life.

“DEDICATED TO THE TEMPLE OF YHWH-MY STORY MIRIAM HANNOSRI” by Christene Britton-Jones (971 words)


I.
“I am bereft of comfort,” crying out, calling of YHWH for help whist tears flowed. My sobbing continued bitterly, past the setting sun far into that night.

Twas the night of that day: that day upon which the high-priest re-told of me that ancient rule.

This ruling saith of virgins dedicated to the temple, all were to leave of age fourteen, twas then they were to marry.

I understood naught this, for my vow was to be a virgin for my whole life, to know no man; my life was given to YHWH and the Temple of YHWH. How could I obey this ancient ruling ist wrong?

“Obey? I wouldst not obey the old rule of law,” saith I.

II.
On three years I came of The Temple of YHWH. That day climbing many steps; all of fifteen; twas called a miracle. My parents sacrificed me to the Temple priests for life, for twas their vow.

Pain and tears I knew then, they had left me of a strange place, these people I knew not. My parents wouldst return to their home. This was to be my life, left with other devoted virgins in the apartments of the temple, to be brought up there within these walls thus dedicated to a holy life of YHWH. Prayers brought peace only after many days.

My Father was Yehoyaquim, Levite, of the tribe of Judah, line of King David, his father’s family of HaGalil.
My Mother was Hannah, Levite, of the line of Aaron brother of Moses, her mother’s family of Bet Lehem.

They had married and lived chaste faultless devout lives in the sight of YHWH for full twenty years.
Then Father Yehoyaquim journeyed to The Feast of the Dedication in Bet Lehem to offer sacrifice with men of his tribe. There high-priest, Issachar before all, berated Father Yehoyaquim for his unholy offering, a worthless offering in the sight of YHWH as a childless man; he fled of shame hiding in the hills for complete forty days.

III.
Mother Hannah worried day past many days when Father Yehoyaquim did not return with his tribesmen.

Deep in prayer Mother Hannah wast visited of heavenly angels who saith unto her that she would bear a daughter, to live of three years in her Father’s house, to be weaned then taken to the Temple of YHWH and there be dedicated.

A holy Angel appeared then to Father Yehoyaquim whilst he was alone in his tent in the hills telling him that he wouldst be granted gift of a daughter, to call her Miriam.

The angel spake thus, “That YHWH doth shut the womb of reason, to open the womb to the glory of YHWH with his miraculous gift of a child”.

“Go meet your wife Hanna, she awaits with much concern for your absence at Sha’ar HaRachamim.” The angel saith upon leaving.

The angel then visited with Mother Hannah and told her that her husband was even now coming to her through the Eastern Gate of Sha’ar HaRachamim. Mother Hannah had rushed forth to meet with Father Yehoyaquim.

IV.
Wenst the high priest hath ordered all virgins of fourteen years to be married I hath refused, for I saith I had vowed to renounce men and wouldst remain a virgin dedicated to YHWH as promised.

The priests hath prayed earnestly, then all heard a voice of The Ark and Mercy Seat that sayeth, “The answer must be sought out by prophecy of Isaiah.” The prophecy came…

‘There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a flower will derive from its root’

Messages went forth unto all men unmarried of the tribe of David. These men were called to the temple and told to put forth their rods for fulfillment of prophecy. The rod that bringing forth flowers woudst be the chosen one. Cousin Yosf amidst them did not present, he pulled back his rod, withdrew so judgment was not made. Priest’s spake of Yosf, then he did present and a dove came, circled, didst land on the end of his rod, thus he was chosen of YHWH.

Yosf was betrothed of me before witnesses, he didst return then to his own city of Bet Lehem, The City of David in the hill country of Judah. There he didst make of preparation for our coming marriage one year hence.


V.
Then didst I journey to my parent’s house past Har Hakarmel to HaGalil in Gali Tahton.

Passed then of three months from betrothal Yosf journeyed to HaGalil for our coming marriage.

In due time the child grew large within me, it wast known, couldst not be hid from Yosf and he became doubtful he being a pious just man. Yosf was not want to defame me and was want to end our agreement privately and put me away.

That night an holy angel visited with Yosf and saith that the child was of God not conceived of man. Yosef didst honor our betrothal.

VI.
From HaGalil we travelled forth unto Bet Lehem from whence came the family of Yosf. It was time, past a goodly harvest, whenst taxes were levied of Israelites unto Caesar. Rome ruled our land, Roman soldiers walked the streets.
The birth was approaching; soon the days wouldst be fulfilled for my bringing forth. Journeying wast slow with many stops unto Bet Lehem.

Thoughts filled me of peace, warmth, love.

“Your child Miriam is to be chosen for the glory of God, to bring forth the Son of the most High YHWH and you shall call his name Yehoshua”, the angel spake thus again to me.

I was of rapture. Praise of God filled my mouth. I was truly blessed “Waiting for the Messiah”

Hi Writers,
To update you on things related to Waiting For Messiah:
- The Facebook Group is going inactive. All info will be shared here!

Glenda has shared some cover art ideas with me by email. I just responded to one in particular, and would be very appreciative if you, Glenda want to take on the cover art portion of this anthology!

I am contracting the services of an outside editor to do medium copy editing starting in April or May 2017. My plan is to publish on Smashwords, using their services to do so in late summer. This will solely be an eBook for the foreseeable future. We are doing light story edits now until I send the file for some "serious editing."

Authors may retain rights to their stories, but if you publish them elsewhere, make sure that those publications let you keep your rights or we cannot publish your story! Also, if they publish your story, mention it appears in the anthology, Waiting for Messiah, by David C Russell and others, Smashwords, C2017.
Until Next Post,
David Russell

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Hello Writers 750!

Today is September 12, 2017!

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Smashwords – Waiting for Messiah – a book by David Russell
https://www.smashwords.com › Fiction › ReligiousResult details
Discover the Messiah in a different way with this collection of stories about Christ from a Messianic Jew point of view.
Smashwords – About David Russell, author of 'Waiting for Messiah'
https://www.smashwords.com › Fiction › ReligiousResult details
This is the biography page for David Russell. ... Books. Waiting for Messiah by David Russell. Pre-release—available September 13, 2017. Price: $3.98 USD.

Note: Thanks to each person who had any degree of involvement with the production of this anthology, Waiting For Messiah.
Members directly involved include
Glenda Reynolds
Connie Flanagan
Karen Hopkins
Donna Comeaux
Ronnie Dauber
David Russell

If the links do not work, simply google
waiting for messiah david russell
and the results will include smashwords.com. This is in E-Book only. Recommended for short story lovers or those who like faith-based fiction.
Similar to "The Christmas Mystery" by Yostein Gaarder

Thank you again for allowing this anthology thread.

Kudos and Shalom,
David