The "Thirty Minute Series" of Short Stories:: Volume 2

Copyright © 2014 Ian McPhee.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-3992-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-3993-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-3994-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014910777

WestBow Press rev. date: 10/10/2014

Contents

The Glory of the Lord

The Purest of Hearts

Virus

‘A most unlikely man’

‘The Kingdom of God’

He was blessed by God!

Who says I can’t Dance?

About the Author

The characters in these stories had absolutely no idea that when they started out that day, that their lives would be turned upside down. For they encountered a force greater than nature. They met Jesus, the Christ. It was a day they would never forget.

Yahweh – Raah

‘The Lord my shepherd’

Volume 2

The Glory of the Lord

Jerusalem

8:50AM

"Shalom, Simeon!" the cry rang out across the temple courtyard.

Shalom, Anna! the old man called back over his shoulder to the prophetess.

He had no need to turn around from his seat in the courtyard. Simeon had known that unmistakable voice for more than 50 years.

Anna had been in the temple for so many years that Simeon had forgotten how long she had been there.

He knew that she had been married in her younger days, and that her husband had died not too many years after they were married. They had no children. She had mourned his passing, then joined the Temple at Jerusalem, where she had been ensconced ever since.

She hobbled on legs, and a back that caused her severe pain because of her swollen joints, to where the old man, who had been in the Temple since birth, sat in quiet meditation on the Word of God.

Nothing? was the simple word she offered.

Nothing yet! But I know it will be soon! He replied philosophically.

This was the exact same start to every conversation for the past forty years or so. The ‘nothing’ had become a daily quest.

However, for some unaccountable reason, her heart almost broke this particular day, as she looked down at her oldest friend in the world.

How are your old bones today, Simeon asked with a grin. She lowered herself down with great difficulty, onto the bench beside him.

Old age is supposed to be a time of wisdom, and understanding, no one told me about the other side of that coin, she replied, with mirth in her voice.

Simeon loved the old lady, for no matter how badly she felt, she could always joke about it. Don’t worry. It won’t be long now before we will inherit new bodies, when we get to heaven.

The old lady looked across at Simeon with a quizzical look on her face.

Why! Have you heard something about the Promised One? she asked eagerly.

Simeon sat silently looking off into the distance, then replied, I heard of some unusual happenings in the fields outside the city of Bethlehem, but I don’t know if it’s just these Judean shepherds telling foolish stories. I will wait and see what transpires before commenting.

As usual, cautious to a fault, she said and smiled, patting the back of his hand with hers. She had known that God Himself had promised Simeon that he would see the Promised One, the Redeemer of Israel, The Branch, before he died. He had waited patiently, day after day, for he knew that his life was growing quickly to an end. If God allowed him to live for ten years more, he would celebrate his hundredth birthday. He did not relish that thought, for he was impatient to see the ‘Promised One’.

Anna stood up slowly, rubbed her back, then she placed her hand on his shoulder. He reached up and gently patted her hand as she withdrew it, then she hobbled off to perform her duties. Blessed are you, Oh Lord our God, Creator of all things. You know our sitting down, and our standing up. I ask that you will also bless Anna with a sight of Your Promise. He bowed his head in meditation, but soon fell asleep.

The following morning, and after their usual greeting, Anna said to Simeon, I have a surprise for you my dear, dear friend. The excitement in her voice was obvious.

Simeon looked up at her and smiled, What is it then? You would think by your dawdling, that I had all day to sit here, and wait for you to tell me.

They both laughed, for Simeon sat in this same spot longer and longer each day, as his age crept up on him. He was unable to stride about the temple as he once had.

Anna waved her arm and beckoned two men who were obviously shepherds.

Come…..come! she called to them, and the two men approached. She chided them for their reticence in coming forward. Now I want you to tell Master Simeon what you told me!

The shepherds came closer, but hesitantly, towards Simeon, for he was known throughout the land, as a servant of the Most High God. They stood in silent awe at being in his presence. Well! Will one you great oafs tell him? He won’t bite you. You had no trouble telling people in the marketplace, when you were selling your sheep, so, tell Master Simeon! Anna again, tongue lashed them.

The shepherds moved from one foot to the other, obviously uneasy, but Simeon gently said to them, Come my friends, sit beside me, tell me what you told this nagging old woman, and he patted the bench beside him. The two men came forward, quickly casting a glance at Anna, before reluctantly sat down.

Now, you can begin, before I fall asleep in anticipation. He said with a wry grin. The two men visibly relaxed, and then began to tell their remarkable story.

"We are from Bethlehem. We are shepherds at the Tower of the Flock, where we raise the lambs for the sacrificial alter in the temple. My name is Hagar Hadad, and this is my brother, Bartholomew. We were in the fields with our flocks, when we became aware of a sound…..like a great wind, but not a leaf on the tree, or a blade of grass moved. Then we saw it."

The narrator paused, and a silence settled over the shepherds, as they relived the scene in their minds.

Oh good! You saw it, eh! Well……that is just wonderful. I could sit here all day and hear that story again, and again! Simeon said with a smirk on his face, but a twinkle in his eye.

Anna punched one man lightly on the shoulder, Well go on! Tell him what you saw.

Yes! Do please tell me, before I explode with joy about hearing… that the wind blew, Simeon said, slightly impatiently.

The second shepherd continued the incredible story, "Well sir, then we saw it. The heavens opened wide, and choirs of angels sang out praises to God. Then, a mighty voice of an angel proclaimed, Fear not! For behold I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you this day is born, in the City of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be a sign unto you. You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. *

Simeon sat stunned, then said, Are you sure about the exact words you heard? And are you also certain, that it was not just too much wine speaking?

No sir! We had not been drinking…. well…..not much! but we know what we saw and heard. It was the most incredible thing that I have ever seen.

Okay! So, what did you do then? he asked cautiously.

Why!……….We followed the beam of light! the other man said, as if answering a stupid question.

What beam of light? Anna exclaimed with incredulity. You oafs never mentioned anything about a beam of light before!

Oh yes, there was a bright beam……from out of the circle in the sky, where the angels were singing. It shone down to the ground and we followed it. The beam of bright light illuminated one of the old pastures, and we saw Shemia’s old stable in the center of the light. Shemia, the innkeeper now owns it, and sometimes keeps his livestock there.

By now old Simeon was on the edge of his seat.

So! Then! What did you do?

We went to the stable, and inside we found a man and a woman. The peace of God was everywhere!

Could it be, Anna? Could it be? Simeon asked questioningly.

I was hoping you could tell me that old friend… that is why, when I overheard these shepherds telling their tale, I brought them to you immediately. Anna replied.

Simeon turned to the shepherds again, Now, have you told me everything? Think carefully. It is extremely important! Was the woman pregnant, and just about to have her baby?

No, she was not pregnant, and yes, Master Simeon we have told you everything! and then, as an afterthought, the one man added,

Oh sir! The baby was beautiful. He lay there, but…..but…… it was, as if the Light of God was all around Him.

What!……You saw the baby? Simeon nearly jumped on top of the man, You actually saw the child? he almost shouted with incredulity.

The poor shepherd jumped with fright at Simeon’s outburst.

Why!….Yes sir! We went inside to see the child, as instructed by the angel. Oh, how I wished at that moment that I had something of great value to offer that child.

Simeon stood in quiet contemplation, then asked, So, my good friends, when was it that this thing happened?

It was about three, or, four weeks ago…..I think. Simeon was nearly beside himself with anticipation, and sat down again. He felt drained.

Could it be…..The Promised One of Israel? he asked himself, as his mind ran amuck.

He thought about the scriptures foretelling ‘His’ birth. The timing was right, for the Angel of God had told Simeon that he would live to see the Messiah, the Promised One of Israel, and he knew that he was getting near the end of his days.

Excitement coursed through him, as he sat lost in thought, and hope, of seeing the Son of God, in the flesh.

Anna gave each of the shepherds a few coins, and ushered them away. She wanted to allow Simeon to consider this incredible news on his own. She returned a few minutes later, and sat down quietly beside her old friend. She was both, happy and sad. Happy, for if this was the Promised One, then Simeon would be delighted, for it would be the fulfillment of his greatest longing, and his deepest desire. However, there was also sadness, for once he had seen the child his life would be over, for he would just give up. The only thing that sustained him, day after day, was the hope of seeing the ‘Promise’. She did not want to lose her friend of over fifty years. A tear trickled down her wrinkled old face, at the thought of him not being seated in his usual place anymore.

Two days later, as he sat dozing; it was as if someone pricked him with a sharp needle. He jumped up, and quickly looked around to chastise the prankster, but saw no one. Then the Spirit of God, who often spoke to him, and through him, said, Go out into the courtyard!

He knew better than to debate with the Spirit, and immediately set off in his slow gait, towards the courtyard of the Temple. He came across a young acolyte, and sent her to find Anna, and to tell her to come to the courtyard immediately. The acolyte immediately hurried off in search of Anna.

He stopped on the top of the wide steps leading up to the temple, and looked out across the courtyard. Although his eyesight was not as keen as it once was, he saw a man, and a woman, who carried a little bundle in her arms. He set off to encounter them, with hope filling his heart at every step.

Oh dear Lord, can it be, can it really be? he silently prayed, over, and over. His heart pounded like a drum in his ears.

He finally reached the young couple.

Why have you come to the Temple today my friends? he asked kindly, and with respect.

Rabbi, we are here in accordance with the Law of Moses, to have a Brit Milah, a blessing on our son. As you know, the law also requires us to present our first born son, here at the temple in Jerusalem, and dedicate him to the Lord.

Ah! So he was born 40 days ago!

Yes sir, and as prescribed by the law, we have the two doves that we brought, as a sacrifice to God, for my cleansing. the mother replied.

He has been circumcised in accordance with the law?

Yes sir. He was circumcised on the eighth day, after his birth. His name is Jesus.

Simeon’s hands were shaking with anticipation, as he looked down at the baby, but the child was well-wrapped in his shawl. Simeon’s mouth was dry as a bone.

Where was the child born? he asked nonchalantly.

In Bethlehem, in Judea, the parents both replied in unison.

May I hold him?

Why, of course, Rabbi. We brought him here to be blessed, the mother said, and gently handed over her precious baby to the old priest.

Simeon gently and carefully took the child in his arms. Pulling the shawl away from the baby’s face, he looked down at the baby. It was as if the whole of heaven looked back at him as the baby held his gaze. Simeon’s lower lip trembled, and tears blurred his vision, for he knew that right there and then, he was indeed holding ‘The Promise of Israel.’"

Then Simeon looked up to Heaven, and said;

"Sovereign Lord, this is the fulfillment of your promise to me. You may now dismiss your servant in peace, for my eyes have beheld your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light of revelation to the gentiles, a redeemer, and the Promise of Israel."**

He held the little bundle up towards heaven as the tears rolled down his weathered cheeks.

Then he said, as the spirit gave him utterance;

Behold this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. (Ye, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. *

He looked long at the child’s mother, and a tear trickled down his face.

Just as he was handing the baby back to his mother, Anna came hurrying over, as fast as her ailment would allow her. She gazed long at the child, and then prophesied about the ‘Salvation of God’ amongst them. The four adults stood in silent contemplation, as they looked down at the baby, with its tiny hands gripping the blanket, and a mop of dark hair on his head. After blessing the child, and his parents, the young couple left with their precious cargo, to go to the Alter of Sacrifice, and give the priest there the two doves, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. However, the words spoken over them by Simeon, echoed in Mary’s heart, but she said nothing to Joseph.

Mary and Joseph returned home with their son Jesus to Bethlehem, where they had taken up residence.

Simeon and Anna went back across the courtyard in silence, arm in arm, for they were both crying tears of joy, mingled with sadness. Simeon, because he had not only beheld the Son of God, but in a vision, had seen a traumatic event on a hill outside of Jerusalem, many years ahead. Anna was crying tears of joy at having been allowed the privilege of seeing the baby, but also tears of sadness, because she now knew that Simeon would be leaving her soon.

Can you believe it, Anna, we have just seen the child promised of old, The Branch. The one who will deliver the lost souls of the backslidden nation of Israel, back to God.

Yes, my old friend, it was truly amazing to see God’s Son.

They got back to the bench, and when they had sat down, thanked God for revealing ‘His’ Promised One, to both of them.

More than a year later, three kings that had journeyed from distant lands, called at the palace of Herod, the Tetrarch, in Jerusalem. First, out of courtesy and deference to his status; and second, and more importantly, to learn if the scholars in Herod’s court could tell them more about the prophesied birth from their Torah scrolls.

Herod had entertained them, and listened closely to each of their stories, and how each king had interpreted the ancient scriptures. Although they were from different countries, they had unexpectedly met up on the road, as they followed a star, not a celestial body, but a guiding star that had led them to this region.

We knew that the time was at hand, that foretold the birth of this Mighty King. Our quest has led us to this region, and in particular to Bethlehem Ephrata. You should be honored that God Almighty has blessed your kingdom with such a wondrous gift! one of the kings said.

Oh, I am indeed blessed by this unexpected good news! You have no idea how I feel about this news, Herod replied, with an antiseptic smile, putting on an ‘interested in their story’ face, but underneath his calm exterior he was seething with anger and jealousy. First, for having been made to look like a fool by these three kings, who apparently knew more about what was happening in his domain, than he himself did. Second, this was ‘his’ kingdom, and no usurper king was