Seekers of the Kingdom

By Cal Robertson

“Seekers of the Kingdom '' a fast paced, historically accurate, theologically sound adventure, involving a retired Roman army officer, appointed by Rome, to be the Mayor of Hippos, a city located east of the sea of Galilee. Repulsed by the senceless cruelty, the degrading indulgences , practiced by the Romans, Octavius begins a search that will affect not only his life, but also the lives of all those he loves, and with whom he works. The story begins in Rome and quickly moves to Judea. It is founded on The Gospel of Matthew, chapter five, and on, through Matthew's Gospel. Those who have read the manuscript reported: ‘they could visualize the various characters easily, and personalities clearly as the plot developed.’

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781663252395

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE SUBTLE CALL OF THE KINGDOM

MATTHEW 7:7&8

"Ask, and it will be given to you,

Seek, and you will find; knock, it will be open to you."

For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds,

and to him who knocks it will be opened"

T he constant clatter of the passing carriages and cargo wagons, along with the invasive noise of the ever-present masses, assaulted his ears. The putrid stench, of the sewage filled Tigris River, carried on the afternoon breeze from the west of the city, combined with the pervasive degenerate attitudes and acts of her citizens, had destroyed the supposed splendor of the city on seven hills for Octavius Fronto. The decision was far easier to make than he thought it would be, and once decided action quickly followed, today would be the first day of the rest of a simpler life.

Signs of the end of winter played shyly in the meadows outside the city walls while the sweet songs of returning wild birds challenged the constant din of questionable civilization. Octavius Fronto felt as if an odorous burden had been removed from his shoulders and was convinced that the lingering unsavory memory of its unpleasantness would be washed away by the distance, he planned to create between himself and Rome. Alighting from the carriage, he gave a generous gratuity to the surprised driver, and entered the spacious hallway of the home, which had been provided for him, as the visiting mayor of the city of Hippos. Calling out in the happy voice of a man, just freed from the bonds of political protocol, he made his long-awaited announcement.

Omar, Josiah, we have a lot of work to do. We are going home!

Expecting one of his male servants to respond to his call, Octavius was somewhat alarmed when the kitchen maid greeted him.

Sir, Omar, and Josiah have not returned from the market. They are not here. She announced, with obvious concern.

He responded. This is not like them to be gone all day. I am going out to find them. If they return while I am out, tell them to stay inside until I get back.

"May I ask where you are going, sir?

First, I am going to the police station. I have a very uneasy feeling about this.

Do be careful sir, it will soon be dark and even this fine neighborhood is no longer safe, for an unguarded man.

Octavius expressed his gratitude assured the worried servant that he would indeed be careful and hurried down the path to the street below. As he exited the heavy Iron Gate he glanced in both directions, more aware than before the concerned words, surprisingly expressed by the humble servant he felt he hardly knew. In the easterly facing side of Rome’s many hills, darkness came quickly as the sun sets in the west, casting deep shadows into narrow alleys and along the winding streets. His pace quickened as his distaste grew for this vaunted city, whose armies had subjugated most of the world, but could not maintain safety within its’ own walls.

He tried to open the doors of the neighborhood police station; they stubbornly resisted his tug.

How ironic, he thought, ‘Those assigned to keep the city safe, cowardly work behind locked doors.’

His loud and insistent knocking, finally summoned and irritated guard, who first scowled, then recognizing the robes of an official, opened the heavy doors. Committed to remaining in control of his own anger, Octavius politely inquired of the guard regarding his servants.

Excuse me officer, I am searching for two men who work for me.

Retreating to his post behind a high counter and without looking up from whatever had occupied his attention before he was interrupted, the guard inquired, Who are you and what are the names of these men?

I am Octavius Fronto, mayor of the city of Hippos in the Decapolis. My employees’ names are Omar and Josiah. Have you any information regarding them?

Ah, you mean the two thieving slaves we arrested near the market this morning; the men with the large money bag?

They are not slaves, and they are not thieves! They are my employees, and I gave them the money they were carrying, to purchase items I wanted.

The guard raised the level of the conversation with his quick response; They both had the markings of slaves in their ear lobes.

Octavius leaned over the counter to ensure that the guard heard the words he was about to speak and the sincere emotions of the speaker; And both of them were carrying their emblems of freedom and the papers you Roman protectors of the law require.

His prompt response confessed the weakness to upholding the laws; Emblems and papers such as those can be bought in any alley in Rome.

Opening a large wooden box on his desk and grabbing some, of its’ contents with both of his hands, the disrespectful local official snarled; Look, we have quite a large collection of them.

Give me those two emblems in your left hand! now look! Octavius demanded; "If you had bothered to examine these emblems you would have seen they are authentic my signature and seal are on them. Now, tell me where are my employees?

Holding to his stubborn accusation the guard mockingly retorted; Your runaway slaves were taken to Mamertine prison, where they belong.

Mamertine Prison? I will hold you personally responsible if they have been harmed!

As Octavius made his way hastily toward the door, the taunting guard called out; Are you interested in the money bag they were carrying?

I am more interested in their safety. I will deal with you and the money later.

As Octavius replied as he turned to leave the guard hurled one last invective in his direction; All this uproar over a skinny old Jew and a half blind Egyptian seems a bit out of character for a Roman Mayor.

Stopping abruptly, he turned to face this haughty Roman. Omar and Josiah are my trusted employees and men of far more worth and character than you! With that said, Octavius left the place leaving the doors wide open and hurriedly continued to find Omar and Josiah.

It was no small challenge, for a fifty-eight-year-old man more accustomed to sitting behind a desk, than to ascend and descend the endless steep hills of Rome. After following several wrong directions, offered by somewhat reluctant citizens, Octavius finally arrived at the first sentry post in the dead of night. Approaching the outer check point of the prison, at such a late hour, aroused more than a little suspicion among the surprised guards. Convincing the officious guards that he was who he claimed and posed no threat consumed even more of the rapidly passing hours of the night. Although becoming more and more concerned for the safety of his employees, Octavius was fully aware that he must maintain a certain degree of composure and respect for these men that standing between him and his abused, frightened, and imprisoned friends. Mixed in, with his apprehension, was the warm realization of his feelings for these elderly men. Omar and Josiah had been bond slaves of his mother and father and were given to him and Olivia on the day they were married. Over the years the bond between them had grown and was no longer that of owner and slave, but of trusted and treasured associates.

At long last, with great care for well measured words, Octavius gained access to the office of the Captain of the guard and was pleasantly surprised at the reception he received. The senior officer rose from behind his desk as Octavius entered the room, quickly dismissed the guards, and offered his visitor his choice of wine or water. Octavius accepted a small cup of wine, efficiently explained the problem, showing the Captain the emblems of freedom both Omar and Josiah had been carrying and received immediate action and an apology. Within a half hour the prisoners, soiled, bruised, and very confused, were ushered into the Captains office, but confusion turned to joy as their eyes adjusted to the light and they saw Octavius standing opened armed, and softly weeping, before them. Josiah responded quickly to his employers’ welcoming gesture, fell into his arms, and wrapped his skinny arms around his rescuer’s warm body, his own shivering body drinking in the warmth it craved. Octavius was shocked at the permeating coldness of Josiah’s feeble body and looked inquiringly at the captain for the answer.

The Captain was visibly moved by the spontaneous outpouring of deep affection and the unasked questions in the eyes of Octavius. He immediately offered his personal carriage to deliver the united trio home and mumbled an excuse for the inexcusable treatment of two innocent men.

I was not yet on duty when your employees were brought here, I can assure you this would not have happened, had I been here.

As Omar joined Josiah, to share in the warmth of their employer’s body, cold anger, and resentment toward Rome with its arrogance, debauchery, and inhumanity, settled into the heart of the Mayor of Hippos.

Where have these men been held, why are they so cold? He demanded.

I am ashamed to tell you, they were placed in the lower section of the prison, deep below the streets of Rome.

My employees were not given a trial, nor any kind of investigation was made to determine if their story was accurate, yet they were put in a dungeon?

The room was eerily quiet as Octavius paused to gain control of his emotions and the captain looked at the floor.

Captain, we will accept your offer and return to our residence in your carriage now.

The ride through the darkened streets of Rome was in total silence, each man dealing with his own thoughts and reactions to the events of the day.

For the three visitors, from the Decapolis, it was solid confirmation that the once esteemed honor of being invited to Rome was a monumental disappointment. This most feared of cities held no attraction and the surprise revelation of the utter emptiness and ugliness of the culture was enough to last a lifetime. As the rising sun began to invade the darkened streets and paint the clearing sky, Octavius and his tired, but happy friends, stepped out of the captain’s carriage and into a new sense of freedom.

Offering his hand, in friendship to the prison official, Octavius managed a smile and expressed his appreciation: Thank you captain for seeing us safely to our residence and for your expeditious release of my friends.

His extended hand was clasped warmly as the captain replied: The streets of Rome, are not safe at night. Please accept my apologies again for the unacceptable actions of a few of the officers who engaged in this unfortunate misunderstanding. You see there is a growing problem in Rome. More and more slaves are robbing, and often killing, their masters, even in this fine neighborhood.

And we are grateful for your thoughtfulness, but the apology should be extended to Omar and Josiah. They were carrying the required emblems and papers, but were still arrested, robbed, and beaten. It seems to me that many of the problems in Rome are due to the actions and attitudes of Romans, not the slaves.

Feeling the sting of the deserved rebuke the captain nodded his agreement and turned to face Josiah and Omar: I have no means to erase your pain or repay you for the cruel manner with which you were treated, but I can offer you these emblems of freedom no counterfeiter can duplicate. Mister Mayor, I will see to it that your money is returned, and your employees are never bothered again.

Thank you, captain you have been very kind. Within a few days Rome will not see us again, I have decided that we have experienced more than enough of this miserable excuse of a city. But if you are ever in the region of The Decapolis, please visit us in the city of Hippos. Ask for Octavius Fronto.

With his voice filled with unveiled excitement Omar asked: Are we truly going home? Yes, Omar, we will leave Rome as soon as possible.

Preparations for leaving Rome were expedited greatly as formerly prized purchases of Roman goods, and repulsive carved figurines, were given to the eager hands of the locally hired servants or simply discarded. Relieved of the heavy material reminders of their time in Rome and with the strong urge to return home, our three determined friends arrived in the seaport of Petiole before a week was fully spent. As they crested a hill, overlooking the harbor, they paused to appreciate, the view of the Sea, and savor the sight of impending freedom from the evil that was Rome: Josiah isn’t that the same ship that brought us to Italy late last fall? Octavius observed.

Yes sir, I believe it is the same; ship which sails out of Alexandria, Egypt. They wintered here. It looks ready to sail soon.

When we get to where she’s tied up, you and Omar stay with our things; I will go to the agent’s office to see if we can purchase passage.

Two days later the ship, loaded with her first cargo of the year, slipped out of the harbor and the crew set sail under a brisk favorable breeze.

Often chilly, yet uneventful days were swallowed, beneath the hull as Josiah and Omar found ways to pass the time.

Octavius, bundled against the salty wind, often sat alone, and pondered the subtle changes in his behavior and attitudes. The changes had gone unnoticed, even by him, perhaps for months, but now were obvious to anyone that knew him well. The origin of these alterations to his personality, and character, evaded a certain identification, yet were influences he welcomed. Could it be possible, he wondered, if the Phantom visitor, that periodically invaded his quiet nights, was the cause of these changes? Closing his eyes and allowing his mind to run freely, Octavius was vividly returned to the packed Coliseum, to the most violent and repulsive scene he had ever witnessed. Innocent men and women and even children, savagely killed, by hungry beasts, as the massive crowd, roared their vile approval. The raw reality of the indescribable violence had embarrassingly made him wretch, but it allowed him to make his escape from further exposure to man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. Recalling his inability to sleep the night after the horror he had witnessed, the timing of the first visit of the welcome apparition was no longer in doubt.

One afternoon, with eyes wide open, yet not seeing and in the depths of searching every corner of his mind, Octavius was jarred out of his half dream state, when the crackling voice of Josiah proudly informed who ever would listen,

The captain says that if the favoring wind holds, we will be in Caesarea by morning.

This announcement was soon followed by loud cheering along with the penetrating sound of someone striking the Ships bell repeatedly, which brought the contemplative Mayor of Hippos back into the present. Quickly gathering his thoughts, he smiled his approval of his servants inside information and called out: That is such good news, Josiah.

Recognizing that their employer was again conscious of them, they immediately went to attend to him.

As they approached Octavius rose, from where he had been seated, and warmly inquired: Have either of you ever been to Capernaum, on the Galilee?

I have not, Offered Omar.

In a voice just above a whisper Josiah made an admission: Yes, as a young boy, I lived near Capernaum before I was captured by a slave trader.

Octavius was startled by his own gut reaction at the pure simplicity of Josiah’s remark, he had known Josiah most of his life, but had not cared enough to know him. The quiet, frail, faithful servant had been robbed of the options of his humanity for the passing profit of a man stronger than he, and he, Octavius Fronto, had passively bought into this widely practiced, but indefensible crime.

Spoken in a manner which would not reveal his inner disgust with himself and all that he had stood for, Octavius rather casually inquired. Do you still have family there?

I am confident my parents are both dead and I have never heard anything regarding my younger sister, and brother, if either one is alive or if they also became slaves or not, Josiah reflected.

I plan to stop in Capernaum to see an old friend, a centurion named Darius. While we were in Rome, I learned that he is now stationed there. We can look for your family. Octavius said, without raising his eyes to not reveal the tears that had formed.

You are very kind, but I do not want to delay you in any way, from returning home. Responded Josiah.

Clearing his throat to assure he could speak without a quiver in his voice Octavius informed Josiah: I am not expected home, or back in my office, for several more weeks and it would please me a great deal if we could find some of your family.

Omar, sitting nearby and observing the exchange between the two men interjected a question he had wanted to pose for several months.

You have always been very thoughtful of both Josiah and me, but recently; well, you have treated us more like friends, even family. If I may ask. Old feelings of insecurity caused the elderly Egyptian to pause.

You want to know why I have changed; inquired his employer.

Yes sir, was the shy reply.

Now it was Octavius that paused to weigh his words. "I am not certain what is happening to me but let me try to find the words; I suppose there is a growing hunger in me to find more inner peace and real meaning for my life. I have all the things I ever thought I wanted, a fine home, a loving wife, healthy adult Roman Army officer sons, money, a position of responsibility and even respect in my community. However, something vital is still missing. Some of this emptiness is filled as I have learned to treat others with greater respect and genuine care. This, of course, goes against everything I have been taught, and the accepted ideas in my Roman culture. My younger brother is a priest of the Roman gods, he is the most insecure, angry, rude, self-centered, and basically evil man I have ever had the misfortune of knowing well.

It seems to me that a religion should provide teaching for people to live peaceably with their neighbor’s, and lead them into love and peace, not hate and war." Octavius admitted sadly.

That is a lofty ideal, sir. However, it is certainly one worth pursuing. Omar observed.

Octavius nodded his agreement and smiled at the growing ease of sharing meaningful thoughts with the wise old Egyptian.

I only hope there is such a teaching somewhere, and that I am not too old to experience it when I finally find it. Octavius said reflectively.

Without another word spoken all three men turned and went to the rooms they had been assigned, each man hoping that tomorrow would carry them safely to Caesarea.

The captain’s prediction of their arrival was accurate; the rising sun glistened off the roofs of impressive structures gathered from the shore to rising hills behind the beautiful port city of Caesarea. Before noon, the crew secured the ship to the ample moorings, and cargo began to be off loaded. There was an obvious new energy in the steps and the posture of the three travelers as they made their way along the docks to the office of the ship’s agent.

Seeing the excitement in the eyes and broad smiles on the faces of his companions, Octavius fully knowing the answer to question he was about to pose, asked rather jovially, Alright gentlemen, why the big smiles that I see on your faces?

Omar and Josiah began to respond at the same time, which made the three of them break into spontaneous laughter, but finally offered their agreed upon response We are happy to get off that ship and start home!

Then Josiah added. Even the slightest chance, that I might find members of my family, fills me with more joy than I can contain, sir!

Octavius, nearly overcome by the exposure to Josiah’s heart, stepping closer and placing his right arm across Josiah’s back, his hand resting on his servant’s shoulder, he drew the shy servant close to himself. Josiah’s surprised response was first, to momentarily stiffen slightly, but soon relaxed against his employer’s body. The two men were soon joined by Omar, to whom Octavius had nodded affirmatively, to the unspoken request in Omar’s eyes. This highly unusual scene of three men, one a tall dignified middle aged Roman and two elderly men of obvious lower social position, openly displaying a deep fondness toward each other was noticed, with the shaking of heads by those passing the trio. Unaware that they were somewhat blocking the door, leading into the agent’s office, an impatient fellow passenger vocally interrupted the friendly event.

Will you three gentlemen excuse me; I have important details to settle inside. This was said, with a definite inference of disapproval in the speaker’s voice. The request had the desired results, laughing a bit embarrassingly, our trio immediately made access to the office available and found a place out of the increasing traffic. Turning to his companions with a broad smile on his face, Octavius addressed the business details that required his attention.

I also need to take care of some details before we continue our journey to Capernaum, take these coins and buy, yourselves some fresh fruit from that vendor on the corner, this should not take long.

The details took longer than he expected, and the day was more than half gone when Octavius returned to inform Omar and Josiah of the changes to their plans.

We will not be leaving for Capernaum today. Three small containers are still on the ship and will not be available until late this afternoon, so we need to find accommodations for tonight and the services of a carriage operator to continue our trip early tomorrow.

The next morning, a carriage, drawn by two magnificent black horses awaited them with the three happy travelers comfortably inside, along with their possessions, it began the fifty-mile journey to the city of Capernaum.

Leaving the Sea Port city of Caesarea, the road to Capernaum first climbs the surrounding hills for several miles and then crests to descend into the region of The Galilee, which lies eight hundred feet below sea level.

Along the way, one could witness the promise of spring being fulfilled in the soft greening of new leaves and eager wildflowers pushing their way up through dew moistened ground, to be proudly seen. Each man, as they viewed the passing scene were quietly lost in his thoughts of what the tomorrows might bring, but none could not imagine the life changing events, that would occur before the month was spent.

An hour before sunset they arrived at the gate of the Roman Garrison and within view Capernaum and the sparkling blue waters of the Sea of Galilee.

Octavius showed his identity documents, to the sentry at the gate, then inquired if Centurion Darius was the officer in command: I have been told that Centurion Darius is the officer in command here, is this true?

Yes, sir, Centurion Darius is our Commander; the sentry responded in true military fashion.

Would you please tell, my friend that Octavius would like a few minutes of his time?

I will, please wait here.

The guard retreated through the rear door to deliver the message. Sir, there are three men at the gate who have asked for a few minutes of your time.

Responding to the information without looking up from the tablet on which he was writing Darius asked: Did they give you, their names?

The Roman did sir. His name is Octavius. He said you and he are friends.

Out of my way sergeant; I have not seen my friend Octavius for years!

The warning, get out of the way was delayed just long enough to cause the Centurion to nearly run over his subordinate as he rushed from his office. Quickly covering the distance between him and his unexpected visitor and unable to contain his enthusiasm, the Roman centurion wrapped his long arms around his former commander and swung the older man off the ground, returning him to his original location. Then in a voice, as big as the impressive Roman officer himself, he greeted his old friend: Octavius old friend! What a wonderful surprise! It is so good to see you; I can hardly believe my eyes! How did you find me, how are you?

With little breath left in his lungs, from the crushing hug, Octavius managed to force a respond: It is good to see you too my friend.

Please forgive me, but I am overjoyed at seeing you!

You are looking well Darius. He said, a forgiving smile spreading across his handsome face. I would like you to meet my traveling companions, Josiah, and Omar."

As Darius turned to speak directly to the two men, Josiah reacted by taking a quick step backward, as if he feared also being merrily mauled by the happy warrior towering over him. Everyone broke into uproarious laughter, including the puzzled guard, who had witnessed the undignified joyous outburst of his senior officer. Looking down on the frail Josiah, his face, spilling his delight in welcome all over the much smaller man, Darius finally managed to speak. Welcome, Josiah, welcome Omar, I am honored to meet you, please come inside.

As the four men entered Darius’ comfortable quarters, he motioned for his friends to make themselves comfortable, then he excused himself and exited through a small door into a dimly lit room. In a few minutes Darius returned followed by a tall, handsome middle aged, African man, who appeared frail and unsure of his steps, then addressing his servant, said; Joseph, you have heard me speak of my friend Octavius. Joseph nodded and answered: Yes, often."

Well, this is my friend and former commanding officer, Octavius and this is Omar and Josiah.

In a voice, just above a whisper, Joseph managed to say: It is my pleasure to meet you Josiah, as he reached out and offered his open hand in greeting.

This time Josiah was slow to respond, obviously self-conscious of the preference that was being shown to him, to be greeted before Octavius. Glancing shyly toward his employer, for some indication of his response to the unexpected attention he was receiving, Josiah saw a soft smile of understanding and an approving nod.

I am happy to meet you, Joseph. Josiah managed to utter.

After greetings were completed, Darius indicated the desire that his guests remain in his quarters, for the duration of their stay in Capernaum.

Turning to the waiting Sergeant, he instructed him: Take my friends’ belongings to the guest rooms and then tell the orderly to bring some wine and fruit please, also inform the cook to prepare a fine meal for all of us. To see my dear friend Octavius again and meet new friends calls for a celebration.

Joseph tried to intervene indicating: The tasks you are assigning to the Sergeant are my responsibilities.

Darius, smiling as he moved closer to speak to his faithful servant: Joseph, my friend please allow others to serve, come sit here next to me, while we talk of years gone by and things to come. Focusing his attention on his guests, Darius explained: Joseph has been suffering from a strange illness that our Medical staff is unable to diagnose. He has always been slender, but healthy and strong, but for the past several weeks he has become weaker, and thinner by the day.

CHAPTER 2

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE KINGDOM

ISAIAH 7:14 & MATHEW 1:23

a virgin will conceive and bear a son.

T he meal was a delightful blending of Roman and Galilean food and beverages, the conversation consisted of a series of probing questions posed by the host to learn all he could about Octavius and his family. When Darius paused to drink wine, Octavius seized the opportunity to ask his own questions.

Leaning forward to assert his desire to be taken seriously Octavius said: Alright Centurion, I have told you enough about me. Now you tell me why you are still in the army. I know for a fact you more than qualify for a very liberal retirement income, and why did you choose to serve here in Judea?

The Centurion nodded his agreement to answer, pushed his plate away and began to reflect on his experiences. I know you remember the wounds I endured soon after I joined the Roman Army and served in the unit which you led.

Yes, I remember it well, I still carry the scars from fighting at your side. He replied, lifting the left sleeve of his robe revealing just one of several mementos of that battle. It was more than two years later that I learned you had survived.

Darius continued: After I left the hospital, I was assigned a desk job in the fort near the small village of Nazareth. It was there I met a Jewish carpenter named Joseph. Two weeks later, I was reassigned to the garrison in Jerusalem. On my way south to report for duty I came upon Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary. The two of them were traveling alone on their way to Bethlehem to register for the census; I decided to see that they arrived there safely.

An understanding light grin splashed across the face of Octavius. That sounds just like the Darius from my army unit, always taking his responsibilities seriously.

During the next three days, Mary and Joseph told me the most fascinating stories, along with some history of their Jewish faith. They told me that in their Holy Book, which they called the Scriptures, several men, they called prophets, had predicted that a special man would be sent to be their leader. They said that Jehovah, the name of the God they worship, had told them, I believe it was in dreams, that the child Mary was carrying would be that promised leader.

That was, at least, thirty years ago. Octavius observed. "Are you telling us that you gave up your retirement and chose to return to Judea to find that man?

The answer was direct and without apology: Yes that is exactly why I asked for this assignment.

Have you had any success? Octavius asked.

I have, and tomorrow, if you are interested, I will take you to see and hear Him. Darius said, looking directly at his guest and smiling.

Is He the Son of the couple who told you the story?

I am more certain He is indeed the child Mary bore than I am my parents’ child.

If He is this promised leader, should the Roman authorities be informed?

When you have seen Him and heard Him speak, if you believe the authorities need to be informed, I suggest you be the one who gives them the information.

What is this man’s name, this promised leader?

His name is Jesus, He was born in Bethlehem, but Mary and Joseph, were from Nazareth and that is where he was raised.

I have been in Nazareth; it’s not a very impressive location for a national leader to be based. Octavius observed.

For the next three hours the old friends walked through the many years that had separated them. Octavius outlined the events that led to his becoming the mayor of Hippos and Darius described the lands and the people in which he had been stationed. With some reluctance they bid each other good night and retired for their planned activities for the morrow.

Although the Mayor of Hippos was extremely tired and the bed, provided by his friend Darius, was luxuriously comfortable, he could not find the sleep his body needed. The story Darius had told him about Mary and Joseph, the ancient Prophets of this strange people, and the child born in Bethlehem, had captured his mind and spirit. Not a man who often dreamed or placed significance in nocturnal imaginings, Octavius was now searching for the dismissed details of the dreams he had experienced while in Rome. To his well-organized and disciplined mind trying to make sense of a dream was like corralling a cloud or placing a fence around smoke from a dying fire. As he tossed upon the bed, desiring sleep and yet still conscious, the white robed figure began to manifest himself in his memory along with the same pleasant urge to follow the smiling phantom. As welcome sleep at last wooed him into its sinking grasp, Octavius semiconscious mind, pondered why the story of Jesus had prompted him to recall his strange dreams.

It was the familiar voice of Omar that roused Octavius from his deep sleep with the news that breakfast was served. The food served was a blend of the familiar and delicious new morsels the trio from Hippos enjoyed.

Everyone wanted to see this man named Jesus, whom Darius believed to be the Promised One of Judea, he had been told about thirty years previously. Walking at a slowed pace to allow Octavius elderly servants the foursome began to hear a large crowd, rounding a corner, Octavius gasped and said, look at this crowd! There must be five thousand, maybe more people here. This is equal to, or perhaps greater, than the total Roman troop strength stationed in Decapolis. If Jesus is drawing a crowd this size from this small area, He could soon have enough followers to pose a real threat to Roman authority. Are you sure Jesus is not a zealot