Twice Loved at Armageddon

Twice Loved at Armageddon, Part VII

In this chapter, Scott and Farah travel to the city of Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee.  She is devastated to hear that John the Baptist was beheaded.  When they travel with Flavius and Corrina to Jerusalem, Barabbas the zealot attacks their party, just to show he can do it with ease.  Out of respect, he kills no one.

Chapter Thirteen

   When Scott took Farah to the villa, Corrina took him aside.  She said, "Flavius and I would be honored for you and Farah to continue at our estate. We have a larger room for you and a large new olive wood bed.  Servants have already stocked the room with furniture, gifts, and clothes for Farah.  From now on you are invited to take your meals with Flavius and me."

   Scott said, "I would be honored.  May I discuss it with Farah?"

   Corinna said, "I spoke to her about it before your wedding.  She said that the decision is yours."

   He nodded yes.

   The next day Scott reported to Flavius.  There they sat down to discuss plans to go on an extended mission that would lead to Rome.  Flavius said, "We have to spend some time at Jerusalem on our way to the port of Caesarea."

   Scott thought out loud how good it would be to see Jerusalem and its temple before it would be destroyed.

   "What?  Destroyed?" Flavius asked.

   Scott looked at him and said, "Forgive my loud thoughts.  I mean no disrespect."

   Flavius said, "The temple that Herod rebuilt is indeed magnificent.  But you should see those in Rome:  Jupiter, Saturn, Vesta, or Venus.  Even small ones are outstanding.  Besides, the Jews have no graven representation of their god."

   Scott said, "I know you love Jews and respect their just laws even more. As long as Rome respects their faith, she can have full authority with her armies here.  They will make no trouble."

   "What would push the Jews into rebellion?" Flavius asked.

   "A hundred years before Pompey, Antiochus Epiphanes IV, descendent of one of Alexander's generals, decided Jews would worship Greek gods in their temple.  They placed a pig on their altar and bade Jews pay lip service to Greek gods.  Their sacred writings say a woman watched her seven sons die rather than submit.  Finally she also died rather than pay lip service to that abomination of desolation.  She chose her faith instead of life.  Jews will rebel again if Rome pushes them as did Antiochus.  He went too far, and they threw him out of Israel.  They'll fight again if Rome pushes them."

   Flavius said, "Their people have spoken of a Messiah, a king, coming to free men from oppression.  Some Romans still fear the Prophet Jesus could raise armies from the people here to challenge Rome.  Since Herod Antipas arrested John the Baptizer, I am afraid he may not live long, for Herod's wife Herodius is calling for his death."

   Scott said, "Such news will sadden Farah. Since our visit to the Jordan River, she always has had a place in her heart for him. I hope Herod will release him soon."

   "Back to our journey to Jerusalem and beyond next month, what about transportation?"  Scott asked.

   "I have a cart and driver for you and Farah and your things.  Besides our gifts, I understand you have accumulated little--other than scrolls, writing materials, and some clothes.  Corinna wants Farah to accompany her now and then in her cart.  She has a lot of stories you told her to share with Corrina. The other day Farah was telling her about another soldier known as Robin Hood or something like that."