Twice Loved at Armageddon

Twice Loved at Armageddon, Part IX

Scott and Farah travel to ancient Caesara, where Flavius and Corrina are best friends with Pontus Pilate.  He's  a gracious host.  Later they meet other well-known people.

Chapter Eighteen

   Two days later Scott and Farah joined Flavius and Corrina on their way toward the port of Caesarea.  King Herod the Great had built the city and its artificial port. Divers without breathing apparatus had worked for years building up its concrete barriers.

             The Romans had done much to make the road between Jerusalem and Caesarea safer in recent times, and the nearby Samaritans did the rest.  Because they hated Barabbas and his Zealots even more than the Romans, they hunted them all over Samaria.  Flavius had received an armed escort from Caesarea to guide them there.

   Farah told of reports that Jesus had healed people among the nearby Samaritans and spread His message there.  “Jesus knew they were good people.  It is not uncommon for a Samaritan to help some poor unfortunate victim on the road to Jericho.”  Recalling Jesus’ parable, Scott nodded in agreement.

               Their descent past Mount Gerizim down to Caesarea on the sea was gradual.  Here and there they passed small farming towns, where vendors and young children came running from market stalls.  Their rich farming area had become a breadbasket during the Roman Peace. They always had wares to sell.  By noon they stopped at sleepy Emmaus, where an inn keeper by the name of Cleopas and his friend provided food for their party.  He also sold market goods.

   As they ate, Cleopas asked Scott, “Would you and your wife like to have some figs?  Please accept them without cost, a gift from Cleopas.”

   Scott first looked at Farah and then back to Cleopas. He said, “Thank you.”

   He asked them an unexpected question, “Have you news of the Prophet?” 

   Farah smiled and said, “I believe Jesus stays with friends at Bethany.”

   Scott looked at her and back to Cleopas.  He added as he put down his bread, “Keep watch. You may never know who’ll break bread with you at your table.”  Cleopas stared for a long moment but never spoke.  Then he nodded.

   Farah then asked later, “Will Cleopas meet Jesus some day?”

   Scott leaned over to her and smiled, “Oh, yes.  According to scriptures, he’ll be among the first to hear the gospel from the Risen Jesus.”  Farah was glad that Scott was in better spirits that day.

               Knowing they would reach Caesarea at a late hour, Flavius had sent a rider ahead to bring early word of their arrival.  About a mile from their destination, another rider with ten more soldiers returned and saluted Flavius.  He brought word that all was prepared for their arrival.  With the larger caravan, they enjoyed extra security as they neared the coast.  They could see little of the city because of the darkness.  Here and there lights shone through cracks in dwelling windows.  Torches lit the entrance to the garrison gates.

               They were weary from their long day’s travel when a Roman officer met them with a warm greeting.  Flavius returned his greeting with the joy of a class reunion.  “Pontius Pilate!” cried Flavius.

   Scott remembered that archaeologists had found Pilate’s name on a plaque in Caesarea.  So he really was here, Scott said to himself.

   “How long has it been since I saved your hide from that German ambush?”