Romans of Ancient America
Jesus extracted me from the rut in the road and continued strolling up the path, apparently still looking for something. I followed along, not feeling quite so self conscious, yet still struggling with frightening longings I attempted to stuff back down into the depths of some place where I wished they'd just disappear.
I couldn't help but look at Him as He walked. He being preoccupied with finding some elusive street, while I was preoccupied with the motion of His form through space. I'd watch His clothing bluster in the wind as it would hug one side of His body, flittering out in the opposite direction and than calming as the wind would shift. He'd stop periodically to unstick His Kethoneth and then just move on as if nothing had happened. It was almost funny to watch.
Well, apparently Jesus had found what He was looking for as He hurried up a walk way and knocked on a door. Come. He motioned as I scurried up behind Him. The door creaked open and a soldier, who immediately recognized Jesus bowed and welcomed us in.
"Cornelius, Cornelius" The soldier called as he hurried back toward the court yard announcing that apparently Cornelius had a visitor. Another older man in military uniform emerged through the pillars into my line of sight. They all greeted each other as I just stood looking around at all the interesting objects in the front hall. There were helmets, pieces of armor and weapons strategically stored neatly in cubby holes, on pedestals and hanging on the walls.
I wasn't paying attention to the people, but more to the swords and spears when I felt Jesus take my arm and introduce me to them. "Kath-reen." I heard Him explain although my name was the only thing I understood.
[Yes, I need a place to keep her until tonight. Then I will send John to bring her to the house of Simon who had Leprosy.]
[Are You going to the temple Lord? Does she not want to hear You preach?]
[She can't understand me. She comes from a very far away country. She was in an army in a war not too long ago, has soldier's heart... and a bit of a temper.] Jesus cracked a subdued chuckle. [She already punched a Pharisee and I need to keep her out of trouble.]
[Really? I like her already.] The soldiers laughed. [Which legion Lord? Do I know them?]
[No, not Rome. She is from beyond the great sea. Beyond the greater sea.]
[You mean there is an army beyond Rome?] They laughed again.
[Yes, far beyond Rome.]
[Was she an archer, or swordsman? Maybe she would like to spar with Helina?]
[Oh, I'm not even sure she would know how to use your weapons?]
[Not know the sword?]
[Yes, her country is very different. Soldiers fly in the sky like birds and they have fire that... makes earth quakes and burns so hot it can make cities vanish.]
[How is this so Lord?]
[I'm not sure?] Jesus flashed a perplexed expression. [My Father has given them the ability to understand much of how this world is constructed. What He has meant for good, men use for evil.]
[I'd like to hear more about this army. What did she tell You? Will she tell me? How do soldiers fly like birds?]
[Well, she is from so far away that she can not understand any of us.]
[Not even Latin?]
[She knows a few words, but none of these languages are spoken in her country.]
[Can You understand her?]
[Only by inference, but language - no.]
[Did she come from the stars?]
[No.] Jesus laughed. [She is of the first Adam. Just from very... very, very far away.]
The old soldier looked at me, rubbing his chin.
[Is she come from the end Lord?]
[I don't know when the end is.] Jesus shook His head and shrugged haplessly. [But she is closer to it than you are.]
"Hum." The old soldier nodded.
[Well, we will keep her from punching any more Pharisees.] He laughed.
[Thank you.]
Jesus nodded to them as the old soldier kissed Him in a traditional Italian departure, just before He turned to leave the house. I tried to follow, but Jesus stopped to indicate; No, you stay here. But I don't want to stay here. My thoughts objected. I want to go with You;... but I obediently stayed put.
"Please don't leave me here!" My voice cracked out into the silence.
Jesus stopped and turned around; seemingly trying to figure out how to make me understand. He just stood looking at me for a moment, before He took the the satchel off and then His cloak. He wrapped the cloak around me in reassurance that I will see Him again because obviously, He wants His cloak back. He then handed Cornelius the satchel before He turned and departed.
The latch clicked shut as the soldiers all watched me stare at the closed door. I only stood there looping my arms though the cloak and wiping my tears with my sleeve. I pulled the cloak up around my face and sucked in a deep breath. It smelled like Him. I stood in silence as I couldn't stop the tears from dripping down my face.
Cornelius stepped up into my peripheral line of vision before he carefully taped me on the arm. Yeah, combat vet, I peered over at him as my thoughts floated down the corridors of time. Ancient Rome or Desert Storm, smart move not to sneak up on soldiers with PTSD. I turned around as Cornelius held out a hand to welcome me into his atrium.
The other soldier pulled up some chairs for us, as I noticed two other young men were peering out from an adjoining room where they were cleaning armor. Cornelius called to them and gave them some instructions as they began to put their cleaning supplies and armor away.
It didn't take long for me to realize this was a household of soldiers; of which I saw only two other women pass through the far doorway. Cornelius called them out too. He did his best to explain to me who the members of his household were, but I'd only gathered far enough to figure that the older woman is his wife, the girl named Helina his daughter and the soldier who answered the door is named Horatio.
Cornelius let out a perplexed sigh as he set the satchel on the table. Objects clattering inside caught his attention as he separated the flaps and peered in. A puzzled expression overtook him as he plucked out a piece of 20th century audio hardware. He raised an eyebrow as he held up a portable speaker.
I walked over and opened the bag the rest of the way, pulling out objects and laying them on the table.
"I feel like I'm breaking the Prime Directive." I mumbled to myself as I began to assemble some of these items.
I looked to see what's in the bottom of the bag (besides clothing) as I pulled out an audio cassette I'd recorded myself and inserted it into the player. The household gathered around, as I hit the rewind button. It took about 30 seconds to back up to the beginning of the first song. I pushed play, the music started and a few bars later, Michael Card began to sing:
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El-Elyon na Adonai
(The people standing around the table immediately recognized it as Hebrew.)
Age to age You're still the same. By the power of the Name.
(They leaned over and peered cautiously at the little singing box.)
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Erkahmka na Adonai
We will praise and life You high, El Shaddai.
Through Your love and through the ram, You saved the son of Abraham.
And by the power of Your hand, turned the sea into dry land.
To the outcast on her knees, You were the God who really sees,
And by Your might, You set your children free.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El-Elyon na Adonai
Age to age You're still the same. By the power of the Name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Erkahmka na Adonai
We will praise and lift You high El Shaddai.
Through the years you made it clear, that the time of Christ was near,
Though the people failed to see, what Messiah aught to be.
Though Your word contained the plan, they just could not understand.
Your most awesome work was done, through the frailty of your son.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El-Elyon na Adonai
Age to age You're still the same. By the power of the Name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Erkahmka na Adonai
We will praise and lift You high El Shaddai.
The song ended and I reached over and shut off the tape player. Everyone was just looking at each other and me like... what now; when suddenly Cornelius's daughter decided she's not done listening, so she stepped up between her parents and turned the player back on. There was silence for a moment before a familiar guitar began to play.
"Hey, this is a good song." I mumbled to myself as a crazy idea suddenly popped into my head.
I know these people don't understand the words, but Romans like theater! Maybe they will understand this? So I began to sing along with Chris Rice as I acted out the words of the song:
Lazy summer afternoon, screened in porch and nothing to do.
I just kicked off my tennis shoe.
I'm slouching in a plastic chair, raking my fingers through my hair.
I close my eyes and I leave them there and I yawn and sigh and slowly fade away.
Deep enough to dream in brilliant colors I have never seen.
Deep enough to dream in brilliant colors I have never seen.
Deep enough to join a million people for a wedding feast.
Deep enough to reach out and touch the face of the One who made me,
And all the love I feel and all the peace. Do I ever have to wake up?
About half way through the song they've started giggling.
Awakened by a familiar sound, a clumsy fly is buzzing around.
He bumps the screen and he tumbles down.
Gathers about his wits and pride and tries again for the 100th time,
Cause freedom calls from the other side,
And I smile and nod and slowly drift away.
Deep enough to dream in brilliant colors I have never seen.
Deep enough to join a million people for a wedding feast.
Deep enough to reach out and touch the face of the One who made me,
And all the love I feel and all the peace, do I ever have to wake up?
Cause peace is pouring over my soul, I see the lambs and the lions playing.
I join in and I drink the music, Holiness is the air I'm breathing.
My faithful Heroes break the bread and answer all of my questions,
Not to mention what the streets are made of.
My heart's held hostage by this love and these brilliant colors I've never seen.
I join a million people for a wedding feast.
And I reach out and touch the face of the One who made me.
Deep enough to dream in brilliant colors I have never seen.
Deep enough to join a million people for a wedding feast.
Deep enough to reach out and touch the face of the one who made me.
And all the love I feel and all the peace, do I ever have to wake up?
Do I ever have to wake up?
Do I really have to wake up now?
Several songs continued to roll by and before too much longer, it seemed hours had passed. We'd dined on some cheese, grapes, a little bit of bread and wine, while others joined in humming, clapping along and dancing around the table to the music coming out of the little singing box. This goofy 20th century girl along with all these others 'who belong to eternity stranded in time'... are turning out to be rather entertaining.
An ominous roar of... thunder?... brought us to the sudden realization that the day had nearly passed. What was that? We all scurried outside to investigate this clamor that resonated through the cloudless sky. It sounded almost like a sonic boom to me; but deeper and darker, like an angry presence hurled from heaven.
"Something just happened." I mumbled to myself as we all stood around glancing between eachother and the sky; before soldiers just shrugged and slowly filed back into the house.
Revelation! What does the book of Revelation say? I commenced chapter mulling; as I thought of entities flung to earth. Wormwood? Satan? The angel with the chain that binds him in the bottomless pit?
About 20 minutes and a smidge of passing deliberation had ensued among a couple soldiers, when a group of unfamiliar faces appeared at the door and began filtering into the dining hall. The singing box sang on and most had lost interest in the rumblings from heaven. I turned around and looked at them, all wearing the same style of dress as I, but just looking a bit curious at the moment. The familiar piano of the next Michael Card song began, as I made a quick survey of the crowd.
"Ahh! You are here!" I cackled as I spotted the only readily familiar face running up to Him.
Oh no, what are you going to do to me now? He had this nearly forlorn expression on His face, as I dragged Him over between Cornelius and Helina all the way on the other side of the room.
Seems I've imagined Him all of my life, as the wisest of all of mankind,
But if God's holy wisdom is foolish to men, He must have seemed out of His mind.
For even His family said He was mad, and the priest said a demon's to blame.
But God in the form of this angry young man, could not have seemed perfectly sane.
When we in our foolishness thought we were wise,
He played the fool and He opened our eyes.
When we in our weakness believed we were strong,
He became helpless to show we were wrong.
So we follow God's own fool, for only the foolish can tell.
Believe the unbelievable, come be a fool as well.
So come lose your life for a carpenter's son, for a mad man who died for a dream.
And you'll have the faith his first followers had, and you'll feel the weight of the beam.
So surrender the hunger the sane must know, have the courage to say I believe,
For the power of paradox opens your eyes, and blinds those who say they can see.
When we in our foolishness thought we were wise,
He played the fool and He opened our eyes.
When we in our weakness believed we were strong,
He became helpless to show we were wrong.
So we follow God's own fool, for only the foolish can tell.
Believe the unbelievable, come be a fool as well.
So we follow God's own fool, for only the foolish can tell.
Believe the unbelievable, come be a fool as well.
When the song ended, some were laughing, others had joined in the minstrel dance, some looking a bit perplexed, while trying to figure out how this little funny contraption could sing and play instruments; and a few bore this expression on their faces like... Romans - Jesh!
Jesus though at least was smiling.
[Do You understand the words to any of this music?] Cornelius asked Him.
[Not really.] Jesus shrugged. [But I know well enough not to be offended.]
Cornelius laughed. [Tis good Lord.] He said as he surveyed his table and picked up a wooden goblet. He poured some wine into it and handed it to Jesus. [Cheers] Cornelius tapped the cup with his own as the two men looked at each other a minute before they downed their gulps of wine.
People were chattering and looking around, seemingly getting ready to leave when I scooped up Jesus's cloak and scurried over to Him.
"Here." I mumbled. "Even though it's soft and warm, smells like You and is less socially awkward to cuddle." I giggled nervously as I handed it back to Him. He took it from my shaking hands, as I contemplated Him a minute. Again, He looked... scared.
"What day is this?" I suddenly popped out with a seemingly unrelated question. He only stared back at me a bit blankly.
[What does she want?] Cornelius flashed Jesus a perplexed look.
I held up my hands as I started to count off days on my fingers "Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday... Sabbaton." They understood the last word as Jesus nodded and pointed to my 3rd finger. "Tuesday." I confirmed as I watched Jesus, who's demeanor started to change to a bit more... despondent. He seemed to know the next question that was coming?
"Friday?" I asked, indicating the finger before I turned and outlined a cross on the table. Jesus only nodded rather meekly. I stood a minute looking at Him, then at Cornelius and then around at all the soldiers on the other side of the table.
Suddenly a horrendous thought struck me. I ran around the table and grabbed a spear off the wall. Coming back to Jesus, I pretended to polk Him in the side and then pressed the spear into Cornelius's hands. "Truly this was the Son of God." ? I pointed to Cornelius.
Cornelius raised an eyebrow at me and then peered over at Jesus, apparently searching for some sort of interpretation. Jesus only managed to mumble a response in a dead flat emotionless tone.
[She's asking about you.]
[Me Lord?]
[Yes, I will die in 3 days.]
[Die Lord? From what?]
[Men under your command will crucify me.]
[What?... Why?]
Jesus stood silent for several long minutes before He sucked in a deep breath.
[There are a lot of reasons.]
Jesus threw His cloak over His shoulder with both hands as He turned and walked away from us. This time though, He was actually shaking.
"And if I should kneel before You, would You lay Your hands on me, or turn me away? Even if I should tremble, deep in my heart; I won't be afraid." I chanted in near song into the dead air.
Jesus stoped, turned around and looked at me. At the first thought that popped into my head; I started part of another song.
I looked for comforters but found none. Oh how could You forsake me?
Oh my strength come quickly come, come now oh Lord and save me.
For You would never despise or distain, the suffering of the afflicted.
In the congregation I will proclaim, that from the grave you lifted me.
In the miry depths I sink, lama sabach' thani
They gave me vinegar to drink; lama sabach' thani
lama sabach' thani
I only stood motionless as the house grew silent. Jesus turned away and walked out the front door. For a split second, I thought I could hear something in the distance. It sounded like a howling dog? People began to murmur and file out into the street. It seemed they were looking for Jesus, who apparently had, at least temporarily... disappeared.
I followed the remaining few souls outside. Shouts in the street let us know He's been found (whether He really wanted to be or not). Where ever it was Jesus was going; I noted as I spotted Him at the bottom of the hill. It seemed He was intent on walking there.
Cornelius, Horatio and Helina stood around me, while perplexed and irritated Jews seemed to be wondering what I meant by 'why have You forsaken me'; which I'm assuming was the only thing they really understood? Little do they know, I pondered as I absorbed the impact of the knowledge of what was coming in 3 days; that song was about Jesus, not directed at Jesus.
(The Death of a Son - Michael Card)