Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 parts

News of the fate of Herod Agrippa traveled rather fast for the times.  Yet Manaheem had not heard of it.  He was thinking of using Peter's miraculous escape as an occasion to confront Agrippa again.

Claressa was scared.  "But Manaheem dear, he already threw you into prison.  He could do the same or worse."

"Claressa dear, I really don't think he would try it again, after Peter's miraculous escape.  That event left him feeling rather weak, I suppose.  Perhaps now is the best time to try to reach him."

"Well, alright, dear, but do be careful."

"Better than that--let us pray.  That's what we should have done prior to my last visit with him."

"Oh, Manaheem, what can I say to you?  All right we'll pray for the LORD's protection on you.  Dear LORD Jesus, please be with my husband, Manaheem as he goes again to confront King Herod.  And melt the heart of the king that he at least listen to your word and if possible accept you.  In your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.  And I shall be in prayer for you while you're gone, my dear."

************

Imagine his surprise when, as he arrived at the Jerusalem palace, Blastus met him at the gate weeping.

"What's wrong, Blastus?" he ventured.  "Where's your master?  Where's Herod Agrippa?"

"He's dead, sir.  Eaten by worms at the Cesarean games.  It was a real nightmare."

“I can imagine.  Tell me what happened."

"Well he stood up and was makin' a speech and the crowd hailed him as a god.  The next thing anyone knew, he was screaming and wreathing on the floor and throwing up.  He threw up on the floor and there they were big as life."

"There what were, Blastus?"

"Why, the worms, sir.  Big ugly worms right there in the throw-up.  It almost made me sick."

“I can imagine.  So who will rule his territory now?"

“I have no idea, sir.  His son is too young.  I suppose Caesar will appoint a procurator temporarily."

“And what are you going to do?"

"I’ll just have to stay here till I hear something.  I suppose I’ll serve the new procurator or whoever Caesar sends here."

"Well it just goes to show you, Blastus, you never know what will happen.  None of us are promised tomorrow."

"That's right, sir."

"Blastus, have you heard about Jesus?"

"Only that Herod was persecuting his followers."

"He did so in ignorance, Blastus.  Jesus is the true Messiah."

"That's like a ruler for the Jews, isn't it?"

"He's the son of God and the Savior, Blastus, and not just for the Jews--for the whole world."

"Well, I don't know about that, sir.  I never meddle with affairs like that.  I leave things like that to the leaders to sort out.  I’m just a servant man."

“I know that, Blastus, but Jesus died for all people--servants as well as anyone else.  If you accept him, you can go to heaven when you die."

"Well, I don't know, sir."

"Would you at least come to our meeting tonight?  You could tell what happened to Agrippa.  I’m sure everyone would be interested.  Then you can meet more of us and make up your own mind."