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

Dusk was fast turning to dark as he left Agrippa's house, so he decided to stay at an inn that night in order to get an early start back the next morning.

He arose early in the morning and started back for Jerusalem.  He decided to go directly to Herod's palace to bring him the news and collect his reward.  Although it was late morning when he arrived, Herod and Herodius were still asleep as he barged into the royal bedchamber.

"What th'--who's there?" yelled Herod as the bedchamber doors opened noisily.

"It's me, your majesty--your foster brother, back from the errand you sent me on."

Herod sat up, squinted and peered bleary-eyed at Manaheem.  "Oh, it's you, Manaheem!  What are you doing here so early in the morning?"

"Early?" he replied.  "It's almost noon.  I rode all the way from Beersheba this morning, and you're still in bed.  Had a big night last night, your majesty?"

"As a matter of fact, yes.  But now that you're here, would you care for some breakfast or lunch or whatever?"  Since he was hungry from the ride, he agreed.  Herod pulled the chord and the servant appeared.  By this time Herodius had awoken and was wondering what was going on. "Breakfast for three" ordered Herod and the servant disappeared.  "Well, out with it.  What did you find out?"

"Only that your nephew hates you and thinks he should be ruling instead of you."

The servant re-appeared with a tray of food and set it down on the table near the bed.  "Here Manaheem, get yours" offered Herod.

Manaheem walked over and picked up a plate.  There was fish and bread and grapes and berries.  Herod and Herodius picked up their plates and began eating as well.

When the meal was completed Manaheem said: “I hate to be pushy, brother dear, but what about my money?"

"Well, hold on just a minute, Manaheem.  I wasn't sure you were coming.  You didn't tell me if you would do it or not.  And from what source did you get your information, if I may ask?"

"From the horse's mouth itself, so to speak."

"You actually spoke with my nephew?"

“I did and I told you what he said."

"Well, hold on a minute."  Herod got up out of bed and began searching through some of the drawers in one of the desks.  "Now where did I put that money?  Ah, yes, here it is."  He pulled out a bag of money and threw it to Manaheem.  "I’m afraid it's a little short.  I’ll have to send you the rest from Tiberius when I get back."

Manaheem caught the bag and counted the money.  "Seven hundred."  He smiled.  "It's just like you, Herod.  But never mind about the rest.  I had a pleasant trip and a good talk with your nephew.  I even told him about Jesus.  So it was worth it.  Forget about the rest."

"Wow," exclaimed Herod, "You have changed!  The old Manaheem would have hounded me for every penny.  So you mentioned your Jesus to my nephew.  What did he say?"

"Just like you, he laughed at me."

"And well he should.  A man rising from the grave and then going straight up to heaven.  Ha, ha!"

Now Herodius was laughing also.

Manaheem turned to go.  "Thanks for the meal," he said, as he was opening the door to leave.

"My pleasure, brother dear.  Oh, and give our regards to your lovely wife will you."

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

"Well, my dear, how did it go?"

"Very well, Claressa, dear.  It was easier than I thought.  The LORD must have been with me.  I met Agrippa's servant at the well when I first arrived at Beersheba and he took me right to Agrippa's home.  I simply asked him what he thought of his uncle and he told me--he hates him and thinks he should be ruling instead of him.  He offered me some wine.  I had a few sips, while I told him about Jesus.  I tell you Claressa, I felt a real boldness to do so--and I’m sure it wasn't from the wine, as I only had very small sips.  Of course, he refused to listen."

"Wow, it does seem that the LORD Jesus was with you.  Well, that's another name we must add to our prayer list--Not only Herod but also his nephew, Agrippa."

"--Two very hard cases.  But I suppose with the LORD all things are possible."

"Oh, Manaheem I love you more every day.  Come here and kiss me."