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

So Joseph went alone to the next believer's meeting, and Manaheem brought Blastus.  At the meeting, after the usual opening prayer and reading of scripture, Manaheem raised his hand.  "My brothers I have some news of import.  It has come to my attention that our enemy, Herod Agrippa is dead.  I got the story directly from his man-servant, Blastus.  I told Blastus about Jesus and invited him here to hear more.  But I think you should hear the story of Agrippa's demise directly from him.”

So Blastus stood up and told again what had happened to Agrippa.  A general chorus of praises went up.  As Joseph listened, he couldn't believe his ears.  This was the miracle to win over his mother.  He was overjoyed.

The meeting continued with prayer, scripture, and testimonies.  Afterward, Manaheem approached Blastus again.  "Well, what do you think, Blastus?"

"It sounds great to me."

"Then you will accept Jesus as your Savior?"

"Yes," came the deliberate reply.   "Just show me how."

Manaheem led Blastus in a prayer of acceptance and then announced to the rest: "Brothers and sisters, we have another member.  Blastus too has accepted the Savior."

Another and even greater chorus praise went up.

***********

He had a lump in his throat on the way home.  How could he tell his mother what had happened?  Would she accept it?  He didn't know but he had to take a chance.

"Oh, Momma, I wish you could have been there.  King Agrippa's servant told about what happened to Agrippa."

"Herod Agrippa?"

"Yes, it was a miracle of divine justice, Momma.  He was at the games in Caesarea, making a speech, and everyone was hailing him as a god, and, all of a sudden he fell down and died.  He was eaten with worms.  The LORD Jesus slew him, Momma, right there on the spot."

"Where did you get such a tale?"

"Why, like I said, Momma, I got it directly from the king's servant himself.  He was there and told it in front of everyone.  You should have been there, Momma."

She sighed.  "Well, he could have made the whole thing up, just for sensationalism."

"No, Momma, I could sense the man's sincerity and pain in telling it--I could sense the general truthfulness of it.   Oh, Momma, it's what you wanted to see, wasn't it?—a a miracle to get rid of that old fox, Agrippa.  Well, it’s done.    So, what's holding you back now, Momma?