[G] Miryam, are you comfortable with continuing your memories? I am so interested in any subjects that might come to mind in the years following the resurrection of Yeshua.
[M] I feel quite relaxed and anxious to share with you, such an attentive listener.
It was soon after his rising that dear Miryam of Magdala told me of how his close friends had been shocked and surprised by the swiftness of events following the arrest of Yeshua. They did not expect that within such a brief time the accusations, humiliation, torture and execution would occur. And to be hung on a tree like a vicious criminal! They could not have known what plans might have been in store for them as well.
Later, Miryam and the other women, along with Simon bar Jonah, Andrew bar Jonah and some of his closest friends had gathered at the place of the last meal shared with Yeshua. All were surprised when the risen Yeshua then came into this secured place, greeting each one at a time, comforting and removing fear and anxieties. It was told to me many times over that they all experienced a renewed strength, impatient to be about sharing their joy of the resurrected Moshiach.
Gabe, when I share with you and, I must add, with very few others, of the quietness and peace enjoyed, there is a most compelling explanation.
I am never alone. In this case, I speak, not of my wonderful children and Rivka and Miryam, but of dear Yeshua. My son did come to me earlier as we had taken leave of Yerushalayim after his murder. I told this to Lydda and Jacob. They too were comforted in the knowledge that he, raised to a new life, sought to visit me. Yeshua has since done so often, always in a real way, not as a dream but rather as a solid form, not as a spirit. He is present to me whenever I have need or just to fill some quiet moment after prayers. Do not cause me to explain. It just happens.
[G] I do hold as true all that you and the others have said of the resurrection of Yeshua.
[M] Some had expected the Moshiach to be like unto the warrior David, leading an army to free us from servitude and domination by the Romans. I can easily understand because it has been our history. In the ancient times some of our tribes, it seemed, were always under the whip of one Goiim ruler or another. You are aware of the many times HA-SHEM sent leaders to fight for our freedom by sword or by staff, as Moshe led our people through the Sea of Reeds to our new land, Yisroel.
This time, Gabe, it was so much different. People were drawn by his remarkable power to bestow a sense of peace and calmness, and for those willing to accept his message, freedom from hopelessness.
The Most Holy One had sent his own son to live with his chosen people, born to this lowly servant. He was God and at the same time, a man fully in possession of all human traits. No, that is not quite correct. It is better said all traits, save one. Dear Yeshua simply never committed those human actions that could be measured in any way to be disappointing to, or in rejection of, the will of his father HA-SHEM.
Also, I recall that in those threatening times close to his murder, many of his friends took on a most worrisome manner. They seemed hesitant, yes, uncertain of the potential of reprisal for their association. It is easy to understand this attitude. All of us have experienced the violence which embraces part of our lives. The change in these friends that took place shortly after the resurrection of Yeshua was something to behold.
Gabe, have I told you of still another special friend of my son who is called Lebbaeus? I believe that he is now also called Jude Thaddeus. Well, this fine man has visited me often, and along with my precious children, he is like another son. He speaks of the wonders of my Yeshua and the joy that is his in sharing this with the Judaeans and all others so eager to hear the good news of the Moshiach. Dear Jude and others often describe my son as the Righteous One. How suitable.
Something curious too was a changed behavior of dear Simon bar Jonah. When he was in the company of my son, Simon seemed quiet and most reserved. Now this man, who some now call Cephas Simon, has taken on leadership over those original friends as well as the growing number of new young men and women, all eager to speak of Yeshua.
Another thing about this Simon, he would never have mentioned to me, but some time last winter he was imprisoned for a brief period in Yerushalayim, accused of being a rabble rouser. Those Sadducees find some fault with anyone who bothers them. He and the others are not Zealots. They speak only to the wonders of my son and do amazing works in his name.
Forgive me, as I must once again add a thought.
Mention had been given to those friends that Yeshua had brought to the wedding of Benjamin at Kafr Kanna. But I also recall some who also were with Lebbaeus in the early days.
Those were named John and Thomas, Phillip, James, who was son of Zebedee, and another Simon, whom they also called Zelotos, and Matthias and Bartholomew. I am pleased that, even in my advancing years, memory holds so fast. But just as darling Miryam has become so close to me, so also have I delighted in their visits.
These friends have been adding still another title to my son, Christos. Lydda told me that in the language of the Greeks it means The Just One. In our tradition, it is of one anointed.
[G] Anointed?
[M] Yes, just as King David some 1,000 years ago was blessed with the holy oils which pronounced his worthiness to lead our tribes, now so many of our peoples ascribe this to my Yeshua. He is their new and confirmed leader by memorial to his words of love and comfort. As my dear husband often said, Yeshua is destined to rule over the ancient house of Jacob, the people Yisroel, the Goiim, and all others. Now and forever more they shall feel his influence.
All the friends were so eager to share remembrances of visits to them upon his resurrection. They say that just as of Samuel in ancient times, words of Yeshua would never be without effect.
And still another tale.
It was a few years after the murder that this Pharisee came to see me. What a gentleman, temperate and most learned in the laws of our faith. I had not known him earlier to have been a friend of my son.
He, who is called Saul, in the most serious of face told me of the chance encounter with the personage of the resurrected Yeshua, who had admonished him for unjust treatment of his own people. This Saul was so knowledgeable in the beliefs and teachings of Yeshua, it was as though he had traveled at his side for years. And now, although a Jew, he held it to be unfair to deny anyone, especially the Goiim, a share in the wonders of the Moshiach. To me this is amazing. My people had always been exclusive in our spiritual beliefs and practice. Now, finally all are to hear of the good news.
Gabe, every day is filled with thanksgiving to Adonai. Now here I go again with tears sufficient to fill a dry well, but these are springs of joy that I am mother to the most magnificent, my Yeshua.
This Saul will be well received wherever he travels, offering a splendid accounting. The foreigners shall receive spiritual experiences as never before could have been realized.
The old friends and the new, each of them, have shown to me such strength and dedication, such joyfulness. They have spoken often of the times they gather together with new acquaintances, eating and celebrating remembrances of that last meal with Yeshua.
I am so happy to see that some of our old traditions have been put aside.
I never thought that the time would come when men and women, other than family, would assemble at the same table as equals. This was taught to me as a child and carried on in my life with dear husband, Yosef. Now, in thanks to my son and his guiding actions, this must – no, it will among the righteous – continue to take place. Often, as you and I recently discussed, I recall that his promise of resurrection was first shown to be fulfilled to women at the tomb. Equals at last, and no longer are women made to be in servitude. And I do know that this has always been the plan of Adonai.
I have also marveled at the wisdom of the young women who take lead. And the men! I have been told how they laugh when new people in the group express surprise. In their humor, that characteristic of so many Jews, they admonish the gathered to be cautious, as equality may well become the 11th commandment.
I pray that their names will long be remembered for their fearless attitude in face of any threat. These could come from the Roman authorities or regretfully, from our very own, those who govern the rules and laws of our faith.
I hold to myself some worry for these wonderful women and men. In all of our history, we Jews have been cautioned to take heed in averting even the slightest quarrel with the Invaders. Every such circumstance results with the head of the Jew bleeding, or worse.
A few years ago, someone, I do not know her name, told me that a young man named Stephen was stoned to death down in Judaea. It seems he was speaking to the Jews there of the new law, that of kindness and forgiveness as taught by Yeshua. However, he was called blasphemer and that was sufficient.
Gabe, something has happened, where is Ahavat Yisroel? For years all of the tribes would defend against any Invader. How have some of the Jews become so fearful, such cowards. They will soon learn that murdering each other will never allow them the freedom promised to Moshe. It shall only come through people like that Stephen and others, faithful to Hebrew traditions, who will have courage to speak in synagogue and elsewhere spreading the divine message of my son.
Now, so many have gone off to distant places honoring my Yeshua, and so I do now see fewer. That is good. If they were here over and over again, eating of my fruits and cakes, I would strongly admonish that their time be better served teaching the Jews and the Goiim!
Gabe, you are smiling. How good it is to make fun, to laugh.
I must make mention of that prayer Yeshua taught to us long ago at his bar Mitzvah. Well, he also had taught his friends, and they too have included it in their prayers to HA-SHEM.
Can you imagine that, with the same degree of reverence, these friends of Yeshua, women and men alike, have been made by the way of Yeshua to find comfort and relief from worry in these words. It is akin to our ancient Yacha, that prayer of petition for the Most Holy One to free us from distress. Each one of us has taken as our own this prayer which addresses the one who may now be called our Father.
[G] Miryam, I marvel at your ability to continually relax me, even during the most serious of conversation. How you have shared with me all of the emotions of your most fascinating life has been a true blessing. Thank you.
[M] Your words are so very kind. Now, let us return to still more adventure.
If you recall, Gabe, I had mentioned as we spoke of the exile in Egypt that there was another story of a return by kin years later to that place.
Son Jacob had made acquaintance with one of the visitors to our home who had become a pupil of the teachings of Yeshua through the help of Simon bar Jonah. This most eager young man was called Mark Josus by the others. I have no understanding of the use of those names, but it has always been common in our tradition to assign special terms, especially when their family origin is of no necessity. Let me simply call him Mark.
He told me of being in audience to the lessons, but was too young at the time to take upon service or companionship. He is, like so many others, freely enlisted under the guidance of the original friends and is eager to spread news of the Moshiach. Imagine, Gabe, what speed this revelation to our ancient faith has taken. Multitudes shall enjoy the benefit, in thanks to these most eager women and men. Now is only the beginning.
Mark had told me that his parents and he were originally from Pelusium in Egypt. Later, they had taken residence in Yerushalayim. In that area would the very young Mark hear my Yeshua teach.
Mark was longing to spread the good news among the Jews in the land of his birth. Together then, my Jacob and he sojourned, first south to Sychar and then through those dangerous lands into Egypt. They spread the Word to the Jews and others.
Gabe, recall when earlier I had spoken of our exile, mention was made of those ancient people of Egypt who called themselves Copts? Well, it was to these people also that Jacob and Mark did speak of the love and lessons of Yeshua.
Upon their return, Jacob was so full of joy. He also shared the adventure of visits to both Samarmoud and Sakha. They prayed in the synagogue that my beloved husband had helped build so very, very long ago. The custom was, and still is, that master stone crafters often emboss their mark upon a footstone of buildings. Jacob was so proud to tell me that, as plain as is to anyone looking, there was his sign, Yosef DH – my darling Yosef of the House of David.
Gabe, I have been talking quite so long. Please, I must attend to my prayers. In but a little while we might comfort ourselves with some fruit and fresh water.
[G] I too must attend to prayers. If it is pleasing to you, Miryam, after a short stroll in the village I shall fetch the water and then we may take up again this most interesting conversation.
[M] Welcome back.
We shall use these favored metal cups that dear Yosef had given to me after his return from Caesarea. You take the bowl of fruit. Let us retire to the garden. We shall not be disturbed there.
I would like to share some thoughts about darling Miryam.
As you recall, she has been most enterprising in her business of selling and trading silks, oils and spices from the East. She would also seek out fine jewelry and small carvings from the Greeks in Caesarea and Sepphoris. There seemed to be no limit in her dealings with anyone along the Silk Road.
I have heard that she can bargain successfully with the most experienced merchants. Miryam has said, “Give away any goat for the chance to secure a fine rug from the Persians.”
Remember my speaking of the ability of Lydda with values and trading even as a child, with great success? Well, she is now partner with Miryam.
And Gabe, Rivka and I too, have become women of this new age. We weave the finest of our wool into robes, some even dyed in bright colors. These the girls take and sell. It is amazing to behold changes that I have witnessed in such a few short years. Women have begun to assume their rightful place to be educated and to earn positions in commerce, if that be their interest.
But of most importance, some women have become teachers of the old laws of our Jewish faith in accordance to the revelations of Yeshua, Moshiach.
I have spoken of women who do such work sharing the word of my dear son. Two of the most active have been Lydda and darling Miryam. These new opportunities for women must never be denied. Although there most likely will be some who are frightened, no men of wisdom would do thus. These possess freedom of thought and a desire to accept others fully, without the imposition of false limits. This is truly the will of Adonai.
Miryam, first with Lydda and now with other dedicated women and men, plan, sponsor and attend to groups who discuss the wisdom and teachings of Yeshua. Often they meet in homes, sharing meals remindful of that last one in Yerushalayim. As they share pieces of bread and drink from cups, these are called the very body and blood of my dear son. I have been in attendance at some such celebrations. My, what loving and kind people are these old friends of Yeshua. And now there are so many others who did know of him in person, yet are still inspired by stories of his three years spent teaching and curing the ill of mind or body among our people, Yisroel.
This is being done, not only in villages of Galilee, Judaea and even Samaria, but to whatever lands are visited by the teaching friends of Yeshua.
I hear words that some rabbis fear this manner of assembly, as they are not held in synagogue. There are many other rabbis and other learned ones who hold fast that this, which is now happening, is truly the realization of three thousand years of Hebrew teachings.
Earlier I told of Yeshua visiting me. Keep this Ka-hhad, for concern that some in the village would say that old Miryam has truly spent too many days in the heat of the sun and no sense remains. So you had best abstain from sharing this information with my neighbors.
Gabe, I am glad you smile.
And still another thought.
You might wonder why so many women are setting table and leading in the celebration of Yeshua. Must I remind you that it has forever been us, the women, who are in charge of the house.
There is always a need to find space for humor. It causes one to let go, for a moment, of somber thoughts. The Most Holy One taught this to our people. And my dear Yosef was especially skilled in finding time to relieve any overly anxious episode by this method.
Gabe, just think of all that has taken place.
The original friends of Yeshua, these simple tradesmen, laborers and fishers are not unlike the prophets of old. After my son’s murder, I believe that for a brief time they were fearful of being called Zealots. But then I heard and later saw them acting as if by the hand of Adonai himself.
Always they spoke messages of love and hope, in the reality that Moshiach has arrived, he is present, and my Yeshua is indeed that reality.
This was the truth about my son that my beloved husband, Yosef, also knew all of those years. How well my husband served HA-SHEM in meeting the promise made in prayer in that stable: that the son of the Most Holy One, my son, would be cared for in all ways possible in preparation for the fulfillment of his destiny.
I had mentioned several new people in the company of the earlier friends. Some seem to have had training as scribes. It is good that they are recording stories of the ministry of my son.
One young man named Luke is companion to Saul, that tentmaker turned teacher. I believe that this Luke will have a great record to share. We Jews have always respected the need to avail new generations of our history.
As the original women and men who walked with Yeshua age, there is great need to secure each and every memory they have. Gabe, I believe that their own stories of how devoted they were and the new peoples they taught will hold great promise and inspiration, indeed.
The message by my Moshiach now being carried is like the desert wind. It cannot be denied, and it reaches far beyond what we can see.
That is not to say our salvation is without difficulty. Whenever truth is over shadowed by the blind resistance some call tradition, the faithful face danger. This is at times a most violent period. The believers in my Yeshua are strong, eager to spread his words, and shall continue to do so without fear.
Many more Jews, as well as the Goiim and all of the peoples of whom I have no knowledge, will soon be blessed.
In these times, unlike the days of old, good news travels quickly. It shall not be of surprise how soon we might expect that daughter Anne and Amos, living in that far away land, will hear that the time of the promise of deliverance by the Master of the Universe has truly come to pass.
All praises and thanksgiving be to Adonai through the life, murder and resurrection of my son the savior, Yeshua.
Come Gabe, it is time to eat. I have something very special, cheese and nice fish. But this time I must say dried, not fresh as from my Yeshua on his visits.
After, we shall look at some very special treasures.