Susa (1 B.C.)

Actually, Shimshai lived about thirty miles southeast of Susa just at the base of the Zagros Mountains. The winter rains had cooled the night air and the fire in the hearth was as inviting as the hot tea he poured into the cup. The cup steamed yet he continued to hold it in his hands as he sat at the table. His one-room hut was dark except for what the few lanterns could light. His friend would be there soon to hear all about his journey; he tried playing it through his mind again but stopped at the same place that had continually left him dumbfounded every time he thought about it. He shook his aged head again and ran his hand through his gray and white beard. The lantern glowed in his eyes. A slight smile showed his thoughts were beyond the present moment. He had traveled to Judea with a group of astrologers and other wise men. He had always been interested in the study of the stars and this journey was a good opportunity to see some learned men in action. But he got more than what he bargained for –everybody in that caravan got more than what they bargained for! He ran his hand through his beard again, took a sip of tea and brought his thoughts back to the present. His friend would be here soon.
Judea was just a little over 600 miles away, but that is by the way the raven flies. During their journey however, the caravan had followed a bright star that had led them up through the Euphrates valley rather than across the desert. It was a good thing too; the desert could be so dangerous with all the bandits and wild animals. Following that star was amazing enough but where it led was… well, just unbelievable. Shimshai laughed quietly and thought, “Yes, totally unbelievable, yet I do.” He took another sip of tea and went to the door. Wrapping himself with his outer garment he braced for the night air. Ehud was just now coming up his lane. Shimshai went out to embrace him and the two walked together back into the house.
“It is good to see you back safe and sound Shimshai” Ehud said. “But I did not expect you back so soon. Why did the caravan cut short their trip?”
“If you have the time Ehud, I would like to tell you everything.” Shimshai said pouring tea into his friend’s cup.
“Yes, tell me everything. I love to hear about long journeys. What did you learn?”
“Ehud, what I am about to tell you is so amazing that you will find it very hard to believe. But as you know that I am your friend and you know that I am not given to fanciful stories. I have always investigated very cautiously things that I have been told and asked to believe. But Ehud,” Shimshai swallowed hard, “what I am about to tell you is the truth and it is very wonderful.”
To be continued…