December 21 – Searching in Sychar
After several days, the journey to Bethlehem becomes more challenging. The road curves back and forth as it ascends and descends the hills and mountains of central Israel. The half-way point is marked by the city of Sychar. Three soldiers stand outside the entrance to the city at what was once Jacob’s well. Little does Mary know but her Son will one day meet a Samaritan woman here. The living water He will offer will alter her life forever.
The soldiers stop different small groups here and there, searching the faces of the middle aged men who passed. From time to time, they turn to each other and make cryptic statements.
“Not that one. He’s too young.”
“That one’s too old. King Herod said he would be in his prime.”
“This one seems weak. It would not be him.”
They are looking for someone. Something about this frightens Mary and her breath catches in her throat. The soldiers approach. They look at her, the donkey, and Joseph. A glance passes between the men and, for a moment, Mary thinks she sees a grimace on the face of the soldier in charge.
“Move on,” he states simply and his hand left passes in front of him. His countenance shifts from questioning to annoyance. They pick up the pace.
The noise of the crowds overwhelms Joseph as they step inside the city gates. They are both exhausted and in need of food. The bread Anne made ran out yesterday. Joseph had been silently refilling Mary’s water pouch from his own during the long, hot days and the crack in his lower is widening. They need provisions and Sychar is the place to find them.
As they walk past stalls selling finery and food, Joseph’s brow is knitted in concern. Perhaps they should not have come. Who would have known that Joseph’s family was not of Nazareth? He could have been counted there. They were half way to Bethlehem and the journey had been hard but the donkey had made it possible. Despite her protests, the dark circles around Mary’s eyes revealed her fatigue. They could still fall ill or be robbed. The donkey could become lame and then what would they do?
Joseph sighs. The weight of his worry makes his shoulders ache as they purchase bread and fish. The two of them would branch off from the caravan at this point and head farther south. As they make their way to the southern gate and the road that would take them on to their destination, Joseph silently asks God for strength and protection. The next few days will be the most dangerous part and it will take a miracle if they are to stave off all the potential hardships.
No comments:
Post a Comment