DINNER AT MARY'S

Before we go to dinner at Mary's, I need to remind each of us that our story's details are fiction!  The Bible doesn't tell us that Joseph was handsome or that Hannah is crazily particular about her daughter's beaus. You will have to read the Bible to know what has been fictionalized here. You may ask, why turn the story into fiction? If one has a good imagination, one can get the picture nicely.  But, the fictionalized version of this story, TWO FROM GALILEE, helped me, personally, to really care about the parents of the Lord Jesus and what they had to endure. Therefore, when we find we must endure something difficult, we understand the process a little better.  Also, I want to remind you of our Scripture for this journey:  Psalm124:8, "Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth."


Now, about that dinner at Mary's!  Knowing that he was in no position to compete with any other man for Mary, Joseph did not believe he should press his cause to marry Mary.  As he walked toward Mary's house he felt shame and even bitterness for even considering a marriage with Mary or with anyone!  He looked toward the sky and wished for a sign, but found the sky uncaring and empty. He almost turned back, when he remembered he had given himself the answers he wanted. If he truly worshiped God, he himself would not supply his  own answers!  Aloud, he said, "So be it!"


At Mary's, the meal was almost ready and she bustled from the spit outside to the table inside.  Then she quickly peeked into her mother's room where Hannah lay on her bed with one hand holding a wet cloth upon her forehead.  "Any better, Mother?" Mary asked.


"No, don't bother, Hannah answered.  "There are worse things than a headache!"  And Mary understood what worse pains Hannah was speaking about.  She hurried out to bathe quickly, wishing she could bathe her whole body.  But, she suspected Joseph would soon be there and as she pulled a clean, pale blue tunic on, its coolness calmed her somewhat.  But, as she continued her toilette she almost began to cry.  "No," she said as she stomped her foot, "I must not become hopeless!"


Joseph, eager to be there with Mary, was early.  And Mary realized, "Already, the duck is partially burned.  Mother is absent and Father is not home yet!"  But, Mary greeted Joseph with her head high. "Peace be with you," she said, smiling, and thought, "Joseph had come!  He was truly here!"


Hannah reappeared and while she and Mary finished up preparations for their dinner, Joseph played with some little ones near-by.   Joachim was finally home and the dinner began.   Although the duck was a bit crispy, they all tucked in happily.  Joachim and Joseph discussed "many things" like Herod's restoration of the Temple and his attempt at peace. And from there the discussion began about the kinds of atrocities Herod had done, like murder, torture and putting his sons to death one after another.  Mary was despairing, worrying her father might start an argument!  But, Joachim staring at Joseph, felt respect and was surprisingly impressed.  For some time they discussed politics, with Mary and Hannah tactfully silent. Finally, Joachim prodded Joseph, "Do you think Judah will ever enjoy better times?"


Joseph hesitated, then said, "There is only one real hope for Judah, and that is the coming of our promised ruler, the One that has been promised so long ago.  We will know Him when He comes!  The Lord will give us a sign."


That night sleep was a long time coming to Mary.  A lizard ran up the wall; a mouse gnawed at some bit of garbage not swept.  She prayed,"Lord, in the matter of marrying Joseph, I ask that your will be done."  And finding peace, Mary finally slept." (End of today's chapter.)


Having left it up to God, our story's main characters are at peace. Isn't that the best way for each of us to handle our own problems? Do our best to listen to God's call and obey it?  You bet!


Thanks for listening/reading/caring!  See you again tomorrow!


Jo INMN