One On One: 100 Days With Jesus--ADVENTنموونە

The Long Walk South: What Joseph and Mary Might Have Thought

She’s amazing. Look at how she keeps up with the caravan, walking just as well as women without a baby in their belly. Remember to offer her water more—90 miles is a long way. Five days. Not once has she complained of the heat or the road. But she's never complained of anything, not in these six months we’ve shared side by side. 

He’s amazing. He’s never left my side. Other husbands abandon their wives to pal with their buddies. Laughing, daring, shoving, solving the world’s problems, that was my Joseph before our calling. Before the baby. Now, he carries the weight of it all on his shoulders. Now he smiles more   than he laughs. Slow smiles with deep eyes. 

We’ve got to keep up. How can I help her? If we’re not with the others when we reach the river, we’ll be in trouble. I can’t protect her there. We can’t walk the wooded path alone. Too many dangers. And we can’t bed there. We must stay with the group. El Shaddai, help me know how to help her. 

Where will we stay in Bethlehem? Ain Karim is close, perhaps with Zecharias and Elizabeth? She could help when my time comes. We could see baby John. Zecharias could encourage Joseph. No, don’t plan, let Joseph provide for you. But he did ask me to confide in him; never again to run without a word. Should I suggest Elizabeth’s? Do we have enough to pay the tax? Oy, a kick. Hello, hamud, little cutie. Are you almost ready to meet the world? 

Her hand in mine feels so good. Her grip firm, so determined. One hand in mine, one on the child. I will help you, Mary, I promise you. God, I promise You. 

His hand so strong. I miss Abba. What would he think about this whole wonderful, frightening thing? That the Meshiach we prayed to come is here under my heart. His grandson. Abba, do you see me from heaven? Do you understand this mystery better than me? The Mighty One has   done great things . . . for me.

For me, Abba. For you. Holy is His name. Just as you taught me to pray. His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. You taught me to fear Him, Abba. This blessing is yours, too. Yes, even this pain; <breathe, breathe.>

I hope my cousins got word of when to expect us. That there will be a place for us. I couldn’t leave her in Nazareth. These six months have been hard enough. Too many raised eyebrows counting the moons since I brought Mary home. Too many whispers. Yet never an unkind word from Mary. My Mary. When we get back it will be better; the baby will be with us. Everyone loves a baby. But they will wonder why his name is Jesus and not Joseph.

You must help me, El Shaddai. I am not as wise as others you could have chosen to bear Your child. Thank you for this good man. We don’t know what to do but our eyes are on You.

Would she like to ride the ass? “Only when I need to,” she said. My brave Mary. We will save the donkey till the final day—20 miles uphill from Jericho to the heights. Frightening turns and deadly drops. Bandits in the shadows. We must keep up. Help us, Jehovah Sabaoth, Lord of hosts. I am afraid of all that is ahead for us.

“Here, Mary, have some   water.” “Toda, ahava shelli; Thank you, my love.”

Tomorrow: One on one with the one who cared for Mary