Chapter III: Reuben’s trip to Bethlehem

 
Reuben was happy that he was going to town alone and that he his family trusted him to go alone. Earlier he accompanied his father or his mother when they went either to buy something or for some other family matter to Bethlehem. It was just a few hours walk from his home. 

Reuben set off at a brisk pace, eager to reach the town where he knew he could walk in the market place and see so many things which he did not see in his village. Reuben liked the hustle of the town because he was not used to such things. His own house was built in a secluded spot away from the clutter of houses in the village. He rarely got an opportunity to see so many people together.

As he walked on the narrow footpath that wound through the meadows and small hills, he thought of the way people treated shepherds. He felt sad that boys from town, especially sons of Pharisees and those in higher positions did not want to be associated with boys like him who tended sheep along with their fathers. That is why his father had built their house a little away from the village. But they had beautiful meadows where the grass grew green and tall and provided ready fodder for the sheep to feed most times of the year except in winters when it was just too cold to venture out. 

Reuben was tall for his age and often was taken for being older than his age. He walked fast, as was his habit from years of tending sheep but he also took in the beauty around him, the tall trees and the clear blue sky. How he wished he had a pony or a mule. He had once seen a Roman soldier on a horse and he never forgot how regal the soldier looked on his horse in a smart uniform. His sword inspired awe and people on the street moved away to let him pass. 

All he wanted was a pony for himself but he knew that his family was poor and his father would never be able to afford it. But he still dreamt about it. After all no one could prevent him from dreaming.

After two hours Reuben came across a small rivulet. He palmed some of the cool clear water and took a sip. Then he splashed some more water on his face. With just a few minutes of rest he set off again. He crossed the rivulet and climbed on top of a small hill. Reuben could see the town of Bethlehem on the other side, a little distance away but close enough to see the little houses lined up. He thought he could see people going about their business on the street though it was still quite early in the morning. 

Reuben estimated that it would take him another hour before he would reach the town as distances could seem short from a hilltop. He did not linger at the top but continued his walk as he wanted to reach before the sun was high. He wanted to avoid the heat of the noon sun so he continued with renewed vigour. Not that he was tired; he was young and healthy, used to walking long hours. Finally, as he had anticipated, he reached Bethlehem in an hour. He walked on the main street, feeling happy to have made it so soon. He saw people in the street, seemingly going about their business. He saw children playing and old men sitting also. He walked towards his destination. He knew his way around the town. 

Soon enough he reached the shop of Obed, the weaver. When he entered, he saw Obed was busy attending to other customers who were buying some cloth. Reuben waved and waited for him to finish. Obed’s workshop had lots of woolen cloth stacked on one side of the wall, a couple of hand operated looms in the centre and bags of wool which he used in the other side of the room. He also had a couple of spinning wheels where he made thread out of the wool. Reuben saw that the shop was large but it had too many things in it. Obed also had his son and one worker working for him. 

As soon as he finished with the customers, Obed addressed Reuben  “What brings you here young man? Where is your papa? Has he been held up some place else in town?”

“So many questions uncle”, Reuben smiled and said, “Wait. I am here alone. Now I am a big boy so Papa sent me alone.” He continued, “I have come to ask when you will be buying wool? The sheep have grown thick coats. We are ready for shearing. Papa has asked me to inquire when we should deliver the wool.”
Giving it a thought, Obed replied, “I am still trying to finish the wool I have already bought, but you can bring it in a fortnight. By then I would have finished spinning all the wool I already have and can take on a fresh load.”

Gesturing at the loads of wool lying in the corner of the shop, Obed said, “I don’t like to accumulate too much in the shop. It takes too much space. But with a festival approaching, there will be a rush to buy woolens so I will have more sales. In fact, I might have to hire some temporary help to do the spinning so that we can concentrate on the weaving.”

Realising that the boy might be thirsty, Obed asked, “Do you want something to drink? Water, milk”? But Reuben refused. He wanted to explore the shops and buy the things his mother had asked him to get from Bethlehem. After inquiring of his father’s health and that of his family, Obed bid the boy farewell. “Take care while going back home. Do not wander here for too long or else it will get late and your mother will worry,” cautioned Obed, as he stood and waved Reuben good bye.

The young man set off, this time for the shop at the other end of the market. At the grocery shop, Reuben bought molasses for both his mother and old man Simon and also flour and some olive oil. That done, Reuben also bought a sweet for himself. Then it was time to find Hannah, the last thing on his agenda in Bethlehem. He knew where Hannah’s uncle lived so he walked to uncle Nathan’s house. But on the way he saw in the alley some men sitting and playing with dices. He knew what they were doing and he also knew it was forbidden. But he wanted to see what it was all about. He was tempted.

A boy, a couple of years older than him called out to him, “Come here. It’s great fun.”

Reuben approached the men, a bit apprehensive. He thought, maybe it is not such a bad thing. He would just look and then be on his way. Reuben observed the game. He saw that the men were playing. One person threw a few dice with different numbers on it and the men called out different numbers before the dice were thrown. Whoever called out the right number won the round. The men all placed bets and whoever won got all the money which was bet in that round. 

Reuben was also intrigued. The boy who had asked him to come near urged him to also place a bet. “Why don’t you also play? Its fun and you can also win. That would give you so much money to spend”. “Come on try it”, he urged.

Reuben wondered if he could spend some money without his parents finding out. He had actually a little money left, a couple of shekels since the molasses and oil had not cost him as much as his mother had estimated. He wanted to play. He thought it would not be such a bad idea, maybe he could win a little money which he could use on new sandals like the ones the Roman soldiers wore. 

“Ok, maybe I will play just one game”, he said. 

“Great, so bet now”, said the boy, “My name is Raphael.” 

“Very well. I want to place my bet of two shekels on number five.”

Then Reuben waited with bated breath as the man rolled the dice. All the other men also placed their bets.
Peering from between the big men, Reuben tried to see how the dice had fallen. But he saw a tall fierce looking man shriek with joy. “It’s my number. It’s three. I won, I won”, he screamed collecting all the money which was placed as a bet.

Poor Reuben could only watch as his two shekels were taken away along with the other money by the tall man. The young boy Raphael again urged him to place another bet. But he had only one shekel left and he did not want to spend his last dime on this uncertain game. He also started wondering what his father would have to say if he found out what Reuben had done with the extra money.

So Reuben controlled his urged and reluctantly walked away. He started towards Nathan uncle’s house. On reaching there, Reuben called out to the house. Uncle Nathan came out. He looked surprised, “How come you are in Bethlehem, Reuben? Is something the matter?” 

Reuben asked whether Hannah was still visiting or if she had returned to her village. Just then Hannah came out of the house and the question became redundant. Reuben said, “Shalom Hannah. Naomi wanted to know when you are returning back to Hajra?”

“Soon, in fact in a day or two I will be back home. Tell Naomi I have lots of stories to tell her”, she answered.

Uncle Nathan looked on amused at this. “She has been betrothed to this young man who lives in Jerusalem. He is well-read and also quite well off. That is what she wants to share with Naomi.”

Hannah blushed at this. “Why did you let out the secret? I wanted to tell Naomi myself. Anyway, I will tell her the details. Now she will wait for me with eagerness.”

With the conversation over, Reuben turned to leave but uncle Nathan called him back. “Stay for a while and rest Reuben. You have a long way to go and there is still a lot of time. It’s just late morning at present. You can be back even if you take some time to rest your feet and have something to eat before you make your way back”, said Nathan. This time Reuben agreed and stayed back. 

Chapter II: Sheep to Pasture

Walking with the sheep in the meadows, Joshua hummed an old tune which kept the sheep bunched close together, comfortable that they were being shepherded by someone familiar. Joshua thought about his family as he sang in his clear, firm and soothing voice. He was happy that Rueben was grown up enough to help him with the work.

Lost in his thoughts he almost did not see Andrew coming from the east along with his flock of sheep. He waved at him and slowed down. Smiling broadly, his swarthy face full of happiness, Andrew called out, “You old dog, I wanted to be the first to reach the grass but I can see that you also had the same idea.”

Smiling, Joshua said, “Now both of us can reach the place early. How is your wife? Is she feeling fine, today?”

Andrew’s face creased with concern but he tried to hold on to his smile, “She is quite fine. With a couple of day’s rest she should be as good as new. But the first few days, I was worried about Elizabeth. Her fever just refused to break for four straight days”.

As the two walked along companionably the sheep integrated themselves into one flock. On the far end they saw another shepherd Micah. He didn’t bother to wave or acknowledge them. But they didn’t expect him to either. He was a crabby person.

When he drew nearer to them, Micah asked, “Are you planning to shear your sheep or are you going to let the poor animals have long locks like women? Don’t tell me your bones have become lazy.”

Looking at his own trimmed animals, he declared pompously, “I completed the task a week ago. And I don’t even have a son to help me like you do Joshua.”

Then satisfied with his taunts Micah strolled away. His comment made both Joshua and Andrew cringe but they also thought about the shearing. There would be hectic days ahead when shearing began; the work would keep them busy and their bodies would ache from the long hours.

Andrew was the first to speak. “When will you be shearing the sheep? I want to call my cousin Jesse to help me this time. Last time by the time the shearing ended I was drained and had to rest for a full day.”

Joshua laughed. “What rubbish, you are the most fit person amongst us. You just took the day off to laze around. You wanted your wife and children to fuss over you.”

When Andrew protested, Joshua said, “Get your cousin if you must. I am thinking of asking Rueben to help me this time. He might seem young but it’s better to start young. It gives a person so many more years of experience.”

On their way, they stopped for a while and waited for the sheep to get a few mouthfuls of the grass. The sheep ate there almost daily on their way but they were impatient creatures who could not wait to reach their destination where there was lots of green grass to eat.

With a thoughtful look, Joshua commented, “When do we have to sell the sheep at the temple? I already have too many sheep anyway; I need to prune the flock. This time, I want to go there along with Rueben; it’s been a while since I last went to Jerusalem. I want to offer a thanksgiving offering. Do you want to come also?”

Shaking his head, Andrew said, “I will pass this time. Maybe, next time, friend. I don’t have that many sheep and I don’t want to be away for long since Elizabeth is expecting any day now.”

Smiling Joshua nodded, “I remember how anxious I use to be whenever Sarah was in the family way. Now it is your turn but don’t worry, God is great. He will take care of everything. But it’s not your first time, so don’t worry.”

Micah appeared from nowhere to comment, “Don’t keep relying of God. We haven’t heard from him in years. We are in bondage. Who can defeat the Romans, not even God.”

When both the men protested, Micah asked, “Where is the promised Messiah? Tell me, where are your tongues now”. He muttered, “God, they say. Who has seen him anyway?”

“But I have not time to waste. I need to go to where the best grass is. You can while away your time here. Don’t wait for God. It could be forever”, he said sarcastically as he went off herding his sheep.

Joshua gave the departing Micah a thoughtful look. “I wonder what made him so bitter. We all have hard lives but he seems so negative.”

Andrew shrugged, “Don’t ask me. You have known him longer.”

“Hey the sheep are all over the place, let’s get them back. While we were busy talking, the sheep wandered away,” shouted Andrew.

Both men ran after the sheep from opposite sides shouting to get them to return. Finally they got them rounded up. They drove the sheep faster and covered quite a lot of ground. By the time the sun was up the two shepherds had reached the lush green meadows near the river where they planned to let the sheep eat to their hearts’ content.

The two men saw that they were the first ones to arrive near the Jordan River so they selected a nice place under the shade of the trees where they could also watch over the sheep. Joshua sat under the tree and watched the river as it gurgled past with its clear waters shimmering like stars under the sun. The sight of the river with the lush green meadows on both banks lifted his spirits. Sitting there, he got lost in his thoughts.

Andrew meanwhile tended the sheep a little distance away. Joshua thought of the first time he saw Sarah when she walked past him at the marriage ceremony of her cousin Rebecca. It was fifteen years since then but the thought of his sweet wife as she looked then still managed to give him goose pimples. Daydreaming, Joshua did not notice that the other shepherds came with their sheep as the day progressed.

But not for long, because Micah was again taking pot shots at them. “Listen men, how many of you believe that Yahweh, the God of Jews is listening to us anymore”. Micah’s comments did extract sneers from other shepherds but they did not want to get into this controversial discussion so they walked away herding their sheep along.

Later Joshua and Andrew had their lunches which their wives had packed. But they kept their eyes on the sheep to ensure no predators attacked them or that the sheep did not stray. By late evening they rounded up the sheep and proceeded for home.

Chapter 1: Waiting for the Messiah

Sarah woke to find her husband, Joshua, was not next to her. She was not sure what awoke her but she looked around in the faint morning light. She checked in the other bedroom where all the children were fast asleep. Though she was eager to look for Joshua, she resisted the urge to go outside her home and instead took time to pull the covers over little Martha.

Like always, she was sleeping without covers, away from her elder sister Naomi, who lay there cuddled by herself. Martha could catch a chill thought Sarah so tucked her back inside.

Before leaving the room, Sarah lovingly glanced at the other cot where her two sons slept blissfully, both cozy under the sheepskin covering. Then she stepped outside and looked around in the dawn. She saw the silhouette of Joshua sitting on a log looking at the vast meadows just outside their fencing. Their house was on an incline from where they could see for miles.

Sarah waited near the house, reluctant to disturb her husband who obviously wanted the solitude. But then he turned around, sensing her presence so she sat down next to him. Both sat in comfortable silence as the sun rose, colouring the sky in all the hues of red and gold.

Still watching the horizon, Joshua told his wife, "Sarah, I wonder when the messiah will come as promised to us. Sometimes I think, maybe, we will see him. I often feel we are on the threshold of something big. It had been years since Israel has seen a prophet and people have almost stopped waiting for the Messiah to come."

Still looking ahead, Joshua continued as if speaking to himself, "I feel it's time for God's promise to be fulfilled. I am a small man, just a shepherd not like the Pharisees who know about such things. But in God's eyes all of us are as important as the other."

Looking a little surprised but smiling, Sarah said, "I too have these feelings, like something huge is about to happen, not like a premonition but more like a pleasant phenomenon to look forward too.” Sarah was a devout woman who took care of the family and taught her four children the traditions of Jewish religion between chores. The morning quiet was broken when the sheep moved around and started bleating.

Sarah heard the cry of a child from the house and the spell that held the couple broke. She rushed inside to check. It was little David who was sitting up crying. “Hush baby, go back to sleep”, Sarah patted him. After David had gone back to sleep, Sarah got a pot from the kitchen. She had to get water from the well to prepare the morning meal and for washing.

Later she would wake up Naomi to help in the household chores. She smiled as she thought of Naomi, her eldest child who at fourteen had already entered puberty. Soon she would be old enough to marry.

How time flies, she thought. Just the other day, Naomi was dashing around the meadows, running after the sheep, shrieking as she ran, and now she is almost a grown up woman. Sarah remembered the many times that Naomi has scattered the sheep with her wild screams and sprints with arms spread wide. Now the girl was changing, growing more responsible as she grew up, though she still had the tomboy in her.

Sarah made a mental note of the things she needed to get done as she drew water from the well. She had to light the wood in the fireplace and prepared the bread. “Here take the milk”, said Joshua, “the sheep are not giving as much milk as they did earlier. I think a few of them are also pregnant.”

Sarah poured the milk into a pan to heat later. Sarah liked to ensure Joshua ate something before he went off with the sheep to the pastures so she always cooked something solid in the morning. She stopped for a minute to look around and admire the beauty of the place. The grass near their small coarse but cosy dwelling was all eaten bare by the couple of hundred sheep they owned so for miles near their house the land was bare. But it still looked green and was a beautiful sight.

Though there was a pleasant breeze blowing, Sarah’s nose picked up the overpowering smell of sheep as they flocked outside their enclosure. The sheep were hungry and ready to trample for miles in search of pasture. When she saw the sheep coming out of their enclosure, Sarah hurried inside the house with her third pail of water, she still had to heat the milk and bake the bread before Joshua left.

On her way to the kitchen, Sarah peeked inside the bedroom and called out, “Wake up Naomi, its morning. Your father has been up for hours. He might leave early. Come on, sleepy head, wake up”, said Sarah.

“Wash up and come to the kitchen as soon as you can, I need you to help”.

Inside the kitchen Sarah kneaded the flour for the bread. As the wood burned to a nice glow and the smoke reduced after the initial burst, Sarah put the milk pan to heat just as Naomi entered the kitchen, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

Smiling at her lovely daughter, Sarah said, “Come on girl, get me the iron pan, I want to get the bread ready before your father leaves. I just wish he would eat properly. He could do with a little meat on his bones.”

But Naomi’s body was still in sleep mode. She mumbled, “Oh mama, you worry unnecessarily, papa is fine. Anyway, what did you ask for, I didn't hear you”.

Giving her daughter a faintly annoyed look, Sarah repeated, “Iron pan, I want to cook the bread.” So fetching the thick iron pan, Naomi said,“Here you are, don’t get angry so early in the morning.” But Sarah was not angry; she was just feigning anger to get Naomi moving.

Mother and daughter made the bread together as Sarah hummed an old tune and Naomi joined her mother in the song with her sweet voice. Preparing to serve her father, Naomi poured the hot milk in an earthen cup and got a plate ready to put the bread as soon as it was baked. Both looked up as soon as they heard Joshua calling from outside.

“Sarah, I am leaving, today I want to reach before the other shepherds so that our sheep get the best of the grass”, shouted Joshua, in his strong clear voice. His voice did not sound harsh like so many other shepherds whose voices had become gruff with all the shouting they did.

Before he could leave, Naomi rushed outside. “Wait papa, I have milk and bread ready. I will fetch it in a minute.” She ran and was back with the milk in one hand and the plate with the hot loaf of bread in the other. Joshua smiled at his daughter who was growing up so fast. He sat on the log as Naomi placed the cup and the plate on the wooden table in the centre. It served as a place where the family often sat down to talk and sometimes to eat as well.

Both sat together as Naomi watched her father. He was not such a handsome man but he had the gentle looks of a kind man who was pleasant enough to look at without being striking. Joshua ate his simple meal without a fuss and without wasting time.

He got up, patted his daughter on her head and said, “Be a good girl and help your mother. Also ask Rueben to check with the weaver. The sheep have grown their wool again”.

“So soon?”

“Yes, we need to shave them before the summer sets in or the sheep with fret in the hot weather. I want to know when he wants us to deliver the wool”, said Joshua.

Before leaving, Joshua called Sarah out and gave her a light hug. He waved at them and began herded the sheep towards the meadows. Naomi watched her father as they left. As they got further away the overwhelming smell of sheep began to fade. While she was still standing gazing around, she heard someone moving behind her and guessed that her brother, Rueben had woken up. Normally he woke up along with her but today he had overslept and she had let him sleep a little more. After all Rueben was just twelve but he took himself far too seriously, she thought.

Young Rueben took upon himself the role of the man of the house whenever his father was out tending the sheep. Lately, Rueben had also started to help his father. He took up odd jobs for some extra money. He also went to the synagogue to learn Jewish customs and traditions which were required of all Jewish men.

“Good morning sister. Is that papa leaving?” he asked.

“Yes, he was up early. Mama told me he woke up when it was still dark. Papa told me that you need to go to Bethlehem to ask Obed, the weaver whether he wants wool. We have to shave the sheep before summer sets in”.

Continuing, Naomi said, “Why don’t you go before noon to avoid the heat of the day so that you can return before sunset”.

Rueben went to the wash place near the well to freshen up. After he finished he wiped his face. “I can also fetch some molasses for old man Simon. He told me to get some a couple of days ago but I waited till I had to go to the town for some other work.”

Rueben said, “I will ask mama if she wants me to buy something for the house. Hey both David and Martha are still asleep. Let me wake them up. The sun is already high up.”

Rueben walked towards the kitchen in the back of the house. His mother was in the process of baking more bread. He could smell the aroma of freshly baked bread. He asked his mother, “Do you want me to get you anything from Bethlehem? I am going there to ask Obed uncle when he would like us to deliver the wool. I will also get molasses for old man Simon.”

Turning to leave, he said, “I will wake up David and Martha and get them to wash up. By then I guess food will be ready”.

Sarah replied, “Ok, but don’t delay as the bread is almost done and it is always better to eat when it is still hot.”

Rueben went to the bedroom. He tried to wake up his younger siblings, “Wake up sleepy heads, the sun is shining bright and mama is making fresh bread.” When they did not stir, he shook Martha, and playfully told her, “Sis, you are always saying you will get up when it is still dark but here you are busy sleeping.”

When she still did not awake, he teased, “Look! The sun has risen so high. Aren’t you all grown up now? You must get up early.Now open your eyes.”

He also shook David but instead of waiting for him to get up, he picked him up and walked outside. Martha sat on the bed, rubbing her eyes. Rueben put his brother down besides the well and started washing his face even though David has his eyes shut tight while standing up. But Rueben knew his little brother was just being stubborn and would wake up when he splashed water on his face. David always got very angry when Rueben woke him up that way.

Martha also washed up and was ready for a cup of milk. Sarah served both him and David hot milk and bread and also gave them a dollop of butter. She called out for Naomi who was cleaning the rooms.

Rueben got dressed and was ready to leave for the village. Sarah asked him to get some flour, oil and also molasses. Rueben took along his stick, which was normal for people to carry in those days, but for a boy of twelve, it did look silly. Sarah looked at Rueben carrying his stick and she smiled indulgently. She said, “Be careful on the way and do not waste time. Return straight after finishing all the work. I want you back before its dark, do you understand?”

Rueben smiled, “Don’t worry mama, I am a big boy. I will do all the work and return safely.”

All the other children also came out to bid Rueben farewell as he walked away. When he was a few yards away, Naomi called out, “Rueben please check whether my friend, Hannah is back from her uncle’s place. It has been days and she has still not returned.”
Rueben said, “Ok sis, I will do that”.

Synopsis : The Shepherd

This is the story of a shepherd and his family set in the time of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem more than two thousand years ago. Joshua is one of the shepherds to whom the angel of God gave the first message of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The story begins with the simple narration of this Jewish family who believes in the coming of the messiah. They live in a modest hut on a hillock near Bethlehem. Joshua has two daughters and two sons. He and his wife Sarah teach their children about Yahweh, the Jewish customs and about the promise of the coming of the Messiah. Their life is humble but tough with meager earnings but their hope in the promise of the Lord is strong.

The climax of the story is the day the angel of God proclaims the birth of Jesus to the shepherds who are tending their sheep in the pasture.Just after the angel’s message, Rueben, the elder son comes running to inform Joshua that his younger son David, who has been ailing for a while, has become very sick. Joshua is torn between going to pay homage to baby Jesus with the other shepherds on the one hand and to be with his son David on the other hand.

The decision Joshua takes is what shapes his future life. Read the book and find out Joshua's decision and how this affects his future and his family.