Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Postcards (08/29/05)
-
TITLE: To My Beloved In Rome | Previous Challenge Entry
By Nina Phillips
08/31/05 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Summer had been fruitful and full this year. Her heart was full of joy and gladness. Happy with life, and adoration of the Lord, also cherishing her new found family. What a time they had together! Evangelizing the world with the gospel of their Lord Jesus. Heartfelt thoughts encouraged her as she made her journey into Rome.
Their beloved brother Paul, had precious cargo for her. A postcard greeting and epistle to the saints in Rome. The underground Church in dangerous territory.
Faith and boldness was required for this perilous mission. Less suspicion would be aroused, as a woman. A beautiful woman at that. She knew that type of beauty was only skin deep. It did come in handy at times.
Phebe recalled the service preparations at the home of Priscilla and Aquilla, fellow laborers. Filled with the odor of freshly baked bread, the small decorative bowls for the sop, similar to a banquet. The other's would also bring what they had to share. Variety of fish, salmon and perch, colorful woven blankets to sit on while they conversed.
Aquilla was a tent maker, Paul also mastered the trade. The members, often gathered in one of the great tents. Greeting one another with a steady flow of smiles and nods.
A pleasant stillness would settle, aware of the presence of the Lord flowing through the humble crowd of gatherers.
Someone softly started a psalm of worship, and soon it was a melodious refrain.. She could hear the deep rich pitch of the men almost like a bum-bum of drums as the women joined, adding the voices of psaltery and harp.
Aquilla and wife Priscilla ministered mightily to the believer's that awesome evening, and great grace was on them all.
Phebe, delighted in the Lord, worshipping, praying and fasting throughout her many journeys.
She was often called lovingly by her family in Christ, "little light." Her birth name, meant "fearsome" and "bright." She glimmered as she witnessed and testified for Jesus. Evidenced by God, through many miracles and signs. She was known a succorer of many.
She smiled come rain or shine, with joy like sunlight cutting through clouds. Phebe wondered if she were found with this epistle, would she continue to smile and worship Jesus as she was being publicly tortured at Roman hands?
The images caused shivers to run up her spine. She gripped the mail hidden beneath her bosom, as she smuggled into her shawl. She could hardly wait to hear the epistle Paul had carefully written to the church, and she would protect it with her life if need be.
Lively paced steps, as though she knew the exact direction, hoping her memory served correctly. She heard a small clanking noise from behind, smelling the odor of the man as he quickly approached. Trying not to draw attention was hard to do, in some instances, especially here.
"Oh no," she thought, "It's a soldier." She turned and smiled demurely, lowering her eyes to let her silky lashes flutter. It was more a natural act, than pretense. The soldier looked at her sternly, and said, "Are you the one they call Little Light?..Phebe?"
He looked like he was all business to Phebe. The voice of the Lord spoke to her, "Go with him, and tell him the good news."
Phebe didn't hesitate. She recognized that still small voice. Gazing at the soldier full of the Holy Ghost said, "Sir, before I tell you about myself, let me tell you about one sent from God, whose name is Jesus."
As they walked, they came upon the soldiers horse and chariot. Tears misted and fell from blue eyes, he proclaimed, "Truly, Christ Jesus is the living Son of God."
Phebe, finally arrived at the home of the saints that heard that she would be arriving shortly. They were already prepared. "Wonderful," Phebe smiled, "he's reading the postcard aloud now!"
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God...."
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Well written and thought out, thanks for sharing!