Once Upon a Time…*

The sun was just peaking up from the horizon, when Zara lowered the bucket into the well. It was already warm today, so she was glad she had come a little early to gather water. Beads of sweat began to rise on her forehead as she pulled the full bucket up and poured it into her first jar. Some water splashed on her sandal and she found herself remembering a day long ago at the seaside.

It had been a day much like this one, but she and Isaac were newer and thought they had so much to look forward to in life. Zara was so happy to see the Galilee, that she had run right into the waves lapping at the shore. Isaac laughed at her childish heart—and her soaked sandals. But he found a high rock to dry them on and had rubbed a bit of oil on them when they dried, to soften them for her. He is such a kind man, she thought. He still treated her with honor, in spite of the grief she had brought into their marriage.

She lowered the bucket once more, and imagined she could feel the cooling breezes that had made that hot day long ago so bearable. She remembered he had laid down his cloak for her to rest on, while he caught fish to roast for their meal. She laid out a fresh loaf of barley bread, some lentil stew, and half-a-dozen figs from her father’s grove. They enjoyed quite a feast that day.

Remembering their happiness made Zara’s heart feel light. Everything about the day had been so special. How she wished they could restore the hope that once filled their hearts. Instead, their lives had been marked by grief upon grief, and she knew it was her fault. Still, Isaac loved her. A tear landed on her cheek. She quickly wiped it away. “Be strong, Zara,” she chastised herself.

Suddenly a voiced cried out from behind her, a friendly call that interrupted Zara’s daydreaming. She turned around to see her lifelong friend, Eliana, running towards her. “Zara! Zara! I’m so glad to see you here!” Eliana dropped her water jars beside the well and embraced her friend. Eliana’s eyes were bright and a broad smile crossed her face.

“Eliana, how are you? I am so glad to see you.”

“Oh! I am more glad to see you. Zara, I have wonderful news to share!” She held her friend’s shoulders and looked into her eyes. She could see the lingering shadows on her friend’s face, and felt all the more excited to share her good news. “Zara, have you heard that Jesus is coming today?”

“Jesus, the son of Joseph? From Nazareth?”

“Yes! The very one!”

“No, I had not heard.”

“He will be at the seaside this afternoon,” Eliana told her. “He will be there to pray for the sick, Zara.”

“The sick?”

“Yes! The sick are made well, when He prays for them, Zara. Just like that!” Eliana clapped her hands together. “Just like that!”

Zara had heard about Jesus. She had heard of the lame being able to walk, the blind being made to see. Could He…? She was afraid to think He could bring life to her womb. That must surely be too much to ask.

Eliana could see a glimmer of light in her friend’s eye. As if reading her mind, she answered the questions in her heart. “Yes, Zara, He can. I know He can.” Zara almost smile, but the fear of hoping caused her to turn away, She lowered the bucket and asked, “Where will He be?”

“He will be at Galilee.” Eliana took her friends arm and Zara turned back towards her friend, gazing into Eliana’s lively eyes. “Oh, Zara, let’s go. Let’s go see Jesus. It could be your day to receive a touch from the Master. Tell Isaac. I know he and Jacob have spoken about Jesus. I know he believes. We can all go together.” Zara’s heart began to fill with hope.

“I do want to go, Eliana. I really do!”

“Then, let’s hurry home and get ready.” Eliana was drawing her water now. Zara raised her jars to her shoulders. “Let’s meet at the great rock, and travel together. There will be many people, and this way we won’t lose each other in the crowd.”

“But, do you think there will still be tickets, by the time we get there?”

“Eunice told me that’s why He’s coming to the seaside, to allow for many more people to hear Him speak.” She positioned her jars and walked beside Zara. “It is five shekels more to have Him pray for you, but I’m sure Isaac will agree that it is worth the price.”

With every step back to their homes, hope and excitement filled Zara’s heart. Maybe, this really would be her day, the end of her shame and Isaac’s mourning. Oh, how she longed to give him the son he deserved. He was such a good and kind man. How could God continue to deny him a child? She and Eliana parted with a kiss on the cheek, and Zara hurried home to share the good news with Isaac.

“Isaac,” she called. “Isaac!” She saw him at the table and set her jars down. “Isaac, I have some—.” She stopped herself mid-sentence, as she stepped closer to him and could see his purse was poured out across the table. He had been counting his money, over and over. Her tone changed from excitement to concern. “Isaac, what is wrong?”

He looked up at her; weariness covered his face. “We have lost our ox. Phineas gave me the news. The ox died during the night.”

“Oh, Isaac.” She came closer and leaned over him with a gentle embrace.

“We don’t have enough to replace him. I will see what I can sell at the marketplace. Meanwhile, I’m afraid we will have to make due the best we can.”

“Of course. I have plenty of stores to get us through.”

“I thought I would have a happy surprise for you today, but instead I only have this bad news.”

“You are always my happy surprise, Isaac.” She knelt at his feet and rested her head against him.

“This was special, my Zara. Jesus is coming to the Galilee today, and I wanted to take you to see Him.” Zara caught her breath, stopping herself from revealing her disappointment. She forced a smile and looked up at her beloved. “There will be another day to see Jesus, Isaac.”

She turned her face to the floor and closed her eyes, forcing the tears back. Isaac bent down and kissed the top of her head. He had also heard of the miracles Jesus had performed. Hope had been rising in his heart that morning, too, but the news of their ox had once again shattered his dreams. The hope of a child of his own would have to wait. The price was too dear, when they had an ox to buy.

Eliana and Jacob waited for almost an hour at the great rock, but finally went on without their friends. As they were traveling with other neighbors they would learn about Isaac’s ox. Eliana openly cried for Zara and uttered a word of gratitude that she and Jacob were in better circumstances, at least today. At least today, they could afford to see Jesus.

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“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:3 ❤

*This is a work of fiction.