Josiah - Conspiracy: Josiah, #5

JOSIAH

CONSPIRACY

The Power of the Truth

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By

David Bassett

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Copyright © 2017 David Bassett

All rights reserved.

Email: AuthorDavidBassett@jccronies.com

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the author.

This book is dedicated to my dad.  He passed away in 2001, leaving us earlier than he should.  His life was earmarked by unfulfilled creative energy, much of which, was misdirected into other endeavors.  I pray that I learn from his life and apply that learning daily.

Contents

Chapter 1 – The Rally

Chapter 2 – Enticement

Chapter 3 – A Woman’s Warning

Chapter 4 – The Morning After

Chapter 5 – Coins

Chapter 6 – Empty

Chapter 7 – Cover Up

Chapter 8 – Answers

Chapter 9 – Collaboration

Chapter 10 – Completed

Chapter 11 – Conspiracy

Chapter 12 – Someone Must Die

Chapter 13 – Overwhelming Grief

Chapter 14 – History Rewritten

Chapter 15 – The Empire Could Crumble

Chapter 16 – Is the Mission Impossible?

Epilogue

Chapter 1 – The Rally

Josiah felt a surge of energy that lifted him out of bed.  The last three days, Jonas had gone to help his father with their family flock.  They needed to take some of the sheep to the temple to present as sacrifices.

Initially, Josiah had hoped to dissuade Rebekah and her husband from taking Jonas.  After all, Josiah was on a mission that could not be completed without Jonas being with him.  But, he understood from his own experience that it was important that his young grandson be a help to his family when it came to presentations at the temple.

I wonder, Josiah thought, if my energy this morning comes from three days of rest, or if God is preparing me for today.

He recalled the reactions that Jonas had on his last visit three days prior.  Josiah had shared of the death of his friend, Jobed, and the carpenter.

It seemed like he understood and believed me, Josiah began to reason.  He was quiet and asked very few questions, though.

Knitting his brow, Josiah now began to wonder if he had done a good job of giving his testimony to his grandson.

I hope that my emotions did not cloud my words, Josiah was now flooded with concern.

You have done well, the familiar voice spoke to Josiah.  Today, you will tell more.

Yes, God, Josiah responded.

Then he broke into a grin.  His spirits began to lift as he stood erect and felt empowered.

Today I will share with him the exciting news, Josiah nodded his head in eager anticipation.

The familiar voice of his grandson, his Jonas, now flooded the small home.

Grandfather?  Are you awake?  It is me, Jonas.  Can I come in?

His voice sounded of energetic youth.  Josiah’s spirits were even more infused with positive energy over hearing Jonas’ voice.

Josiah made his way across the room and to the door.  Gingerly, he opened the door to see Jonas and Rebekah, both with warm smiles.

At that moment, Josiah’s heart was filled with a great love for them both.  Rebekah was his sweet daughter who so powerfully resembled her mother.  While there was some physical resemblance, it was her loving spirit that reminded him so much of his now deceased wife.

Why, Father, Rebekah’s eyes widened, you look quite strong this morning.  It has been months since I have seen you look so well!

She moved through the doorway to give Josiah a strong embrace.  He felt her arms wrap around him, as she placed her left cheek against his right.  The nearness brought him a sense of connection that touched him to the core.

Thank you, my daughter, Josiah began to speak without losing the embrace.  I feel even better, now that I have seen you and Jonas.  I had gotten used to seeing you daily.  The last three days have not felt complete without your visit.

Seeing you now, it appears that a few days without us has actually helped, Rebekah said into Josiah’s ear just above a whisper.

There was a gentle negative nudging that rose in Josiah.  He thought about responding with a rebuke.  His ego was speaking within him, challenging her comment.

You are the parent, she is the child.  She does not know better than you do what is best for you.  You have taught her everything she knows and she needs to treat you with more respect, spoke the negative voice in his head.

But a gentler, more loving voice followed, She cares for you and loves you deeply.  Your daughter is being encouraging, not demanding.  Love her back.

Josiah wanted to consider himself strong whether they spent time with him or not.  Since his wife had died years earlier, he has been very independent and was proud of that fact.  Quickly, though, he put down that negative inner voice, deciding instead to focus on the joy their arrival brought to him and the love that they shared for one another.

I am feeling stronger, Josiah nodded, as he emphasized the word ‘am’.

I suspect that you have been praying for me, Josiah continued.  I have always found prayer to be the key to life.

Yes, father, I have, Rebekah placed her left hand on the back of Josiah’s head.  Still leaning into him, her head next to his, she continued, You have taught me well.

Josiah leaned his head against her cheek.  He was reminded of how strong his marriage had been with Rebekah’s mother.

Grandfather, Jonas interrupted.

He is still too young to understand what is happening between me and Rebekah, thought Josiah.

Yes, Jonas, Josiah said as he moved away from Rebekah, reluctantly releasing their embrace.

I have been thinking about what you shared.  Will you be sharing anymore about Jobed? Jonas asked with a tone of anticipation.

I am afraid not, Jonas, Josiah dropped his head as a wave of grief came over him.  You have heard his whole story.

Josiah’s heart suddenly became very heavy.  Rebekah reached for him.  As she squeezed his left hand, he felt comforted.  The moment hung still for Josiah.  The sense of loss he felt over Jobed still was powerful for him despite all the years that had gone by.

You never forget a good friend, Josiah’s mind filled with this truth.

Atticus!  Will you be sharing more about Atticus?  Jonas was clearly becoming excited.  He seemed to be enjoying guessing who the focus of the day would be on next.

My Roman friend, Josiah mused silently over the thought of having a friendship with someone he had at one time seen as a dreaded enemy.

Yes, Jonas, you are right, Josiah looked at Jonas as he motioned him over to sit at the table.  You will get to hear more of Atticus today.

Jonas cocked his head and excitedly he grinned.

Do you think I could meet Atticus?  I would love to meet a Roman.  Though they scare me because they just take what they want and I need to protect our flock from them, Atticus sounds like a nice man, Jonas spoke in a rapid pace.

Well, Josiah hung on that single word.  He pondered how best to respond without giving away too much right now.

Let me tell you his story today and then see what you want to do, or should I say, can do, Josiah moved towards the door.

Rebekah batted her eyes bashfully as she dropped both her gaze and her head.  Josiah had told her of Atticus years ago, so she was already familiar with the outcome.  He recalled that his daughter had grown fond of the Roman, though she had never met him.

I believe Jonas is going to enjoy what you share today, Rebekah whispered as she headed towards the door.  At least most of it.

Josiah nodded in agreement.  Yes, I believe he will, just like you.

Rebekah leaned in and gave her father a kiss on the cheek.  She waved good-bye to Jonas and slipped out of the house.

Josiah watched as she made her way out of sight.  His heart was full of love for his daughter at that moment.

Suddenly, he was reminded of his mission.  Today it was going to be important that he tell the story well.  He needed Jonas to understand and felt the weight of that responsibility.

Turning towards Jonas, Josiah smiled.

Are you ready to begin, Jonas?

Yes, grandfather!

Then let’s get started.



Chapter 2 – Enticement

Urban was a brusque man.  He was not a clever or very self-aware man.  This opened him up to the manipulations of others that were skilled at using others to push their own ideals and agendas.

Gasher had seen him for some time, serve under Atticus.  He admired the warrior spirit within Urban, a quality that he had not seen in Atticus for years. 

Surprising to him, was the promotion Atticus received to Centurion.  In Gasher’s mind, a Centurion was more focused on using his position to command people, soldiers and the public.  He should be assertive, if not, outright aggressive.  Gasher believed the Centurion should be menacing and in complete control.

Instead, Atticus seemed to change from that type of man into someone who showed a great deal of compassion.  Gasher had heard that recently, in the barracks, a couple of the soldiers were discussing the foolishness of these Jews in how they chose to worship a god that they could not see.  They were quite proud of their family gods, the small statuettes that they kept near their bunks.

Rather than straightforwardly commanding the men to stop speaking so well of their conquered foes, Atticus joined in their conversation.  He shared that the Romans could learn some value from this strange religion.  Gasher heard that Atticus even suggested that the men should be open to learning about and understanding this faith.

Considering this, Gasher thought, What is wrong with Atticus?  Is he getting soft with his convictions?  He should be demanding the men be faithful to their Roman heritage.  Giving them a choice?  What kind of Centurion is he?  Not a very good Roman.

Gasher had been present the day the former Decanus, Atticus, came to Urban about the change in rank.  He overheard their exchange.

Urban, Atticus called out for