Here at Geode Press we focus on publishing historical novels that inspire others. We hope these Tuesday Teasers have encouraged you to learn more about Zenobia; A great warrior queen who challenged Rome. We believe there is a lot we can learn from her pursuit for truth and justice. During Zenobia’s informative years, a spiritual quest about the teachings and stories of a man named Jesus spread through-out the land. Zenobia was always interested in justice and wanted to know how The Gods felt about justice. People claimed that Jesus was doing God’s work and that intrigued Zenobia to learn more. Here is a scene from chapter 15 in Zenobia – Challenging a Legend:
Zelina and Zenobia had gone to the library to read Jesus’ parables, and several of their classmates were there for the same purpose. They formed a group around a table and opened the book, The Good News according to Luke. Horus showed them the spot where the librarian had suggested they start reading, and they crowded around to see together. Zelina was content to listen.
Horus began to read, “And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’
“He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?’
“So he answered and said, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”’
“And he said to him, ‘You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.’”
“So where is the good Samaritan,” Filemon asked, interrupting the reading.
“I think it comes next,” answered Remus. “Keep reading, Horus.”
Horus did so. “But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’
“Then Jesus answered and said, ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now, by chance, a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.
“‘But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.”
“‘So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?’”
“Wow, that’s a really tough question,” interjected Zephon. “Let’s see, could it be …”
Horus, irritated, waved him to be silent while he finished the account. “And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Go and do likewise.’”
The students remained silent for a minute, digesting the parable. Finally, Theophus spoke, “Well, I’m impressed! For sure, this guy knew how to teach.”
“Yeah,” agreed Remus, “you’ll never hear something like that in a Roman temple.”
Zenobia listened while she reread the account, which was in Greek. She checked that her mother had grasped it all, and she had to translate a couple of phrases for her.
“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” ― Oprah Winfrey
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