During the past couple weeks I was going through my book shelves and found a book that I had picked up at a resale shop. The Galileans: A Novel of Mary Magdalene was written by Dr. Frank Slaughter and published in 1953. But I never read it.
It was time to read this book. Dr. Slaughter did considerable research, and I enjoyed his description of the time period. Eleven years ago, my husband and I traveled through Israel with a tour group and the scenes described in the book brought back memories of the places.
Dr. Slaughter wrote with the perspective of a physician. The treatments offered by a main character, a leech who studies to become a respected physician, were interesting.
It was insightful to read about the political rivalries and pursuit of wealth taking place during the time of Jesus’ ministry. Not much has changed.
Mary Magdalene’s story is imagined and painted dramatically. The story is balanced with frequent quotes from the Bible. Some realized the truth of Jesus words—Mary and the disciples. Some did not or could not—temple priests, the Sanhredrin, Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate.
The disciples were outside the inner circles of power, and yet they were the ones that realized Jesus was the Messiah. The novel conveys the truth of the gospel.
I realize that there is no political solution to our human problem of sin. Jesus is the way, the truth and life. He calls us to follow him with obedience to God’s commands.
Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community and also Inspire Me Monday .
If it’s fought with worldly tools,
it’s something we can never win,
for it’s Satan who has made the rules
of the politics of sin.
The judges in their robes and wigs
will not deign to hear our plea,
but merely grunt like swilling pigs,
and so, dear God, we turn to Thee
to add Your sinew to our hearts
that we may stand firm in Your grace,
playing every day our parts
to show the world Your stern kind face,
and by example lived full true
bring the lost and lame to You.