“The time to protect yourself and your sheep from a wolf begins when the animal is at a distance.”

Chilled and exhausted, Jesus found himself struggling to understand.

“Remember this. The next time you encounter wolves, and you are injured or have something to protect, do not pray to avoid them. Instead, call out to them. In their language. Just as you try to call the birds.”

“What?” Jesus gasped.

Was he suggesting that he should intentionally draw the wolves?

Solomon smiled. “Yes! And only after you have invited them close—on their terms—do you show your strength. If you do this, you become not prey, but a member of the pack. It is then and only then that you load your sling. And fire your shots. Coming from a powerful member of the clan, this admonishment will subdue them. And you will see then how they respect you. How they fall back and await your next command.”

Jesus stared in wonderment. “Is that the secret?”

“Yes. And having been in a situation like yours many times, I have used it to survive. Never once have I had to flee for my life.”

Jesus gazed up at the stars. He took note of Solomon’s teaching. Though, secretly, he could not deny the rush he had felt upon realizing that his new identity granted him permission to use force. And this privilege he hoped to explore more fully.

Solomon put his arm around the young shepherd. Holding him close, he sensed that something inside the child had changed. That a shift had occurred toward self-assurance. Toward deeper strength and confidence.

Perhaps he would be ready sooner than Solomon had initially believed?

Beneath them, the lamb bleated and wove between their legs.

Jesus knelt to lift her.

Solomon chuckled. “And what will you call your little one?”

Jesus gazed at the animal draped in his arms. He rubbed a finger along the fuzz drying between her ears. He thought for a minute and waited for the answer to come. When it did, he said, “I will call her Anna.”

Solomon nodded. “Anna,” he whispered. He gazed into the distance and said, “Have you ever heard the story of Anna of Asher?”

Jesus shook his head.

“She lived day and night in a far-off cave. Praying and fasting in worship.” He paused for a moment, then said, “So great was her faith that she was able to cultivate the gift of foresight. Of prophesy.” He took Jesus’s eyes into his own. “And you know what she foretold?”

“No.”