Arriving in Jerusalem

I have been considering the story-line for a book since I was 18 (or so). Now that I am 68, it is available for you. “What If” is a historical fiction regarding the relationships between Pontius Pilate and his wife Claudia, Pontius Pilate and his boss Tiberius Caesar, and between Pontius Pilate and Jesus. Now-and-again, another chapter occurs to me, and here is a short section which includes a conversation between Pontius and Claudia. A conversation between husband and wife “Good morning, dear.” Pontius announced as he entered the room. “How did you rest, my dear” Claudia replied, with a twinkle in her eyes, “I slept peacefully and feel great. And, you, dear husband?” “It was a peaceful night. I am so very excited for our trip to Jerusalem and on to Africa. I feel refreshed and ready to show the world what we know. I pray I am up to the task.” Claudia reached out to touch Pontius’ hand, “I will be there with you dear. We will call on the strength offered by our friend Yahushua and the Holy Spirit to direct our words to all that will hear us. Some pomegranates and fresh bread, dear? Or we have some left-over mutton. I can ask cook to prepare some for us. I look forward to releasing all of our slaves to a free life, and giving them the funds to start it. I am also excited for our journey to share what we know to the world, and to have productive work to share.” “I think just some pomegranates and bread.” Then saying a blessing over the breakfast, Pontius continued, “Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you for thinking of us, and providing the blessing of food and drink for us. All good things come from you and we ask for your blessings on this meal.” “So,” Pontius turned to Claudia and asked, “did you hear the other exciting news from Tiberius? He has decided to allow and encourage the wearing of braccae throughout the empire.” Claudia replied, “I did hear that. I think I should like to add braccae to my wardrobe.” “I think you should.” Pilot responded with mock approval on his face. “I wasn’t asking for your permission, dear.” Claudia announced, having missed his expression. “I wasn’t giving it, love.” Pontius said, perhaps a little hurt that Claudia had missed what he was saying. “You are an intelligent, mature, and capable woman. You can certainly manage the nuances of your manner of dress so that is most suitable for you. I’m not in charge of you.” Pontius smiled. Pontius took the thought down a hare trail. “I imagine a time when someone will suggest women should be quiet in meetings, always wear a hat when praying, and cover their hair. While that may be culturally significant, I would never propose that you need to be silent in group meetings. Your voice is just as valid as mine, and maybe even more. I believe Yahushua would say, ‘it is a circumcised heart that the Lord desires. And your heart, my love, is so sweet and ready for anything from the Lord.” Catching his humor this time, Claudia opined, “I think there will me so many exciting things that are going to be available for us. I do not know how we are so blessed.” “But, that leads me to another thought that has been nagging at my mind for a while.” Pontius began. “Throughout the empire, whether Roman, Hebrew, Arab, or other, two individuals are brought together to live together and are committed to each other – sometimes arranged like we were, or by a match-maker, or by choice. It is commonly held by many, probably most, that one person needs to be in charge. I ask myself, ‘Why’?” “Well, dear, doesn’t someone have to take responsibility for decisions? I would gamble that as we embark on our travels we will find some customs in which one partner is responsible while in another community it may be the other partner.” Claudia countered. “True enough. But does that make it right, just because it is custom? So again, why? Where does discussion, compromise, and agreement come in? If two mature, committed adults can make plans together for their lives, can they not also agree to reach an accord? I know what you are thinking, dear wife. What if I feel as strongly ‘Yes’ as you feel ‘No’? “Well, instead of being at impasse,” Pontius continued, “I say that in a committed, loving, caring relationship, one partner must be willing to be crucified for the sake of the other. Just as the Lord, our savior Yahushua was willing to be crucified to show us another, better way to behave, one partner needs to swallow hard, and say, “I love you, dear.” And be done with it. Not bring it up again; not say, “I told you so.” To hold fast to one another and go through this life with a love that is supporting and unconditional, just as Yahushua has taught us,”  I would love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback is gold to me!! And by the way, if you haven’t had a chance to check out the resource section of the website, there are tools and support available to you. Also would you for you to stay in touch with me if interested. Being a new author, it would mean the world to me to hear from you……… Please feel free to check back. There are additional chapters being posted here. I hope that we can have a chance to discuss because the answers are in the discussing. This book is a labor of love and on the website are tools and support that is available for you, dear reader. Please consider staying in touch with me as you have the interest.

I have been considering the story-line for a book since I was 18 (or so). Now that I am 68, it is available for you. “What If” is a historical fiction regarding the relationships between Pontius Pilate and his wife Claudia, Pontius Pilate and his boss Tiberius Caesar, and between Pontius Pilate and Jesus. As, another chapter occurs to me, I will include them it in my blog. Here is a short section which includes a conversation between Pontius and the disciple John Yom Kippur Sabbath Awaking early, Pontius rolled out of bed having a fitful night. Tying his sandals, he headed toward the pantry. ‘Wine,’ he thought, as the weight of the last few days seemed to add pressure upon pressure. Turning though the archway, Pontius could see man sitting in the dark. Pontius asked, “John, are you alright?” “I am trying to … “ Trailing off, John’s voice just stopped. “I know it is early, John,” Pontius began, “but let you and I step out for a walk. The air will do us both a bit of good.” Stepping out, it was not the cool morning Pontius had hoped. The African winds brought some heat and the Mediterranean added so much humidity, one could cut it with a short sword. The moon added an ethereal illusion to the neighborhood, and the smell of yesterday’s dinners still hung in the air. As they walked, silently, only the sounds of sandals on the cobblestones, an occasional oil lamp would light, as a citizen was beginning a new day. As they turned the corner, Pontius realized, “This is the hill that Yahushua would sit and talk.” Walking part-way up the hill, in more of a march than a stroll, Pontius turned and commented, “You know, John, I had come by a couple times to listen to Yahushua.” “Yes, I did know that. So did He.” John answered. I remember another hill, outside of Yahushua’s home town of Nazareth. In our travels, He went there to teach, and visit with His family and perhaps find some restoration. “It was the oddest thing,” John Continued, “He wanted to share Himself with whom He was closest. His childhood friends, neighbors, His loved ones. When Yahushua arrived at the Synagogue, He began to teach, just as you heard that one day through window, Pontius (John shot Pontius a sideways glance) but the people were astounded. I know as Praetor, you have had your finger on the pulse of so many things throughout Judea, Yahushua has performed many miraculous acts. YOU may not believe them all, but I have seen so many things. His neighbors had heard of them as well. “The people could not understand how this man, who they watched grow from an infant to a child to a young man, could do these things? They knew Yahushua’s mother Mary. They knew the man who raised him, Joseph/ They knew his brothers and sisters. They knew Yahushua as a craftsman. They could not believe Yahushua was the messiah. “Now, I’ve seen Yahushua perform miracles with just a word. I’ve seen a woman healed who merely touched his robe. And, for another blind man, Yahushua made a paste with some dust and some of his own spittle and rubbed it on the man’s eyes to open them,” John continued. Pontius interrupted, “Sounds a little haphazard.” “Here is what we found. Yahushua is able to show his power and will meet people where they are, but only if the individual is willing to reach out to Him. “So, here’s the point. The Almighty God can do anything. It is in His power to do what he will. He is sovereign. But he is not capricious. He works within rules. He needs something from us in order for us to work together. We have free will to choose or to not. He is not some snake charmer who can play a clarinet and make us dance to His tune. He is only able give us, and allow us to have, what we willingly accept. Yahushua was not accepted by the people who knew him best. Because their expectations were preset and unchanging. He healed a couple people. He wanted so much to share all that He was with the people He knew, but they just could not believe in Him. If a word is all that is needed, he will say the word. If the individual expects and needs a balm to receive a blessing, God is willing to provide. John continued, “You and I, Pontius, had the opportunity to see Him as He was, with new eyes. How we can go on from here is a struggle that I must work out on my own.” With that, John again trailed off. Pontius offered, “I think I will head back. The world is waking. You stay here as long as you like, John. Come back whenever you are ready.” Pontius stood and headed back, thinking. “Things were not much clearer now that when he left home.” Wondering aloud, “What kind of Son of God is this that offers things, but does not order things to happen?”  Please feel free to check out back. This book is a labor of love and on the website are tools and support that is available for you, dear reader. Please consider staying in touch with me as you have the interest. Much love.

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