Forgiving Promises

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© 2013 by Susan A. Perkins. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse 11/04/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4918-0735-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-0736-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-0737-8 (e)

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Contents

Dedication

Synopsis of Book Two Passover Promises

Cast of Characters

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Biographies

Endnotes

Dedication

My friend Bob McLaughlin who was Cleopas

And

Sylvia’s cat Cricket

With Thanks to:

Beth Crocker

Dr. Michael Lefkowitz

Chaplain Robert Perkins

And My Lord

Synopsis of Book Two Passover Promises

Passover Promises tells the story of two families celebrating Passover and seeing it from two entirely different points of view. Zaccheus’ family is looking forward to celebrating Passover knowing that Yeshua is the long awaited Messiah. They know he is going to Jerusalem to die. Zebulon and Amos take their family to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover with Amos’ Uncle Caiaphas who is High Priest. There they are embroiled in the arrest, trial, and execution of Yeshua.

During the celebration of Passover each family tells the ancient story and the children ask the Passover questions. But each family hears the story and understands the questions from their own perspective. Zaccheus’ family understood that Yeshua would be the final Passover lamb. As the firstborn of Egypt died to release the people from bondage, the firstborn of God died to release us from the slavery of sin. The prophecy of Caiaphas, Better that one man should die than the whole nation perish! was more true than he could know. He thought he was keeping the peace with Rome. Unwittingly he was speaking of the final work of redemption.

On the first day of the week the tomb is empty. The angel reports, He is not here. He is risen.

Now that Yeshua is alive, each family begins its own journey. The longest journey will be for Amos. He is driven to put his family together without realizing his real search is for Forgiving Promises.

Cast of Characters

In Jericho:

The household of Zaccheus

Zaccheus and Onnua

Hiram and Mydia: their former servants

Kezia: Hiram and Mydia’s daughter

Bernice: Onnua’s grandmother

Cricket: their old cat

The household of Zebulon

Zebulon and Mara: a Pharisee and his wife

Amos and Eunice: their son and his wife

Bartemaus, Silas, and Clovese: Amos and Eunice’s children

Other Jericho Residents

Zipporah: Onnua’s mother

Dorah: Eunice’s mother

Laban and Leah: Onnua’s sister and her husband

Olivia and Laban: their children

Jethro: Onnua’s uncle and a worker of leather goods

Enoch: his grandson

In Jerusalem:

The household of Caiaphas: High Priest of Jerusalem

Caiaphas and Rona: Zebulon’s brother and his wife

Annus: Rona’s father

The household of Cleopas

Cleopas and Rachael: Bartemaus’ friend and his wife

Lydia and Nathanael: their children

Other Jerusalem Residents

Stephen, John and other disciples of Yeshua

Mahnoah: a jeweler

In Bethany:

Jathar: a Samaritan

Fidelia and Felix: Jathar’s children

Pharaoh: a big lovable dog

In Lystra:

Aunt Anne: Dorah’s sister

Suzanna: Silas’ friend, a street performer

Matthias: her brother

Prologue

The crowd shouted with bloodlust while Yeshua slowly dragged his cross through the dusty streets of Jerusalem. He fell to his knees, his chest heaving from the effort of carrying the heavy wooden beam that would become the cross beam of the permanent uprights that stood already on the hill of Golgotha. Golgotha, the Skull, was a permanent place of execution used by the Romans as a form of deterrence to those who would speak or act against Rome.

Yeshua rose once more.

Under the prodding of a Roman whip, he took a few staggering steps and fell again. One of the Romans quickly conscripted an on-looker to help Yeshua carry his cross and the procession continued out of the gate and up the hill. The beam was thrown on the ground; Yeshua’s robes were stripped from Him and taken away. He was forced to lie against the beam, His arms stretched out on the beam, and ropes were tied about the forearms, and then huge spikes were pounded into the center of his wrists. The sound of the wooden mallet striking the nails echoed above the shouts of the crowds. A deep gasping moan escaped Yeshua’s lips.

How much more could this man endure? He had been beaten with the cat-o’-nine-tails 40 but one lashes—all that the law would allow. His face had received blow after blow during interrogation. A crown of thorns had been pushed onto his head and was still there, blood dripping down into His eyes.

The cross beam was next pulled by ropes up onto the support beam and secured in place. The blood oozing from the tattered flesh on Yeshua’s back mingled with the blood of all the previous victims who had hung upon this cross. A soldier came and pushed Yeshua’s feet to the support platform, crossed them and held them as another soldier pounded yet another large spike into both feet.

The crowd had been boisterous and loud through all of this. But now they were suddenly silenced by Yeshua’s voice reverberating down the hill and into eternity . . . Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.

Amos sat up suddenly, his face and body wet with sweat. His heart was racing and his breath came in labored gasps. It was only a dream! No! It was a memory. And he was reliving it.

He stood and walked shakily to the water pitcher. He splashed some of the cool liquid into his hands and onto his face. He dried his face with the soft towel and wished he could catch his breath. He had not been running but he felt as if he had.

This was not the first night he had awakened like this. But he always awoke when Yeshua said, Father forgive them… .

He sat back down on the sleeping platform. Amos reached for Eunice. Her side was empty. Of course she was not there. She had gone home to Jericho and he had remained in Jerusalem. How many more nights would he awake from this nightmare.

Chapter One

Y eshua was alive to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. Yes, Yeshua was as alive as any of us. The disciples knew he was alive? Of course they did. How could it be otherwise? Yeshua and his disciples had been together for at least three years. And three days after He was crucified, He lived again. The disciples had seen Him, eaten fish by the sea with him, and thrust their hands into his hands and side. They were His witnesses, His encouragers, His confidants. They were with Him when He ascended in glory.

The mention of Yeshua’s life brings me back to the point I started from. There is no doubt that Yeshua was alive. This must be believed and understood, or no good thing can come from the story I am about to relate to you.*

Zaccheus was thrilled that he was going to be a father, again. His first son had died in infancy and for many years Onnua had been barren. But now they were to have another child. They both hoped and prayed it would be healthy and live. Zaccheus secretly prayed that it would be a son. If it was, this child could never replace the child Seth that Zaccheus carried as a memory in his heart. He (or she) and Zaccheus would make new memories together.

Onnua had wanted to remain in seclusion as was proper for a woman in the family way. But that was not possible. Right after Passover, the Passover when Yeshua had died on the cross, they began packing and moved to a smaller house in Jericho. The large house that sat next to the Pharisee Zebulon’s house had been sold and the new tenants were anxious to move in. Zaccheus, and his former servant Hiram, were going to buy an inn in Bethany but these details had not been worked out yet. So moving to the smaller house was only a temporary move. They were now renting the smaller house until the move to Bethany. This was not what the owner of the smaller house had wanted; but for some extra rent, he was willing to forego the sale.

Working out the details of the move and the living arrangements until they could go to Bethany was a challenge. Kezia, the young daughter of Hiram and his wife Mydia, volunteered to share a room with her father and mother, but it was decided that she could share with Bernice. This suited Kezia for she adored her adopted grandmother. Bernice made jokes that she, Bernice, would probably snore and would keep the young girl up. Kezia had had her own room since she had been about five. But she was so very pleased with the opportunity to stay with Bernice. Mydia had been Zaccheus’ slave since they had first come to Jericho. For her faithful service to Zaccheus’ old and addled mother, Zaccheus had given her her freedom as a wedding gift.

How things changed! Now this former master and the former slave and servant were to be partners running the inn in Bethany. Ever since Yeshua had come to the home of the (soon to be former) tax gatherer, Zaccheus had become a changed man. And that changed man could not collect taxes and live off the burden bore by his neighbors.

Was his wife Onnua proud of him? Oh, yes, she was very proud of him. She knew that she would no longer live a life filled with luxury. She knew she would have to work too. But what was that to her? She had a husband she loved and respected, she already loved to cook and garden, and she was about to produce a child for him. Her happiness knew no bounds.

As the family made plans for the move up to Bethany, Zaccheus was still obligated to make his rounds to the tax paying citizenry of Jericho. And he made, what he hoped was his last, trip to Jerusalem as tax collector.

Zaccheus stood before the Magistrate. He always waited quietly while this man went over the books. Yes, this man was bigger than the last time. Truly he had been growing since Zaccheus was first hired to collect the Roman tax as a young man here in Jerusalem. And every year The Magistrate became more repugnant to Zaccheus. Today, instead of the white, pasty looking flesh that Zaccheus had come to know and loath, The Magistrate looked flushed. And he was breathing heavily. He wiped his nose and coughed, then shifted the account scrolls.

Revenues are down in Jericho. Are people out of work?

Not to my knowledge.

They are all on holiday then?

No, sir.

Hum, the man shifted his large bulk of body and leaned back. He peered at Zaccheus over his plump cheeks. Then what is causing the problem in Jericho? You have always been one of my most reliable men.

To be honest, sir, I am the problem.

Zaccheus, my boy, you may steal from the people to your heart’s content. But you will not short me.

It isn’t that, Sir.

Then speak up! What is the nature of your problem?

Zaccheus knew what the nature of his problem was. But how did he say it to this imposing personage? He knew what he believed and felt; it was just so hard for him to articulate it. And especially to this Roman, how could he understand?

I… he began lamely, I, well… my heart just isn’t in this work anymore.

Oh? You’ve found something more lucrative? Do tell, I’m always interested in new ways to make an honest talent. And then he laughed a sadistic laugh that sent him into a spasm of coughing.

Zaccheus wondered if this man had ever made an honest living, or even ever worked for a living for that matter. But he waited for the coughing to cease and then tried to put his words into order.

My family and I have met the man named Yeshua, the one that some call the Christ. We believe that He is the one who is our Messiah. We are trying to live by His words and that just doesn’t seem, he searched for the right word, "compatible with taxing the people. Or at least following the Christ is not compatible with my collecting taxes from the people. So, I have come this time to resign my office in Jericho. I wish to be replaced as soon as possible."

The Magistrate studied him with beady eyes that seemed sunken into the flesh of his face. It was as though he were pondering some unaccustomed thought; which indeed he was doing. How could a man walk away from the wealth and power that being a tax gatherer gave him? And to follow this man that The Magistrate knew had been crucified.

He’s dead, you know, said The Magistrate and then he waited for a reaction.

He’s alive. Many have seen Him.

So you say. He took a large swig of wine and belched. Zaccheus hated it when he belched. You aren’t the first you know.

I am not the first what?

The Magistrate smiled and chuckled. Levi, you know the one that took the post I offered you before that unfortunate incident on the road to Jericho? Well, not so unfortunate. You were going home after delivering the revenue. If you had been coming with it, and the money had been stolen, that would have been very unfortunate indeed. Well, Levi was out at his station one day and that Man came up to him and off Levi went with Him, leaving all the money on the table. The Roman guards came and reported the incident to me, and brought in the money. I suspect they kept a few coppers for themselves. I’m sure that they felt justified since they aren’t paid that well as it is to live in this dirty little outpost so far from family and home.

Yes, I met Levi the day they came to my home. I did not realize he was the same man.

I will expect you to stay on until I send someone.

I planned on that. Zaccheus really wanted to be done today, but knew that he must wait for a replacement to be assigned.

I must insist that you meet your revenue quotas.

Zaccheus nodded. He should have anticipated that, but he did not know how he would manage it. Please keep me informed about a replacement. Good day.

The servant came to show him out. It was the same man who had been here for years waiting on the disgusting lump of flesh that smelled as though it were already rotting. Zaccheus pitied him. How could he work in there daily? Perhaps he was a slave and had no choice. Well, thought Zaccheus, with luck he, Zaccheus, would only have to endure one more of these interviews.

Chapter Two

R achael was a beautiful bride. The mass of her dark curly hair framed her face in the same way that her dark lashes framed her eyes. She was dressed in a cream colored tunic that highlighted her flawless olive skin. Her ready smile made the corners of her eyes crinkle. Her uncle was quick to comment that she had smiled a lot lately. Her uncle was her only relative and the man that she and Lydia had lived with.

And Lydia was the beguiling miniature of her mother. She wore a tunic of the same fabric. There were flowers woven into her hair. And her hair was turning into damp ringlets sticking to her face. She and some other children were running about and trying to dance, mimicking the adults. Her sandals were missing. They had been kicked off when she found them cumbersome in the midst of a game.

Cleopas, the groom, and his family—who were not people of means—had paid for this modest nuptial ceremony. Some friends were supplying music and Cleopas’ mother and her sister, his aunt, had made all the food. It would not be a week long event, but—as Rachael had pointed out—they would be just as married. Rachael, who had been widowed, was happy and little Lydia was ecstatic. She was to have a new Papa and it was her best friend, Cleopas.

It had been Cleopas who had made Lydia a new dreidel when hers had been stolen. She, in kind, had asked Yeshua to heal Cleopas’ deformed hand. Their friendship had led to a courtship with her widowed mother.

The wedding celebration was being held in Emmaus although Cleopas and Bartemaus had been living in Jerusalem. It was in Jerusalem that Cleopas would make a new home with Rachael and little Lydia. Cleopas’ family was from Emmaus and they had returned there after the Passover. Cleopas and Bartemaus had stayed with Cleopas’ uncle and aunt and all the cousins. After they had heard that Yeshua was alive and they themselves had walked with Him on the road to Emmaus; they knew they must be in Jerusalem to be a part of what would happen next.

Bartemaus was a practical young man and he knew it was inappropriate to live on the charity of Cleopas’ uncle and aunt. Since his only training was in silver and gold working, he began looking for work in the little shops of Jerusalem.

It wasn’t long before he found work with a funny little man on a back street of Jerusalem. Mahnoah was a craftsman whose work was intricate and of exquisite beauty. He agreed to take Bartemaus as an apprentice until he could see if his work was of any quality. And he also was sure it would be good to have young eyes in the store as his were not what they used to be. Since Bartemaus had learned his trade from both his father and his grandfather—and was well beyond apprenticeship—Mahnoah soon saw promise in the young man. Mahnoah would have to teach him the skills he himself used in his items, but he recognized that Bartemaus was a fast learner.

Cleopas worked at his trade of woodcarving during the evenings and a day laborer for much needed income. He had courted Rachael in the evenings, often combining his carving with his time with her and Lydia. Both boys had helped supply food to the family of Cleopas’ Aunt Anna Elsbeth whom they were living with.

And now Rachael and Cleopas were married. Bartemaus was surrounded by Cleopas’ family, one of the young ladies of the family smiled at him shyly, and she was pretty, but Bartemaus was still trying to sort out what was happening to him and to the world because of Yeshua. He did not feel that romance and a family were in his future right now. He was watching Cleopas dance with little Lydia. He was trying to teach her the adult dance and her short arms were making it difficult. They were in their own little world laughing at the absurdity of their dance. Bartemaus smiled remembering the day that he had told Cleopas he would make a great father and Cleopas had shown him the deformed hand—that no woman could love a man like that. But Yeshua had changed that too. And Cleopas was married to this beautiful woman with the enchanting daughter. He saw the other newlywed couple smiling at the antics of Cleopas and his new daughter. They were Cleopas’ Aunt Anna Elsbeth’s oldest daughter and her husband. Word was that she was newly with child. Perhaps that is why she glowed. Bartemaus was so happy for all of them. But his heart was searching for something, and until he understood it, he would work with old Mahnoah and live with Aunt Anna Elsbeth as long as she would have him. He hoped that the money he gave them relieved the strain of an extra mouth to feed.

But the most exciting time for all of them was the time they spent with the disciples of Yeshua. They heard how Yeshua was taken up into heaven. They were in the crowd the day that fire had come from heaven and ignited their hearts for God’s word. There was no more doubt, at least to them, that Yeshua was truly the long-awaited Messiah.

Zebulon and his brother, Caiaphas, had other thoughts concerning the Messiah and especially the man Yeshua. Instead of the movement of followers dying with Yeshua, they