Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 parts

As they rode, they talked.

“I really missed you, Claressa"

“I missed you, too Manaheem.  But, I had to be sure I wasn't deciding to follow Jesus for the wrong reason."

His face lit up.  "So, you did decide to follow Jesus?"

"How could I have done otherwise?  He died for us all and arose again to prove it.  After some thought, I prayed and accepted Him as my Savior the night I went home alone from the meeting."

"That's wonderful Claressa.  I’m so happy.  Now we can truly be one, because we are one in Him."

"Yes, Manaheem, isn't it wonderful?"

They embraced for a moment.  Then, he said, “I guess we should join the others in being baptized."

"Certainly.  And not only that, I think we should get re-married.  After all, we were divorced, and were never really officially re-married."

"That's right, my dear.  I almost forgot, since now it seems we've been together forever.  But, we do need to have a good testimony before the world, don't we?"  He sighed.

"Absolutely, dear."

"Isn't it great to be a follower of Jesus?"

"It certainly is.  And I have you to thank for telling me about Him."

He sighed again.  "You know what I’m thinking?  I really should go and tell my foster brother, the king about my new-found faith."

"Herod?  Do you think he'll believe you?"

"Probably not, but at least I owe him a try.  Hopefully, he hasn't left Jerusalem yet."

"Let me know when you're going.  I shall pray for you."

"Thank you, my dear.  You know, I think I love you more than ever."

“I know I love you more than ever."  Once more their lips met.

***********

Meanwhile, as Barabbas and his family were walking the final steps toward their home, little Ruth who had been silent until now asked, "Will I be babtized, Daddy?"

"Well, you believe in Jesus, don't you?" he asked.

“I sure do, Daddy.  After all, he took your place and all of our places when he died on the cross."

Again, Deborah marveled at the wisdom of her children

"Well, then,” answered Barabbas, "You should be willing to follow him in Baptism, which is the symbol of a new life in Him."

At this, the boys chimed in "That means us too, then."

By now they had reached the house and were entering.  "O.K. children," he told them, "time to get ready for bed."

"Will it hurt?" asked Ruth.

"Will what hurt dear?"

"Being babtized."

"No, dear, you just get a bit wet, that's all."

"O.K., then,” asserted Deborah,  “the Barabbas family is getting baptized."

"But," he said, "We won't be the Barabbas family anymore."

"That's right," chimed in Caleb.  "Daddy want's t’ change his name."

"Why do you want to change your name, Daddy?" asked Ruth.

"Well, dear, so that my former sins are no longer remembered."

"But, what will you change it to?"  asked Jason.  What will be your new name, Daddy?"

“I hadn't thought about it much, but, we'll come up with something.  Now come on and get ready for bed."