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James Michael Becher

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Of Such Is The Kingdom Part I—Discontent and Insurrection

Literature & Fiction

synopsis

Synopsis

It's an intriguing literary historical fiction novel of Biblical and Roman times. Step back into New Testament times--to Ancient Jerusalem at the time of Christ and of the historical Roman Empire, and ask: What could a cynical, non-conformist dry-goods salesman, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant all have in common? The answer: Down deep, they all seek something better. But will they find the true fulfillment they are seeking? The non-conformist, Manaheem, Herod's foster brother, is hired by Herod to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate, whom he distrusts. Manaheem recruits the blacksmith, Barabbas, to be the insurrection leader, to the dismay of Barabbas' Godly but fearful wife (when he finally tells her). The mendicant, an unfortunate but pensive young man named Timotheus, joins with an older beggar completely unsympathetic to his musings. Pontius Pilate sees himself as a weak ruler, but his wife pushes him to be stronger and to even take over Herod's territory. Manaheem re-unites with his former wife, Claressa. In need of more money, he tries to blackmail Herod over his illicit affair with Herodius, his brother’s wife, but, Herod decides to marry Herodius and send his present wife back to her father. John the Baptist preaches to Herod and looses his head. Herod's palace is attacked, and suspecting Pilate, he tells Manaheem go ahead with the mission. Barabbas is successful in forming a group of insurrectionists and they rehearse for the big day.

bio

Author Biography

I, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1943 to a Christian family and accepted Jesus at an early age. In Jr. High School, I became interested in writing and drama. I wrote poems, articles and a few short stories, and plays. In college, I won second prize in a contest with a Biblical short story, which now forms part of my first novel, “Of Such Is The Kingdom, A novel of the Christ and the Roman Empire,” published in 2003. In 2010, I wrote the sequel, “Of Such Is the Kingdom, Part III, Power and Persecution, A Novel of the early Church and the Roman Empire.” I also wrote a Sci-fi novel, “Impossible Journey, A Tale of Times and Truth” and a non-fiction book, “Principles of the Kingdom." I graduated from Clearwater Christian College in 1970 with a B.A. degree in Bible-Literature, and from Biblical School of Theology in 1974 with a M. Div. Ordained in November, 1974, I served as assistant pastor/Bible teacher in several churches. I also served in a foreign-student ministry, where I met my wife, Berenice Carett from Venezuela. In 2014 I wrote an American historical novel, called "The Christmas Victory."

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Author Insight

God and Romance-?

Here's the next section of Chapter 9 ("Non-conformity and Romance") where Manaheem meets his ex-wife Claressa again at the well. The spark of the old romance is re-kindled as he drives her home. When she attributes their re-meeting to fate, he brings God into the picture, as a probable cause. At this point, Manaheem is only a seeker after truth, but here is an early indication of a God-ward leaning, which may or may not be further developed. Claressa, at this point has no belief at all, but is willing to go along with his. All this is important for the further development of their beliefs and their life together.

Book Excerpt

Of Such Is The Kingdom Part I—Discontent and Insurrection

He sighed. “Oh, Claressa, do you think if we tried it again, it just might work?”

Her face brightened even more. “With what we both have learned from the experience, I’m almost certain that it would.”

“We’d each have to be willing to give in to the other.”

“Oh, Manaheem, I’m willing now to give in to you on anything.”

“O’ Claressa! I know I acted quite childish before and—”

“It wasn’t all your fault, you know.”

He sighed again. “I’m sure I was more to blame than you. But let’s not stand around here all day. My chariot’s over there by the well. We can talk about it more on the way to your house.”

“I don’t live very far from here.”

“Good. You can show me the way. Come on! I’ll help you with these packages.”

As they rode, Claressa gave directions to her house. Having understood them, Manaheem resumed the conversation. “I tried to forget about you– to push you out of my mind by becoming overly busy. But, I never could forget about you completely. You were always there, somewhere in the corners of my mind.”

“You’ve been on my mind constantly, and not just in the corners. Oh, Manaheem, I was foolish to think I could live without you. I’m sure glad we met again. It must be fate.”

“Perhaps the LORD had something to do with it.”

She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “I didn’t know you believed in God.”

“I’m not sure, really, what I believe. I’ve been reading some of the Hebrew Scriptures lately, and I find them quite interesting. I need to think it through more, but at this point I do lean towards belief in the LORD, God.”

“Well, I’m sure I could go along with anything you believed. I love you, Manaheem. I didn’t know how much before. Oh,” she pointed, “there’s my house.”

Arriving at the humble brick structure, he pulled on the reigns, and the horses stopped. He jumped down and tied the horses to a tree. Then, he jumped back into the chariot and put his arms around Claressa. “I love you too, Claressa,” he said. Their lips met, and for a moment they were lost in each other’s arms.

Of Such Is The Kingdom Part I—Discontent and Insurrection

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James Michael Becher

Of Such Is The Kingdom Part I—Discontent and Insurrection

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

God and Romance-?

Book Excerpt

Of Such Is The Kingdom Part I—Discontent and Insurrection

Comment on this Bubble