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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

The Outrage

Here the scene changes to Aretas' palace in Arabia Pretoria to get the reaction of this potentate to Herod's act of sending his daughter back to him with gifts. This is the only place where Aretas appears, but we will see the result of his reaction later. I thought it necessary to include this scene-change snapshot as a precursor of a possible later event and to build suspense.

Book Excerpt

Of Such Is The Kingdom Part I—Discontent and Insurrection

THE PALACE OF ARETAS, king of Arabia Pretoria, was huge and ornate. It had taken about three weeks for the entourage to reach the palace. Herod had sent several of his guards with wagons loaded with gifts. Samantha had tried to sabotage the gifts, but the guards had restrained her. She screamed and struggled for the first part of the trip. Then she settled down and simply muttered and murmured under her breath, “He won’t be impressed by these trinkets anyway! He’ll show you, you big moron! He’ll show you!”

Aretas had been sitting on his throne next to his wife. They had just been talking about Herod and Samantha:

“I wonder how Samantha is doing, there in Tiberius.”

“Oh, I’m sure everything is fine, there, even though we haven’t had any word from her for a while.”

“But that Herod is a funny character. You never know what to expect from him.”

“I suppose you’re right about that. Say, what is that? Sounds like something coming.”

“Well, look at that! It’s a caravan.”

“I wonder where it’s from.”

“Well, let’s go and find out.”

“Why, look! It’s Samantha, isn’t it?”

“Sure looks like her. What could this mean?”

“Why, Samantha, dear, how good to see you again! And to what do we owe this visit?”

“I’m afraid it’s not just a visit, Daddy. Herod is tired of me. He’s sending me back.”

“He’s what?”

“That’s right, Daddy. He’s sending me back to you.”

“Just like that?”

“Yes! He fell in love with his brother’s wife. He plans to marry her, of all things!”

“So, he’s a bold faced bigamist, eh? How could he do such a thing? And what is all of this? Does he think he can buy me off with gifts? Does he think that because he offers me a few trinkets, I won’t be offended by this outrage? That’s what it is, an outrage! How dare he send my daughter back to me, like some worn out piece of clothing or stale piece of meat! I’ll show that fox!” He called to the guard who was standing nearby. “Asad! Prepare the army for an invasion. I shall return Herod’s trinkets to him, along with something he’s not expecting!”

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

The Outrage

Book Excerpt

Of Such Is The Kingdom Part I—Discontent and Insurrection

Comment on this Bubble