I Appeal To Caesar!

Continually, a tormented mind has rehearsed his tragic

condition:

• a broken, dying body, • the inability to walk,

• total dependence on others, • Doctors without a remedy.

To this point, his uncertain prayers have failed. His mind has become like a broken record, continually asking, rehearsing and doubting the same impossibilities. His heartbreaking accident happened six years before: a heavy barrel rolled loose from a passing cart, smashing him to the ground, breaking both legs and injuring him internally. In that tragic moment, he had lost all ability to be independent forever. His deteriorating condition has now brought him to the end of a bitter, earthly life. * * * * * “Elias!” Younger brother Jacob suddenly explodes upon the scene! “Three men and I are here with a litter! We will carry you to the Temple for the healing meeting!” Introducing an athletic-looking man, Jacob says, “Jonathan here is a strong worker, and he will help get you to the Temple, but he cannot stay longer at the Temple, he must go to work shortly after sunrise. “I am cursed!” he weeps . . . his tears fall like torrential rain.

“But . . . , but . . . , if he leaves me there . . .?”