Decision

Decision Atonement

Year 90 AD
The Council of priests has deliberated and determined what to do about the problem of sacrifice and worship since the temple is gone and cannot be rebuilt. They will authorize the worship to proceed without sacrifice. They rationalize that God knows they are doing what they can and so will not hold them to a standard that they cannot any longer meet.

There is mayhem among the Jews. The devout and loyal, the messianic, the Sadducees and the Pharisees, there is much turmoil. People do not like this decision; it sounds absurd to nearly every sect and school of religious practice. Yet people do not know what to do instead.

In this era, the delineation between Messianics and traditional Jews is not clear, with many fragments of beliefs shared across lines of friendships, social classes, and sects. Both Yaacov and Miriam hold some wonder at Jesus' teachings and recall his miracles that were known to many, and even seen by Miriam and others.

The clamor is like our modern day's controversy about wars and global politics. No one is happy. Many think the leaders have gone wildly off course.

Yaacov is a well-respected Sadducee, and has tried to help them look at ways they can still satisfy the need for sacrifice, but to no avail. His hedged suggestion to look again at the Nazarene's teaching nearly brought Yaacov a quick death.

Yaacov goes to the Yehoshua's shop where Miriam is visiting and waiting. Yaacov tells them of the Council's decision. Yehoshua gently looks at Yaacov and places his hand on his shoulder.

Yehoshua - It is for the best. We must wait for a new temple in God's time. God is patient and will accept our worship in these times, even without sacrifice. We must also be patient. My Brother-in-Law, God will provide.

Yaacov accepts his comfort. Miriam has clouded over as she heard the decision. Yaacov & Miriam leave politely and head for home through the streets and bazaars. Along the way we hear many conversations about the Council's decision.

At home, the older couple is sweet and loving to each other. Yaacov encourages Miriam to share what is clearly on her heart.

Miriam - "Yaacov, I cannot bear going without the cleansing of atonement. I so need it in my very soul."

Yaacov - "But my dear sweet Miriam, you are a good woman, a good wife, a loving mother. I am always so proud of you. You must not feel this way, your sins are not so great as that."

....more

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