Yahshua's Bridge

by Sandi Rog

  Pappous’s gaze narrowed at the man, and then he shook his head. “That’s not Alexander.”

  Elianna’s heart plummeted. She faced Paulus. “You said you would bring him.” Tears burned her eyes, and she felt like a fool for having believed him. “Why did you lie?”

  “What’s the meaning of this?” Pappous’s voice raised and he gestured to Paulus. “You told us to meet you at Manius’s house at exactly the noon hour. No later, no sooner. What are you doing here trying to convince Elianna that this man is Alexander? Why aren’t you at Manius’s?”

  “You should be there when they come,” Paulus said between clenched teeth. He straightened and pointed at Elianna. “She didn’t deserve the same fate. She had no choice in the matter. Just like I never had a choice.”

  “What are you talking about?” Pappous shifted his stance, clenching his cloak in his hand.

  “I never wanted your God! I serve my own gods! I serve Domitian! And he says we are to have no other gods above him!”

  Pappous stepped back as if he’d been stuck. “What have you done?” Pappous’s arm trembled as Elianna held onto it. He backed away toward the door, taking Elianna with him. “What have you done!”

  He grabbed Elianna and pulled her out onto the street. He ran in the direction of Manius’s house. “Stay with me, Elianna. Don’t go back there. Stay with me, girl.”

  She hurried next to him, rushing to match his long strides. Her feet couldn’t keep up, so he practically dragged her along, lifting her off the ground with each step so that her short strides would meet the length of his. As they rounded the last corner, Pappous pressed Elianna against the wall just past the fountain at the Esquiline Gate. “Stay here! Don’t leave this spot!” His shout pinned her to the wall.

  Elianna nodded, breathless.

  Pappous ran down the street to Manius’s, leaving her behind. Her chest heaved with every breath, and her heart pounded in her head. What could be the matter? What had Paulus done? Didn’t Pappous say he thought he was to meet Paulus at Manius’s house? But how could he meet Paulus when she was supposed to meet him at the same time? She knew the church was in constant danger, and something in her mind shouted that this was it, but she shook the thoughts from her head. She couldn’t think of that. Everyone was fine. Pappous would see that all was well.

  After her breathing calmed, she watched the people walking back and forth, studying them: a mother with her three children, a few slaves carrying their masters on litters, and other workers rushing to get to their destinations. None of these people posed a threat, so she pulled away from the wall and crept several steps down the street. She spotted soldiers. She ducked back against the wall, but she was no longer hidden, and she could see Manius, her father, and her mother being escorted out of the house by Roman guards.

  Pappous was pressed against the wall across the street from her, watching the scene with horrified, widened eyes, his chest heaving. A small crowd gathered near the entrance to Manius’s house as the guards escorted her parents away.

  To her surprise, Abba didn’t fight with the guards as they jerked on his shackled wrists. Where were they taking them? She knew what Caesar did to Christians. They would be executed. It was the reason the church had started worshipping in the catacombs outside the gates. It was the only safe place where they wouldn’t be discovered. But today wasn’t a day of worship. Why were they taking them now? How did the guards know where to find them? Her thoughts went to Paulus and Pappous’s words. Pappous was supposed to be there when the guards came for them. He was supposed to be escorted out of her life as well! To where? To his death! Along with her parents! Was this the last memory she would have of them? Would she even have a chance to say goodbye?

  She cried out, but flattened her back harder against the wall, fearing she might be seen by the soldiers. She covered her mouth to stifle her sobs. Fight, Abba! Why didn’t he fight them off”? She stifled another sob, and this time, Pappous looked in her direction. He motioned for her to keep quiet. Then as the soldiers and her parents disappeared down the street, the crowd of onlookers broke up, each going his or her own way. Pappous hurried toward her, took her under his arm, and escorted her in the opposite direction of the soldiers.

  “What’s going to happen?” she asked, tears clogging her throat.

  “I don’t know,” was all he said as they marched up the street. “I can’t go home. Paulus may have told them where I live. You can’t go home either.”

  This couldn’t be happening. None of this was real. Elianna cried against his side.

  “Oh, Lord!” He trudged along, holding her close to him. “Not again. Please, not again!”

  Ω

  Alethea breathed in a long shuddering breath as they came to face the Imperial Magistrate. She stood next to David and he squeezed her hand so tight it went numb and tingly from his large, fierce grip. Manius stood on her other side, his shoulders wilting at the sight before them.

  Strange. She always knew this day would come. Only she thought it would come at the hands of her grandfather. However, even with him long dead, something inside her knew she’d arrive at this point. She could never shake the memory of her words to David so long ago, when they were on her grandfather’s wall at the villa, meeting in secret. Perhaps she’d never said the words aloud, but she’d certainly thought them, and from that moment on, they’d haunted her. She remembered thinking that she could never give everything to God. Not if it meant her life. And now, as they awaited questioning, she feared her life might be what God wanted. In all fairness, He gave His life for her. Why shouldn’t she give hers?

  David likely wouldn’t be standing here if he’d simply fought off the guards. He started to do just that when they entered the house to make their arrests. But then one of the guards grabbed Alethea and threatened to do her harm if David didn’t cooperate. They’d been waiting there for Paulus who said he wanted to talk to the four of them. Her father was supposed to be there, but he never arrived. Thank the Lord! Thank You God that he never arrived! He would take care of Elianna if something were to happen to her and David. And even if her father couldn’t care for Elianna, the church certainly would. But her insides twisted at the thought. She was Elianna’s mother. No one should be taking care of her baby but her!

  What was she thinking? Was she truly contemplating dying? She decided it was better not knowing when one was going to die. How much better would it be not to have to think of such matters. Not that they hadn’t thought of it before. She and David had plenty of conversations about it. What they would do if… .

  She’d simply prayed that if would never arrive. But the thought that if could become a reality haunted her, just as her past thoughts had haunted her.

  The magistrate sat at the other end of the room: scribes, priests and other witnesses also filled the magnificent chamber. Their togas hung to their feet, reflecting off the marble tiles as massive columns towered over them on both sides. A tall statue of Domitian shot up to the already high ceiling, dominating the room, with several of the Roman gods standing proudly on either side of him. She swallowed.

  “Next!” the magistrate said, his voice echoing off the vaulted walls and ceiling.

  A slave standing next to him unrolled a scroll and read, “According to the word of Paulus, son of Galen Aletheos, a Roman citizen, these three are members of the Christian cult, a wretched organization that defies Caesar, Rome, and all her gods. The names of those guilty are as follows: David, son of Aaron; Alethea, daughter of Galen Aletheos and wife of David son of Aaron; and Manius Sergia, son of Plinius Sergia. All political societies are banned under the law and anyone taking part in such societies are to be executed.”

  “Step forward.” The magistrate motioned them to step closer.

  Alethea, fighting the urge to vomit, stepped forward with David and Manius.

  The magistrate eyed them dubiously. “David, son of Aaron, come closer.”

  David released her hand and stepped away from Alethe
a, closer to the enemy, and she felt a chill where he’d left her side.

  “What say you, David? Are you a Christian?”

  “Yes, I am, my lord.”

  She knew David wouldn’t deny their God. After spending all his childhood defending his faith, she knew he wouldn’t weaken now. But what about her? Was she willing to be executed?

  “Let me ask again. And I want you to remember that death awaits you, if you are indeed a part of this wretched cult.” The magistrate cleared his throat. “Are you a Christian?”

  “Yes, my lord. I am a Christian.” David’s voice sounded just as sure as it had the first time he said it.

  Could she be so strong?

  “Son, please think about what you’re doing. I will ask the same question one last time, if you give me the same answer, you will be executed. Your life will end.” The magistrate looked down his nose as a father would look when scolding his child. “Are you or are you not a Christian?”

  “May I say something, my lord?” David asked, and Alethea held her breath. Would he break? Would he deny Christ? Weakening under such circumstances was so unlike him.

  The magistrate motioned for him to speak.

  “You say my life will end if you execute me for being a Christian. In reality it will continue on with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You see, the life we have, this fleshly life is temporary. We are all going to die someday. The question is, how are we going to spend eternity?” David waved toward the gods and Caesar’s statue, and Alethea caught the slight tremble of his hand. So he was afraid. He stood so rigid, she never would have suspected. “This will all perish, including the demons who are your gods. They too will perish. Only One can overcome death, and that is the God who made you and me and all of those around us. He is the Creator of all, and the God above all gods.”

  “A God who claims to be above Caesar?” The magistrate leaned forward in his chair as he spoke. “All the more reason you should die if indeed you follow such a One.”

  “He died for us,” David said, his voice trembling now. “He sent His Son to die for all of us because we have separated ourselves from Him by our sin.”

  “I thought you said He can overcome death.” The magistrate sat back in his chair and shrugged. “Is that not what you just said, and now you’re saying He died for us?” His eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

  “His Son rose from the dead on the third day.”

  “Yes.” The magistrate nodded, clearly bored. “So, I’ve heard. Outrageous rumors for such a tale.”

  “He died in our place.” David cleared his throat. “We’re the ones who should have died because of our sin. He has saved us because He loves us. And He loves you as well.”

  The magistrate lifted his leg over the arm of his chair and rested his chin on his hand as he listened, his toga flowing around him. “Well, if this God is so powerful,” he said as he shrugged and looked around them, “where is He now? Maybe He will rescue you from your persecutors?” His tone dripped with sarcasm, and David’s shoulders slumped.

  Alethea glanced up at Manius. Surely, he would say something, since he was so knowledgeable in God’s word and so desperate to hold to the Lord’s principals. But he stood trembling, his face as white as his tunic.

  “Our God is not a threat to you,” David continued, his voice desperate, pleading. “He tells us not to steal, to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to obey the rulers in authority. His expectations do not harm the empire, but strengthen it.”

  Alethea knew David to be a great teacher; after all, he taught her from the time they were children. And just like then, he now made a magnificent defense.

  “Then worship your Caesar.” The magistrate shrugged. “If you’re to obey those rulers in authority, then bow down and pray to Domitian.”

  David remained silent, and she watched his jaw begin to tick. She knew he was getting angry.

  The magistrate planted both feet on the ground and leaned forward, appearing sincere in his appeal. “It looks to me like you’re not willing to be faithful to the God you claim to love. You’re breaking His laws by refusing to worship your Caesar.”

  “I cannot deny Him,” David said between clenched teeth, his voice low and determined. “If I deny Him, He will deny me.”

  Alethea swallowed at David’s words. Could she be so strong, so courageous?

  “You’ve made yourself clear,” the magistrate said, motioning for David to step back, then his gaze focused next to her. “Manius Sergia son of Plinius Sergia, are you with this fool?” He motioned to David. “Are you also a Christian?”

  The stench of sweat swept over Alethea from where Manius stood. She fought the urge to hold her hand over her nose.

  “Yes, your Excellency … I am.” His voice choked at he got the last words out.

  The magistrate rolled his eyes and shook his head. “You know what will happen if you continue with this charade! Are you really a Christian?”

  Trembling, he nodded.

  “I’m not convinced,” the magistrate said. “This is the last time I will ask. If you continue to answer in the affirmative, you will be escorted away with your friend here and fed to the lions. Again, are you or are you not a Christian?”

  Manius stood trembling beside Alethea. She feared he might collapse. She’d never seen him so afraid. He’d always been the strong one among them.

  The magistrate motioned to the guards standing nearby. “Take the two men—”

  “No!” Manius shouted. “I’m not a Christian,” he whispered.

  Alethea gasped and searched Manius’s face. Surely, he didn’t mean it. His eyes were wide and terrified. Clearly his heart wasn’t in it, and he actually did what she considered doing. Maybe it wasn’t such a terrible lie after all. She’d lied plenty to her own family about her interest in Christianity. Although, that was before she was a Christian.

  “Prove it,” the magistrate said, now sitting up in his chair. He motioned to the priests. “Bow down and pray to our gods, and offer wine and incense to Caesar.”

  Manius stepped forward, his chains clanking on the ground and clanking on Alethea’s heart. She looked up at David.

  He watched Manius, his jaw clenched and pulsing in his cheek. “Don’t do it.”

  “Silence!” The magistrate eyed David.

  She held her breath.

  Manius, his back to them and like a dog dragging his chain, moved to stand in front of Rome’s gods. He dropped to his knees and lifted his hands. “To the gods of Rome, I ask you to release me of these bonds, to set me free from….” His voice shook, and Alethea put her hand over her mouth. How could he say the words so easily? Yet didn’t she do the same as a child? Didn’t she pray and offer incense to the household gods to please her grandfather? That’s all Manius was doing now, doing what she had done her whole life even when her heart wasn’t in it. Choking back tears, she looked up at David again.

  His severe gaze cut into Manius, and his jaw continued to clench as Manius prayed and offered incense to the Roman gods and to Caesar. When Manius was finished, he climbed to his wobbly feet, quivering in his chains.

  “Not enough.” The magistrate’s eyes narrowed. “I now want you to revile the name of Jesus Christ.”

  Alethea gasped and Manius stepped back.

  “Do it, or you will be executed,” the magistrate said.

  “Jesus … “ Manius began, his quiet voice trembling.

  “I’m waiting.” The magistrate lifted a brow.

  “Jesus is a … .” Manius broke into obscenities and began reviling the name of their Lord.

  “No!” David shook his fist at him as tears streamed down his cheeks. “Don’t do it!”

  Sobs broke forth from Alethea.

  Manius stopped, but the magistrate motioned him to continue. “Not enough. I want more.”

  Manius continued, and the words coming from his mouth were words she didn’t realize he knew and some she didn’t even recognize. She never before heard such filth c
ross his lips, only good, only that which was true and holy. Now she and David were bombarded by curses and swear words, all coming from a man who was like a father to them.

  “How could you!” David’s reprimand clamored through the room, reaching Manius and burning Alethea’s ears with the shock and grief of his soul.

  Manius glanced at them, quickly averting his gaze as tears poured down his cheeks … but he didn’t stop.

  All those years of teaching, of telling them to be strong in the Lord. Alethea realized Manius had never been put through the fire, never been put to the test. Instead of standing firm in his faith, he dropped to his knees—a broken man—before the magistrate, the curses dying on his lips.

  “This day, the gods have answered your prayers. You will be set free.”

  Guards stepped forward and practically dragged Manius out of the great hall, his head down and tears dripping onto the tiles as they took him away.

  “And now for you.” The magistrate looked pointedly at Alethea. He glanced briefly at the scroll by his side. “Alethea, daughter of Galen Aletheos, and wife to our preacher here.” He motioned with scorn at David. “I hear you have a daughter? A little girl waiting for you at home?”

  Alethea nodded. Poor Elianna.

  The magistrate pursed his lips and nodded as if in sympathy. “What say you? Are you, or are you not a Christian?”

  Alethea sat huddled between David’s legs as he leaned against the wall of the cell. The cold walls, the sounds of skittering feet along the stone floor, and the stench of mold and human waste closed in around them, entombing them beneath Vespasian’s dreaded amphitheater.

  Neither one of them spoke, especially after what they’d just witnessed of Manius. He should be in this cell with them. But he wasn’t. He was free. He would live another day, another night, another week. He would be able to see Elianna, watch her grow up. See the beautiful woman she would become. Teach her about the gospel. Teach her how to be a faithful woman for the Lord. Oh, how Alethea longed to be the one to do that!