I Appeal To Caesar!

“I am half the age of each of you here, but you all know my dedication to the Scripture and the faith we all love. We face a strenuous task and a momentous crusade! “If you will have me, I Saul of Tarsus will head the effort to purge this blight from our beloved faith and Temple.” Relief, like an ocean wave, sweeps over the assembled elders. Jumping to their feet, the men begin cheering, clapping, stamping and applauding. Slowly, even Nicodemus rises to his feet, nodding his head in positive recognition . . . a man cannot be God, even if he is a good man! His humble prayer is most appropriate . . . and deeply sincere: “Dear God, please help us!” Saul now has the unanimous backing of the assembly! * * * * * Quietly scanning the noise-filled room and the boisterous celebration, Nicodemus observes Caiaphas rush over to embrace his father-in-law Annas. The scheming priests have succeeded in bringing the nefarious plan to the point of action, and the rest of the men seem overcome with joy at the decision!