Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

The Roman army abandons its siege of Jerusalem. Two Christian families face tough choices. Will they obey Jesus and forever walk away from all that is familiar to them? Their decision will mean life or death. This video portrays events described in the Bible that are historically accurate. For accuracy, there are scenes of fighting; however, the violence is not glorified but merely depicts the reality faced by first-century Christians.

[Opening Scene: The Temple and Jerusalem from above]

[Birds chirping] [Rooster crowing] [Young boy throws stones at a window to get the attention of his friend]

[Boys playing & splashing in a fountain] Come on! Come on! [Children laughing]

Boys! Stop splashing. [Boys playing] I can see! I can see!

(Ethan) “The spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, for the reason that Jehovah has anointed me to tell good news to the meek ones. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to those taken captive and the wide opening of the eyes….”

[The boys – Naham and Shebuel- shake hands and the scene transitions to the two boys now men shaking hands as they walk up through the street scene]

(Naham) I can’t believe it. After all these years. (Shebuel) It's hard to believe we made it. (Naham) Our own wine shop. Hey, I got us something. It’s from Lebanon. (Shebuel) What is this? (Naham) It's the very best. (Shebuel) This is excellent Naham! [Shebuel waves to Rachel who is holding a baby – baby cooing]

[Naham and Abital outside of the wine shop] (Abital) This side goes up and that side goes down. (Naham) What's happening? (Abital) Tell him! (Naham) No, Gideon, that sides gotta…… (Abital) The other way. (Naham) Right there. (Abital) Exactly (Naham) Yeah, just like that. (Abital) Right, yeah exactly!

[Naham and Abital at home – Naham shaving and Abital showing off a new dress] [Naham] You just went shopping yesterday!

Page 1 of 12 Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

(Shebuel) It may have appeared to most people that life was continuing on as usual in Jerusalem. Everyone carried on their daily tasks. Men plied their trades. Women saw to their homes and families. Children learned and played. But more than three decades earlier, Jesus foretold events that would mark great changes in the world we had known. For those of us who became his followers, the signs of change were clearly visible.

(Tax collector) Your taxes are due, and this will cover it. (Merchant) These are my belongings! You have no right! [Crowd gasps]

[Crowd clamoring] Jerusalem is a holy city! -for the sons of Abraham!

(Shebuel) Little did we realize how severely the quality of our faith would be tested by the events surrounding the fulfillment of those prophecies. [Shouting and priest taken away by Roman soldiers] At the time, we had no idea how difficult it would be to keep the prophetic word burning brightly in our heart…….. "then know that the desolating of her has drawn near." Ziph, what did Jesus say we should do then?

(Ziph) "Let those in the midst of her withdraw."

(Shebuel) Only strong faith could guide us through the night of uncertainty to come. It all happened so quickly... the great Jewish revolt against decades of Roman oppression... Rome's swift and brutal response. [Roman soldiers attacking Jerusalem] There was hardly time to think... ……………[Thunder rumbling] [Encamped Roman army outside Jerusalem]……….barely time to act!

[At a meeting of Elders in Jerusalem] (Ethan) Brothers, what observations do you have? (Shebuel) Once the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy was unmistakably identified, our first real test of faith came along (Ethan).....the disgusting thing that causes desolation,... standing in the holy place. (Shebuel) That was an elders’ meeting I would not soon forget. (An elder) 'Flee to the mountains.'

[Outside the wine shop] [Raining] (Shebuel) All of the brothers were at the meeting. (Naham) Was Ethan there? (Shebuel) Yes. (Naham) How are we going to get out? (Shebuel) We have to get ready. (Naham) All right. Go ahead. [Naham sits down and shakes his head and sighs]

(Naham) [Sighing] I can't believe this is happening. (Shebuel) I can't think of anything else. (Naham) I don't know, Shebuel -everything that we've worked for- what if they're wrong? (Shebuel) Don't think of it Naham. I'm trying not to. (Naham) Too just walk away... from all of this! (Shebuel) I know it's not easy. But it's the right thing to do. Hey, remember when we were kids? We wanted to be Nazirites. (Naham) Yeah, I remember. You cut my hair short so you can be stronger than me. (Shebuel) I was stronger.

Page 2 of 12 Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

[Shebuel at home] [Thunder rumbling] (Rachel) I know we have to leave. But how? The city is surrounded. (Shebuel) Jehovah will open the way... somehow. (Rachel) It's just all the unknowns that frighten me. We've never lived anywhere but Jerusalem. My brother is here, and your business. (Shebuel) How am I gonna provide for you both? [Rachel snatches away the flute that Shebuel is holding] (Shebuel) Hey! We have to trust that Jehovah has a better view of the situation than we do. Let's continue packing.

[In the streets of Jerusalem – the rebels are jubilant] [Yaaaahhhh!] [Indiscernible shouting]

[Tower of Antonia Jewish Rebel Headquarters]

(Eleazar) Why? Give me one good reason why they would do such a thing. (Second in command) Strategically, it makes no sense, but they are leaving.

[Door creaking] (Messenger) [Breathing heavily] Sir, the reports are the same, in every quarter of Jerusalem. The Twelfth Legion is marching toward the sea.

(Eleazar) [Drawing a sword] God has blinded them. It's madness. Divine madness. It is deliverance. God has delivered the holy temple from the enemy's hands. They must feel the wrath of God upon their backs! [Angrily] Pursue them! Strike them down! As God struck the Egyptians in the Red sea, overtake them and kill them! (Second in command) Eleazar, please, they're gone. Let's be happy with that. (Eleazar) No! Punish them! They must never again harass the people of God! Go!

[Whistling and shouting]

(Shebuel) Hold on here for just a minute. (Naham) Now, Gideon, make sure there's plenty of these cheaper wines available today. There's gonna be a lot of celebration. (Shebuel) Naham. What are you doing? Why aren't you ready to leave? (Naham) I just need a little more time. We'll be along. We'll catch up with you out on the road. (Shebuel) This is our opportunity to escape! (Naham) I agree completely. It's the fulfillment of the sign, but... it happened so quickly. I have to get things organized before we leave. In fact, you should be helping me, partner! (Shebuel) Naham listen to yourself! This is the destruction of Jerusalem were talking about. (Naham) Hey, for your information, we've begun preparations for departure. Don't worry about us. Now, Gideon I expect we'll be gone for maybe a week or two at the most. (Shebuel) We'll hurry. (Naham) Make sure that all of the accounts get their wine deliveries. (Shebuel) We're ready? (Naham) You've got to go over and, uh,- (Shebuel) He's opening the shop. I don't understand what he's doing.

Page 3 of 12 Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

[Jewish Rebels arming themselves] (Beriah) You two, go around, go out the south side. All of you follow me, we go out the gate, we turn north, meet the main group on the west side. Let's go.

(Ziph) Ethan, Ethan. (Ethan) Hey! (Ziph) Is that all you're bringing? (Ethan) I don't need much. These are the important things. (Ziph) Will others come with us? (Ethan) We'll how 'bout just the four of us for now? Others will join us on the road.

(Shebuel) Then let's go!

[Rebels running through the streets of Jerusalem] (Beriah) Stay close.

(Jewish rebel) Gate! Clear the gate! (Rachel) Beriah! (Jewish rebel) Clear the gate! (Rachel) Beriah! (Beriah) Rachel. Ah-ha, Ziph. (Ziph) Uncle Beriah, are you coming with us? (Rachel) Oh, Beriah, I'm so glad we found you. (Beriah) Rachel, have you heard the news? (Rachel) Yes, we heard that the Roman armies have left! (Beriah) And we're going after them. They'll pay for attacking God's holy city. Go on. (Shebuel) Beriah, we have some news too. We're leaving. (Beriah) Leaving? Why? Where are you going? (Rachel) You know what we believe. Jesus said that when Jerusalem was surrounded by armies, that is the signal that a great tribulation is coming. (Beriah) The Romans are running away! This is a great day! A day of deliverance! (Rachel) Beriah, it's not Jerusalem that Jehovah has delivered today. It's his people. (Beriah) His people... Christians. And what about me, Rachel, your flesh and blood? I pray at the temple. I keep the Sabbath. Am I nothing in God's eyes? (Shebuel) Beriah! Please! (Beriah) You'll get my sister killed! (Rachel) Beriah please, you must come with us. It could mean your life! (Beriah) And just where do you intend to go? (Shebuel) We're going to Pella, in the mountains to the north. (Beriah) Are you... crazy? That's a Gentile city! Besides, it's too dangerous to travel. You’re safe right here. (Rachel) Please, come with us. (Beriah) Who do you know in Pella? (Rachel) We have friends. (Beriah) Winter is coming. How will you live? (Shebuel) Jehovah will provide. (Beriah) Everything you know is right here! Can't you see how foolish you are being?!

(Jewish rebel) Beriah, let's move out!

[Beriah takes Rachel aside] (Beriah) You're all the family I have left. Don't leave. Here, keep this for me. (Rachel) This was father’s. (Beriah) I'll get it from you. I'll get it from you... when I return. Please be here.

Page 4 of 12 Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

[Beriah nudges Shebuel aggressively as he leaves with the rebel soldiers] [Rachel looks at her father’s ring and sobs quietly] (Shebuel) [Speaking softly] Come on, we have to go. [Shebuel, Rachel and Ziph leave Jerusalem – the gates of the city close behind them]

[Naham & Abital ready for departure] (Abital) Naham. Naham. I've forgotten something. We're not going back again. You wait here and I'll go back. (Naham) No! You're not going back. If we delay any longer, we may be trapped. (Abital) Naham, what if the end doesn't come right away? (Naham) You mean what if Jesus was wrong? (Abital) We have a lot to lose. (Naham) Abital, the house is locked! And I have the key. (Abital) Let me see it. Let me see the key or I won't sleep tonight! [Naham shows Abital the key] (Naham) Now stop worrying! (Abital) I can't believe you left Gideon in charge. He's not even a brother! (Naham) Who else is there? The brothers have all left. (Abital) Still I don't trust him. (Naham) He's worked for us for years and he knows the business.

[Naham and Abital approach the one of the gates of Jerusalem] (Jewish rebel at the gate of the city) Where do you think you're going? (Naham) I'm Naham the wine merchant. My wife and I are leaving to visit friends in the north. (Jewish rebel No 1) Are you feeding and clothing his family too? What's all of this? (Naham) [Speaking softly] You know how it is with women. They don't know how to travel lightly. (Jewish rebel No 2) Liar. You're a Roman sympathizer. They've left and you want to leave with them. (Abital) That's not true! (Jewish rebel No 3) Traitor. (Naham) I'm a God-fearing man. Please just let us pass. (Jewish rebel No 1) At the time we need men most, you want to leave! (Jewish rebel No 3) Wait; maybe he's a Christian. (Jewish rebels) Apostates. Won't fight for the nation. (Jewish rebel No 2) I'll deal with him! (Naham) Please let us pass. Here, let me give you something. A little red wine, it's the best in Jerusalem. (Jewish rebel No 2) Bribery! You disgust me. (Naham) Sir! (Jewish rebel No 1) Let them go! Christians are of no use to us. (Naham) Thank you. (Abital) Thank you. (Naham) Bless you sir. (Jewish rebel No 1) Take the donkey. (Naham) What? But sir! But sir! (Jewish rebel No 1) [Drawing a sword] The beast stays! And if you ever come back not even your Savior will be able to help you. I promise you that. Get 'em out of here. [Naham and Abital leave Jeruslaem – Naham looks back in anguish through the gates]

Page 5 of 12 Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

[Owl hooting] [Crickets and frogs chirping] [Shebuel and Ethan sit by a campfire]

(Shebuel) I didn't think it would be like this. I mean look at us; we're out in the wilderness, completely defenseless. (Ethan) Jehovah has never failed us. He got us out of Jerusalem; he'll care for us now. (Shebuel) If only I had your faith. (Ethan) You do have faith. You proved that when you left your old life behind. (Shebuel) I never thought I'd live to actually see it. (Ethan) But you didn't allow that to cloud your judgment. You've done the right thing. (Shebuel) How long do you think we should wait for Naham and Abital? (Ethan) They must have left by now. If they don't show up by dawn, we'll go back and look for them. (Shebuel) I can't figure out what's taking them so long. They have a donkey to carry all their stuff for them. (Ethan) I wonder if that was wise. 'The man on the housetop 'should not come down to take the goods out of his house.' (Shebuel) Ethan, you look tired. Why don't you get some rest and I'll keep watch for a while. (Ethan) Maybe I'll do that.

[Shebuel dozes] [Wolves howling] [Naham and Abital on the way to Pella approach the campfire] (Abital) Owww, [sighing] I can't walk anymore. I’m done (Naham) You have to keep walking. (Abital) Ow (Naham) You all right? (Abital) Ugh! I'm so sick of this.

(Shebuel) Ethan! Ethan, wake up! Somebody's coming! [Shebuel peers into the darkness] [Naham and Abital approach the camp – Naham stands in front of Abital to protect her] (Naham) Hold on. Shebuel? Shebuel is that you? (Shebuel) Naham? Naham. Oh, I am so glad to see you! (Rachel) What happened? (Naham) At the gate, they had swords. There's nothing we could do. (Abital) We were robbed! They stole everything we own! (Rachel) Oh, Abital, I am so sorry. That must have been terrible. (Shebuel) I can't believe that happened. (Naham) We we're given enough time to think this through. Now look what's happened! (Ethan) Naham, I'm really sorry about what happened to you. But... we've all left things behind. Jesus told us to flee the city, and that's exactly what we've done. (Naham) Maybe so, but I still think we should have waited until things settled down a little. (Ethan) Listen, it's late. Tomorrow is another long day. Let's get some rest. (Abital) [Whispering] We don’t have any water, any food. Everything was on the donkey. (Shebuel) You must be exhausted. [They all settle down for the night]

Page 6 of 12 Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

[A new day on the road to Pella – Ethan leads holding Ziph’s hand]

(Ethan) Shebuel. Hey, something about this doesn't add up. (Shebuel) What do you mean? (Ethan) Think about it. Jerusalem is to fall by the sword, after we leave, right? (Shebuel) Right. (Ethan) And Jesus said it would be like when Lot left Sodom. Fire came down from heaven, suddenly, That very day, right? (Shebuel) Yeah. Ok so what are you thinking? (Ethan) The Roman army left Jerusalem. If they're retreating, they can't destroy the city. Unless, it's not really a retreat, it's a trick! They're trying to draw the Jewish fighters out of the city and into a trap. Why else would they just leave? They’re waiting in ambush, ready to pounce. Maybe that's why Jesus told us to leave immediately. Ethan what do you think? (Ethan) I think we've done just what Jesus commanded us to do. Isn't that the important thing, Naham?

[Evening comes] [A map shows their progress on the way to Pella]

(Shebuel) I sympathized with Naham, but there were just so many things we didn't understand at the time. And when word spread about the defeat of the Roman army at the hands of the Jewish rebels at Beth-horon, it only raised more questions. But we had made our decision. So we began a new life in Pella.

[Entering Pella]

(A brother from Pella) Welcome brothers and sisters from Jerusalem. How was your journey? (Ethan) Oh, it was a long journey. But were so happy to be here. [A brother directs the travelers to accommodation] [Naham and Abital are not impressed with their new home]

[Shebuel and Naham work harvesting grapes and working a garden] (Shebuel) How can this be so hard? (Naham) Ridiculous (Shebuel) Admittedly, life was... simpler... and harder than it was in Jerusalem. [Rachel grinding wheat] (Naham) [Stacking rocks] Ow! (Shebuel) We had some adjustments to make. (A sister from Pella) This is for you and your family. (Abital) Thank you.

[Naham hands over a gardening tool to Shebuel] (Naham) It doesn't look like it would be too tough. It's your garden. I should say dirt. Have at it.

[Shebuel and Naham laugh crushing grapes together while Rachel, Abital and Ziph look on]

(Shebuel) Adjustments that would truly challenge our faith.

Page 7 of 12 Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

[Six months later] (Naham) [Digging] Ow!

(Naham) That's it. (Abital) That's all that's left, Naham. (Naham) I'm supposed to work out here in the blazing sun all day on this pitiful bit of birdseed? (Abital) I'm doing the best I can! (Naham) Abital, wait. Abital, I know. I'm sorry.

[Ziph plays the flute] (Abital) That boy has such a gift for music. Do you have anyone here that can teach you? (Ziph) No, not really. (Abital) It would be a sin to waste that talent. Course, all the best are in Jerusalem. [Rachel - with tears in her eyes - takes hold of her father’s ring hanging from a chain around her neck]

[67 C.E.] [At night - Raining]

(Abital) This, this is your best outer garment, Naham. There's not enough there for a new one, not if you want to eat tomorrow. (Naham) What more can I do? (Abital) We're out of food; we're out of money. I'm sick and tired of this place! I can't stay here Naham! (Naham) I know. I know. (Abital) I'm not comfortable living with Gentiles -even the brothers- I don't trust 'em. (Naham) Believe me, I understand. (Abital) I'm tired of not being in our own home! (Naham) If I can just make a decent living in this good-for-nothing- place or get back to my business in Jerusalem! [Thunder and rain] (Abital) That Gideon he's probably stolen everything we own. He thinks we're never coming back.

[The brothers and sisters gather by torchlight] (Shebuel) OK. (Ethan) OK. (Shebuel) We can get started. (Ethan) Look a brother from the north has sent a supply of grain as a gift to our congregation. We've divided it up proportionally according to the size of each family. [Tearfully] Once again, Jehovah has provided for us in our time of need. [The brothers and sisters take their share of the grain] [Shebuel notices that Naham and Abital are not there to take their share of the grain]

[At Naham’s home] (Naham) We're grateful, Ethan. Still this isn't going to last long. What then? (Ethan) Where is your faith, Naham? Jehovah has cared for us up till now; he'll continue to do so. (Naham) I hear there's plenty of food back in Jerusalem. (Ethan) Your heart never left it, did it, my brother? (Naham) Jerusalem is my home. I was born there. And some day [holding the key to his house] ... I'll return.

Page 8 of 12 Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

(Ethan) I left Jerusalem with a heavy heart too. But this is our home now. There's no reason to believe we'll ever go back to Jerusalem. Think Naham, why did Jesus tell us to flee the city? (Naham) Because it was supposed to be destroyed. (Shebuel) Naham, as we speak, 60,000 Roman soldiers are attacking the cities of Galilee. Do you really think they'll spare Jerusalem? (Naham) Maybe they won't, but maybe they will. It's been a year now! I don't want to spend the rest of my life here if nothing's happening back in Jerusalem. (Ethan) It doesn't really matter when or how the end comes. What matters is that we're faithful to Jesus commands. (Naham) That's easy for you to say, Ethan. You only have yourself to care for. What about those of us with wives and children and businesses back in Jerusalem? (Ethan) We've all made sacrifices. Think about Abraham and Sarah. They left a wealthy city to live in tents. They never went back there. Jehovah blessed them. He's blessing us too. (Naham) You call this a blessing? (Ethan) Yes, I do! You've become blind to the blessings right in front of you because your eyes are glued to the past. Everything Jesus said about Jerusalem will come true. In God’s due time. Until then, focus on the work he's given us to do. (Naham) The work. People think we're fools because we preach about a destruction that hasn't come, because we ran away from our homes. (Ethan) People thought Jesus was a fool too. But remember, 'No one has given up anything for the sake of the kingdom who will not get a hundredfold now and everlasting life.' (Naham) I'll just be glad when all of this is behind us. (Ethan) These are stressful times. So, what will guide your actions now? Naham, let it be faith that motivates everything you do. (Naham) Maybe I need more faith. [Weeping and sniffing - Abital tearfully listens to the conversation]

[Eight months later] [Picking grapes] (Shebuel) Still, Naham struggled to overcome his doubts about leaving Jerusalem.

(Naham) I'm telling you Ethan had us leave Jerusalem too early. Gideon's out there making money and were here picking grapes. (Shebuel) As time wore on, there remained the burning question that Naham just couldn't get past. (Naham) So tell me this, why hasn't the end come? (Shebuel) Naham, how long are you gonna keep asking that question?

(Shebuel) I didn't have the answers. But I knew that if we kept focused on the more important things and patiently waiting on Jehovah it would all become clear. [In the background Shebuel says: “So having sustenance…we shall be content. So it’s really important for us to keep cultivating contentment with the circumstances we do have (Rachel)- That’s true)]. Naham imagined that life back in Jerusalem was just the same as always. But the reality was quite different. Shortly after we left, the cold hand of Zealotry plunged the city into a brutal and senseless civil war.

[Scenes of violence]

Page 9 of 12 Video Transcript - “Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”

[Camp of General Vespasian]

(General Vespasian) [Laughing] God acts as a Roman general better than I can do. Our enemies are destroying one another with their own hands.

[Rome, 68 C.E.]

(Shebuel) Meanwhile, the political scene in Rome descended into anarchy when a military coup and a death sentence issued by the Senate drove Emperor Nero to suicide.

[70 C.E.]

[Naham appears to be coming to grips with a decision as he places weights on and off a set of scales – nods his head slightly]

(Shebuel) Those chaotic events made walking by faith even more important and even more difficult.

[Shebuel tends his garden]

(Naham) Shebuel. (Shebuel) Hey. (Naham) Shebuel, I've made up my mind. (Shebuel) Oh yeah. About what? (Naham) Returning to Jerusalem. (Shebuel) Naham, we have been over this before. (Naham) Rome has been in chaos for a year and a half, ever since Nero's suicide. (Shebuel) What does that have to do with us? (Naham) The Roman army never returned. Don't you see? Jehovah has delivered the holy city again. Now is the time Shebuel! (Shebuel) The time for what? (Naham) The time to go back. (Shebuel) What are you talking about? (Naham) We slaved away here for four years now. What do we have to show for it? (Shebuel) Our lives! (Naham) Our lives are back in Jerusalem. I just want to take care of my family and I can't do that here. (Shebuel) We're getting by. (Naham) We can do better than just get by. We don't have to stay another minute in this dump, Shebuel. But we have to act quickly. (Shebuel) Rachel and I have discussed this at length. The answer is No! Now, please, get off my plants. (Naham) That's Ethan talking! Don't base your decisions on his opinions. (Shebuel) How about Jesus words? (Naham) We did what Jesus told us to do. We got out. But he never said that we couldn't return. Besides, what happened Jerusalem? Nothing! (Shebuel) Yet! (Naham) Why wouldn't Jehovah have mercy on Jerusalem, Shebuel? It's the home to the temple and to his people. He changed his mind with Nineveh, and that was a pagan city. (Shebuel) The Ninevites repented. And you know the Jews are no longer God's people.

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(Naham) It's obvious that Jehovah has protected Jerusalem, not just once but twice. First with the rout of Cestius Gallus, and now, with all the political confusion in Rome, Jerusalem is all but forgotten. (Shebuel) What makes you assume those events prove Jehovah's protection over Jerusalem when Jesus said it'll be destroyed? (Naham) Shebuel, OK, let's assume that Jehovah still intends to destroy Jerusalem. We all thought it was going to happen as soon as we left, but it didn't, did it? (Shebuel) No, we were wrong about that. (Naham) So when will it happen? (Rachel) Naham, you know it's impossible to know the day or the hour. (Naham) Just hear me out. Come here, Shebuel. Jehovah foretold the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, right? (Shebuel) Yeah. (Naham) By what prophets? (Shebuel) By several. (Naham) Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Am I right? (Shebuel) Yeah, you’re right. So What! (Naham) How many years in advance did he foretell that destruction? (Shebuel) I don't remember. A few hundred anyway. What's your point? (Naham) A few hundred years, Shebuel. That's the point! Shebuel, Jehovah is patient. If he waited hundreds of years then, why would he rush into action now? (Shebuel) I don't know Naham, but you've heard the reports about what's happening in Jerusalem. Factions fighting for control, violence, bloodshed, anarchy! (Naham) Stories! Embellished and exaggerated with every telling. Every city has its problems, Jerusalem's no different (Shebuel) Still you can't …… (Naham) Thousands of families march in and out of Jerusalem three times every year. They come and they go. Nothing happens! Why can't we, just to check on things? (Shebuel) Naham, my friend, we have thought and prayed about this for a long time, and it comes down to this -either we obey a clear command from Jesus or we don't. Jesus told us to leave Jerusalem, never indicating we should return, not even for a day. We must be obedient! (Abital) Well, we're going anyway! (Shebuel) Please! (Abital) Rachel, think of Beriah. Come with us. You could find him. And that boy of yours? What kind of a life is this? (Shebuel) We have been friends our whole lives. We've been through a lot together and I have always been honest with you, Naham. Now I'm telling you, you're wrong! (Naham) How can you know that? I'm willing to die for you, but I will not throw away my life by going back to Jerusalem. (Naham) Throw away your life? You threw away you life when you came here! (Shebuel) Naham, you're so focused on the past that you can't see the blessing right in front of your eyes. (Naham) Were going. Today! (Shebuel) My brother, I beg you, don't go. Naham! What are you returning to? (Naham) To what is mine!

[Six days later] [Shebuel is tending his garden] [Ziph runs to Rachel with a letter]

(Ziph) It's from Uncle Beriah! (Rachel) Let me have it, please! [Rachel struggles to open the letter] Nervously] Here you do it

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[Reading from Beriah’s letter] (Beriah) My dear sister, I am sorry it took so long to reply to your letters, but the situation in Jerusalem is desperate. It's good that you are not here to see what has become or our beautiful city. [Naham and Abital arrive back in Jerusalem and the gates are shut behind them] [Scenes of desperation and arguing over food and violence] Jerusalem is like a ravenous beast that feeds on its own flesh. Three power-hungry factions fight one another for control like mad dogs. Priest and worshipper alike have been slaughtered at the temple, sprinkling the alter with their own blood. There is starvation in the city too. All the food reserves were destroyed out of the jealousy of the political factions. Tens of thousands have died. Reports from the countryside say that the Roman army is burning, looting and killing its way back into Jerusalem. By now they are only a few days away. [Scenes of the Roman army entering the city and slaughtering its inhabitants] [Female wailing] You were wise to leave when you did, and you would be wiser still not to attempt to return anytime soon. Perhaps you and Shebuel were right...after all. I love you, Beriah. [Wailing continues]

[Beriah lies dead - Naham also lies dead clutching the key to his house in his hand – Jerusalem burns]

[Pella, 72 C.E.]

(Shebuel) Looking back on those events fills me with both joy and sadness. Joy because we made the right decision, but sadness when I think of the consequences when material things become the motivating force behind decisions. Now more than ever I realize that true Christianity requires strong faith. Faith to walk a narrow and cramped road even when we can't see what's around the next bend. Faith to make decisions that defy conventional wisdom, and faith to stick by those decisions.

[Shebuel sitting on the rooftop with flute in hand (Rachel) Shebuel, Shebuel, we're ready.

(Shebuel) Here in Pella we don't have all the things we had in Jerusalem, and life is much harder. But what's really important is that my family and I remained loyal to Jehovah [Ethan is witnessing in the background] and survived the last days of Jerusalem. I don't know what the future holds, but we are determined, come what may, to keep walking by faith.

[Closing scene the flute and Rachel’s father’s ring sits on the parapet wall]

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