Fire in the Rain © Theme:
Paul’s event-filled sea voyage to Rome. The Roman centurion Julius, Publius (who was the Roman governor of the island of Malta), and Paul were brought together on this voyage which would change all of them, and the entire world, and the effects have been felt up until this day. But there were others in this story . . the sailors, the soldiers, the other prisoners, and those on the island of Malta where the shipwreck happened. How were they impacted? In addition to those persons mentioned above, this story focuses on some fictitious characters who have also been “crafted” from the Biblical story. Uses original music and an optional video package for intro and for each of the three songs.
Bible Reference:
Acts 27-28
Cast:
6+ (at least 3 of which will be male) Narrator (likely female, made up to be old) Paul (likely middle age) Centurion Julius (any age) Governor Publius (any age) Martha (likely late teen or older) Islander1 (male or female any age) Islander2 (male or female any age) plus any number of non-speaking roles
Set:
as little or as much as you wish or are able. Bare stage would work well however backdrops of ship and sandy beach would assist the staging
Lighting:
spotlights to accentuate acting locations
Sound:
tape of sound of storm (DramaShare members can find SFX in Technical Help) 3 songs to be downloaded
Costumes:
traditional, Roman uniforms for Julius and Publius
Props:
snake, twigs for fire
Special Effects: PowerPoint slides of storm, pictures of Jesus in ministry and on the cross, etc., can be shown during the playing of the songs. As well have a map of the voyage route showing their location at that point Optionally there could be a “human video” (mime to music) of the actions of the songs as they are played. NOTE: permission to use songs limited to use as part of “Fire in the Rain” performance Time:
60
Fire in the Rain © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2009
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Script: lights up on side stage where narrator stands narrator shivers, pulls coat close around to keep warm Narrator:
A cold, miserable wind. A storm rolling in from the northeast! . . . Some of the worst storms seem to come from that quarter it seems. (looks around, thinks, remembering) Reminds me of the voyage to Rome, long years back . . . “Fire in the rain”! (shakes head, thinks, a wry smile) Why would I think back to that now? Most folks involved are likely long gone dead now. Let’s see there was Martha, she died, serving, preaching the word on Malta. Julius, he was hanged by the Romans, for treason against the state. Publius, he was martyred in Athens. And Paul, . . (smiles) . . Paul, he got his wish, martyred, now with the Lord as well! Sailors, surely they will be in watery graves. Sailoring is not a vocation that promotes longevity. And as for the Jewish prisoners, most knew in advance they were on a one-way voyage to death by the cruel hands of the cruel Romans, their death taken care of as soon as the Roman hierarchy had ensured that both Roman royalty, and Roman rabble alike, had paraded past, and seen “Roman justice” in action. So, it would seem likely that of the lot that started out that voyage from Adramyttium, likely I am the last alive. . . And I old, and I am feeble, and I am soon to join with all the others, in the grave. (remembering, shakes head, wipes away a tear) I remember the scene, on the docks, being driven, as sheep to the slaughter, onto the ship. The scene, burned into my memory . . But more, the smell . . the smells of the cargo, moved on board by an army of sweating slaves, encouraged to move more quickly by the whips in the hands of cursing slave masters. The smell of the unwashed bodies of prisoners who received less care than did the animals who also were given passage on this ship . . animals destined to go to slaughterhouses no less intimidating than those to which the prisoners were bound, the difference being that the carcasses of the animals would not be desecrated, burned and carved up to satisfy the sadistic minds of their killers. Ahh yes, a boatload of animals and near-animals, sailing in their destiny of death, going through their voyage of rain and storm, . . About to encounter . . “Fire in the rain”!
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light up on main stage Paul, Martha and many other prisoners are herded on stage by Centurion Julius Julius:
Come along then, move! . .(pointing off stage) . You soldiers back there, move these prisoners along!
Julius pushes Paul forward, Paul falls to the floor Paul, angry:
Stop your pushing!
Julius:
Perhaps you do not realize you are speaking to Julius, centurion in the Imperial regiment! I suggest that prisoners learn to keep their lips buttoned and their anger to themselves!
Paul:
It will serve you well to remember, . . . Centurion Julius in the Imperial regiment . . , that, while I may be under order to return to Rome for trial before Caesar, the fact remains that I, Paul, am a Roman citizen, and, as such will not be treated like foreigner or slave.
Paul rises from the floor, brushes himself off Julius, smile: A Roman citizen are you? Paul:
That I am, and as such it may serve you well to treat with respect a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty!
Julius:
And what brings our well bred Roman guest to be a prisoner on this pleasure ship bound for Rome?
Paul:
I stand accused of speaking out for the hope in the resurrection of the dead. And as a Pharisee I can justify no other belief. The Sadducees and the Pharisees in the temple could not agree on anything . . . except their distaste for my message . . and here I am.
Julius:
You mean that I am to be responsible for you on this dangerous winter voyage to Rome, simply as a result of a senseless debate between you Pharisees and your Sadducee cousins?
Martha:
He lies! . . He is also guilty of defiling the temple, and of trying to lead the people to disregard the teachings of our fathers’ Moses and Abraham.
Paul:
“Defiling the temple?” . . That was a lie made up by those in the temple. I brought Trophimus the Ephesian to Jerusalem but he did not enter the temple.
Martha:
So you say! . . . And I suppose you did not speak against the law either?
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Julius:
Wonderful! . . So I not only have a Pharisee priest but also a Sadducee zealot woman on board! . . Let me make one thing clear . . I will tolerate not one iota of outburst while you are under my authority!
Martha:
Best you so inform his eminence, the once Pharisee! . . Saul, or Paul, or whatever his name may be this week.
Julius, to Paul: A man of many names is it? Paul:
I am Paul, a Roman citizen and servant of the Lord Jesus, he who was crucified, dead and buried, but on the third day arose from the grave, overcoming death. And today he sits on the right hand of God in heaven.
Martha:
Sacrilege! The Nazarene was a fraud, an imposter!
Paul:
Woman, you don’t know what you are saying! . . I have encountered, with my own eyes, the Messiah. . . I met him on the Damascus road. And don’t just take my word, . . . Aristarchus, the Macedonian from Thessalonica is with me, to be support and comfort for me in Rome. . . He will tell you of the Saviour!
Martha:
I have heard that well rehearsed story a thousand times! . . Spare me the repeating!
Paul:
Jesus is real, woman! . . .Come, let me tell you about him.
Martha:
Thanks, but no thanks!
Julius:
In case you forget this is a prisoner transfer, not some sort of a floating theological debate platform. Keep that in mind if you will, both of you. . . Now then, the prisoners are loaded, the cargo is all in place, take your last look at Adramyttium town. It could be a long time until you see it again . . more likely never!
Paul:
I long to go to Rome, I asked, . . .no . . demanded to appear before Caesar.
Julius:
You fool, I do not understand you! You could have gone free had you not appealed to Caesar!
Paul:
It is you who does not understand! Since these claims have been brought against me my case has been heard before the Procurator Felix, and also Procurator Festus. And when there was no decision from those governors I was taken to King Agrippa . . In every instance I got to explain the message of the risen saviour! And each time many were exposed to our exciting risen Lord. And now to go free is to miss the opportunity to testify of Christ the Lord in the very heart of Rome! . . That is an opportunity I must not miss!
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Julius:
But an opportunity for you to die in the process! I can’t believe . . .
Paul:
I am in him, he is all that I believe! . . So if I die, I die to be with him! . . And if I live I live to preach his name! Either way it is in him that I believe!
Martha, laugh: Truly a mad man! Julius:
And you woman . . what is your name and for what actions on your part do we give thanks for your presence upon our merry ship?
Martha:
My name is Martha, and they say I and my friends are guilty of plotting against Rome.
Julius:
And for this you are taken on the long voyage to Rome? . . Why were you not just disposed of at home? There is no question you will be slaughtered as soon as we reach Rome.
Martha:
Seems Caesar’s gang want to make an example, a spectacle of us, to show all in Rome that they are being tough on objectors.
Julius:
A fine cargo we have! . . A woman who is fool enough to believe she can make any difference in the Roman handling of the Jewish problem, and a man who claims citizenship in Rome yet who places his faith in a dead Jewish messiah! . . (looks to the sky) Darkness is falling, the stars are shining through. Ropes have been loosed. And so we have set sail! Should be quite an interesting voyage! And as for me, it is in the skills of the good captain of this ship that I believe!
Paul:
Believe not in human frailty Centurion Julius! . . It is in the risen Christ that I believe!
Song: “In You We Believe” http://www.dramashare.org/music/InYouWeBelieve.mp3 actors slowly move as indicated in a kind of slow human video background of night sky with stars introduction (30 seconds) Above the stars are shining through the trees Like pinholes in the curtain of night Telling of an order that we need Withholding no one from their sight And the Lord’s glory shining through their light Fire in the Rain © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2009
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Right from the start, straight from the heart Created for all to see. And in this world that’s full of beauty Conveying all your hands have made As we live, our lives will sing It’s in you we believe. 15 seconds Created in God’s image we will be The channels of his glory and life With every step we take the world will see The story that made wrong seem right. And when we fail you lift us up again And fill us up, full of your love Abounding with power and grace. And in this world where hearts are broken You spoke another truth To look to you, so we will see It’s in you we believe. extended interlude (30 seconds) Seeking to glorify only our Lord We will sing to the king May our hearts cry out for more. And in this world where words come easy We will speak another truth And as we live, our hearts will sing It’s in you we believe. the following “slow human video” will happen during the extended ending (50 seconds) Paul goes to knees at downstage center, looking upward, radiant smile, arms raised 2 or 3 “converts” to degrees follow Paul’s lead and hesitatingly kneel and raise arms Julius moves partially to center stage but not quite center, removes his helmet Martha is watching all that is going on, toward the end of the extended ending she in disgust turns from the group, walks partly upstage and off a little to the opposite side that Julius is on. “Unbelievers” watch Martha, follow her partly upstage but at a location further offstage. What you are trying to portray is that Paul is totally in awe, the “converts” are to a degree buying in, Julius is beginning to believe, Martha is more strongly than ever not believing, and the “unbelievers” are following Martha’s emotional lead stage goes to full dark
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Act II – Approaching storm Narrator, comes on stage: The sailing, at the beginning, was smooth and uneventful. The next day we landed at Sidon. Julius, who by this point had, it seemed, developed some feelings for Paul, allowed Paul and his friend Aristarchus to go visit some of Paul’s friends in town. Sidon! Name means “the fishery”. Once home to the princess Jezebel. Jesus himself had preached there. (scornful) Since the Romans took over, the town of Sidon is cluttered with theatres and monuments, . . promoting Romans of course! (frowns, more serious) By the time we put out to sea from Sidon the weather had changed. Rather than risk the open waters and unfavourable winds, the ship’s captain steered course to the lee of Cyprus, thus adding precious time to travel plans. Then sailing across open seas off Cilicia and Pamphylia we landed at Myra in Lycia. We were offended to see the statues which Roman Emperor Germanicus and his wife Agrippina had erected for themselves in Myra's harbour. . . but such are the actions of Roman barbarians! Egypt being the breadbasket of the Roman Empire, and the imperial government having a fleet of grain ships that carried grain from Myra to Rome and other parts of the Empire, Julius the centurion was able to arrange that we be put on a ship bound for Rome. Weather conditions continued to deteriorate as we made our way to Cnidus. Unable to hold our course we attained the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. From there we barely crawled at a snail’s pace to Fair Havens, near Lasea. All of these navigational problems were not lost on we the passengers. Many were novices to the sea, and the weather and rough seas brought on much discomfort and grumbling. Paul, never reticent about saying his piece, was the most outspoken. lights up on stage Paul approaches Julius Paul:
The weather worsens by the day.
Julius:
A meteorologist as well as theologian and lawyer. . . I am impressed!
Paul:
It does not take a meteorologist to understand that we have lost a great deal of optimal sailing weather, and it is now past the Fast.
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Julius:
The ship’s owner and the pilot are confident that we can reach a winter refuge at Phoenix.
Paul:
Phoenix is no more attainable than Rome itself in this weather.
Julius:
So you say. . . I choose to place the lives of my prisoners, not to mention my own wellbeing, in the experienced hands of the ship’s owner and his pilot, a man with more than twenty years experience in sailing these waters. When I feel that your vast experience is warranted, friend Paul, I shall ask.
other actors come on stage and gather around, worried Paul:
All of you: captain, crew, passengers! I tell you that this voyage is impossible at this season and in this weather.
Martha:
And what is the professional opinion of Paul, he who is so versed in all things!
Paul:
We must winter here in Fair Havens.
Julius:
Fair Havens is unsuitable for wintering, so that is simply not an option. . . We will continue on to Phoenix, a safe harbour facing the southwest and northwest.
Paul:
We will continue on and we will surely die.
Julius:
Nonsense! . . I will hear no more of it! . . (looks around, smells the breeze) See, already a gentle breeze from the south, exactly what we require . .. An omen for sure!
lights down on stage Narrator:
An omen perhaps, but not a good omen! No sooner had we set sail than a northeaster of hurricane force bore down on our ship. Caught in the fury of the storm we could only allow ourselves to be driven at the will of the howling winds! Although in the lee of the island of Cauda, it was as though we were in the middle of an unrelenting ocean. The wind buffeted our substantial ship around as though a cork on stormy waters! And the rain . . . coming down in torrents, washing away all that was not safely battened down. The ship’s crew, and the soldiers and prisoners too, worked tirelessly, attempting to make the lifeboat secure, then passed ropes under the belly of the ship in hopes of somehow keeping the timbers from flying apart like some sort of child’s contraption. Our anchors were lowered lest we run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, and so
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we were dragged along by the mighty winds. Soon the decision was made that the ship’s cargo and tackle would be thrown overboard in the faint hope that this might lighten the load sufficiently that we might ride out the storm. But after many days of the intensity of the storm, there was no one who held out any hope for our survival. . . That is, no one except Paul. . . lights up on stage, all are huddled together in the storm, Paul addresses the rest Paul:
People! . . I need not remind you that you should have taken my advice and not left safety.
Martha:
You can remind us of your wisdom now with benefit of hindsight. . . But what matter? . . We will all die.
Paul:
Not one of you will perish.
Julius:
And you know this how?
Paul:
An angel of the living God appeared to me last night. And the angel assured me that I need not fear, for it was God’s own plan that I be delivered safely to stand trial in Rome before Caesar.
Martha:
And in this little chat with your angel friend was there any mention of the fate of the rest of us?
Paul:
God’s angel assured me that God has graciously spared the lives of all on this ship, and that the storm will drive us aground in due course.
Julius:
And you expect us to believe this storm and this rain will just . . dissipate?
Martha:
There is no use! . . All is hopeless!
Paul:
God is the hope among the hopelessness, the shining light.
Martha:
You have no idea how much I wish I could believe you!
Paul:
Believe Martha! . . Believe all of you! . . I have faith that God will bring our safety about, just as he promised. . . The storm, the rain, the worst that nature can throw at us, all of this is no match for the fiery will of God! . .
Julius:
“The fiery will of God”? . . In this storm and rain?
start the intro to “Fire In The Rain” Fire in the Rain © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2009
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Paul:
My living God is the fire in the rain!
Song: Fire In The Rain http://www.dramashare.org/music/fireintherain.mp3 Verse 1: Sometimes in my life it seems Like all the things I do just fade With the passage of time Everything goes away But Jesus is forever His promise will not fail To be with us, to share with us His power, his grace, his love Chorus: (And) he’s the hope amidst the hopelessness The shining light of freedom And when I am alone he is there And he’s the constant in a changing world The star that lights the darkness For he is the fire in the rain. Verse 2: Well I’ve been through valleys With no end in sight And the times when I can’t feel him I know that he’s still there There was a time when I had dared to dream Only to find they don’t come true But to think that Jesus died for me Is the thing that pulls me through. Chorus: Bridge Friends and family fade away Into a void we call the past But the gift of God’s eternal grace Is the only thing to last. Chorus: Fire in the Rain © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2009
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lights down on stage, up on narrator Narrator:
It had now been fourteen long nights! No land in sight, no end to the vicious wind, the unrelenting rain. Yet somehow there seemed to be a sense of peace edging into our fear and apprehension. Then one of the veteran sailors shouted out that he could tell that we were nearing land. The depth soundings taken by the captain bore that out, we were in shallow water. That brought on joy, except to the seasoned sailors who knew full well that our ship may end up smashed against possible rocks on shore. So all anchors were dropped, and many of us, even those not prone to doing so, dropped to our knees in prayer. Some of the sailors, under the pretence that they were lowering anchors, lowered the lifeboat, hoping to save their own lives by making their way to land. Paul, who had gradually earned the respect and attention of others on board, warned Julius that unless the sailors stay with the ship all would perish. Julius immediately ordered the ropes to the lifeboat be cut, and the lifeboat disappeared into the churning water below. Yes, indeed, Paul was not only gaining respect, he was a force to be reckoned with, and a voice to whom all listened! With the storm, and the fear that it brought about, no one had eaten in many days. Paul demanded that we all eat, explaining that if we did not eat we would not survive. After promising that all would survive the landing on shore, Paul gave thanks to God in front of all of us, took bread and ate it. This talk, and seeing Paul’s leadership, urged us all to eat, and eat we did, all 276 of us on the ship. All the remaining grain and cargo on board was then thrown into the sea to lighten the ship for the landing. At sun-up we could see a sandy beach ahead so the anchors were cut, sails were raised and the ship made it’s way toward the beach. Misfortune was that the ship lodged on a sandbar where it proceeded to be smashed to pieces by the raging surf. The soldiers planned to kill all prisoners to prevent their escape, but Julius had become very fond of Paul and so prevented the soldiers from carrying out their plan. Julius instructed all who could swim to jump into the sea and swim to shore. Those unable to swim were provided with planks torn off the ship. Amazingly, just as Paul had promised, not one of the ship’s passengers or crew were lost at sea.
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Act III - On The Island lights up on stage actors from the boat come on stage from one side, looking around, happy actors from island come on stage from the other side Publius:
Welcome! . . We have been watching from shore, come help us make a fire, we have warm blankets for all of you!
Paul:
And who are you, and where might we be?
Publius, extends hand: I am Publius, governor of the island, and this is Malta, welcome! Paul:
I am Paul, servant of the Lord God, and this is Julius, centurion of the Roman Imperial regiment, who is taking me to trial in Rome.
Publius and Julius shake hands Publius:
I must say Paul, you don’t seem to find the prospect of trial in Rome distasteful.
Paul:
Wherever I go I have opportunity to tell of my risen saviour, Jesus the Christ, and when God is in it I am able to do great things including healing those afflicted.
Publius:
God has empowered you to heal the sick?
Paul:
With God all things are possible.
Publius:
Then perhaps it is your God who has led you here to Malta. . . My father, who is old, is sick, and I fear he may die. Perhaps you will see him?
Paul:
It will be my pleasure if God be in the healing. May we first prepare a fire so that all of our people will be comforted after their experience?
Publius:
Wonderful, let me help you, will you bring those branches over there?
Paul goes to pick up branches, gets back up quickly, a snake attached to his hand all the island actors react in horror Islander1:
Look at him. The sea was not able to take his life, now a snake will kill him.
Islander2:
What evil has this man done to meet this kind of death?
Islander1:
It would have been better to die a quick death at sea than an agonizing death such as this.
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Islander2:
A murderer likely, only a murderer would be so cursed by God as to be twice inflicted.
Paul walks over to the fire, shakes the snake off Islander2:
What is this? . . He is not swelling up, he should be dead by now.
Publius, examines Paul: As you can see he is quite alive! . . Truly amazing! . . Islander1, bows down at Paul’s feet: Surely this man must be a god! Islander2, bows: All hail the god who overcomes death in the storm, and on land! Paul:
People, please! . . I am not a god, I am an ordinary man like yourselves!
Islander2:
No, not like us at all! . . Just last week a brother was bitten by a snake and died immediately!
Islander1:
All hail the god who overcomes death!
Paul:
Please, I beg you, no more! . . I have no power other than that given me by the risen Lord! . .
Publius:
And surely God is in this man! . . . Imagine, overcoming the bite of a venomous snake!
Paul:
Surely the same Lord Jesus, he who was crucified, three days in the tomb, and on the third day rose, the same one who today sits on the right hand of God in heaven, surely he can handle a simple snake bite!
Publius:
I beg you sir, go heal my father!
Paul:
With pleasure! . . (points to Islander1 & Islander2) . . Let your people lead me there. You Publius, stay with my friend Julius, here at the fire.
Paul, Islander 1 and Islander2 leave the stage Publius, Julius and Martha sit by the fire Publius, shakes head: Quite amazing that friend of yours. . . I do pray that he can save my father. Martha:
He will be healed, have no fear.
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Julius:
What is this Martha? . . You are actually speaking kindly of one whom a few days ago you reviled?
Martha:
Some of his ways may grate at times but . . surely he is a man of God.
Julius:
But Paul is loyal to Jesus, the Christ, the one whom you consider a fraud, an imposter.
Martha:
The godhood of the Christ has been proven in his disciple, Paul.
Julius:
Amazing . . next thing we know you will be a converted believer in Jesus, the Christ!
Martha:
Of course I am a converted believer in Jesus the Christ! . . As are you Roman Centurion Julius of the Imperial Regiment!
Julius:
You talk foolishness woman! . . I am a Roman soldier! . . Caesar is my god! . . Now never let that foolishness be said again or I will . . I will . . .
Martha:
You will what Roman soldier? . . .. Will you bow down and admit your love for this Jewish God?
Julius, sobs:
What can I do? . . Why has this happened to me? . . I wish I had never seen that wretched Paul! . . My life was so . . complete. . so ordered . . so . . Roman!
Martha:
And I too was satisfied in my ignorance. . . But the fact of Jesus Christ and his saving grace can simply not be denied. . . And I no longer am a doubter.
Julius:
Publius, you must help me, help us, I need a favour.
Publius:
Name it, it is yours.
Julius:
When the next ship comes by you must hide Paul and Martha and the rest of the prisoners, I will say they all perished at sea, Rome will be none the wiser.
Martha, chuckles: Dreamer Julius! Julius:
I am offering you an opportunity to live!
Martha:
You forget one small matter. . . Neither storm at sea nor poisonous snake, nor heaven nor earth will stop Paul from travelling to Rome for what he believes is appointed duty to preach Jesus Christ crucified.
Julius:
But the fool . . he will be killed!
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Martha:
You are forgetting Paul’s “fire in the rain” . . . his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the same Christ who, we both know, brought us here through the storm.
Publius:
I am amazed! . . And I am not sure exactly what you two have . . I am not sure what it takes to get what you have . . I do know that I must not let you leave until I have this Jesus of yours!
Paul, Islander1 and Islander2 come on stage Julius:
My guess is your wish is granted! . . Here comes Paul, and I expect that before he leaves this island there will not be a man, woman or child who will not serve the risen Saviour!
Islander1:
Publius! . . Your father he is . ..
Publius, overcome: My father is . . well . . he is . . cured? Islander2:
He and half of the sick people on this island. . .
Islander1:
And those who have been healed are, as we speak, rounding up all the diseased, weak and lame, bringing them here for their healing!
Publius, kisses Paul’s cheeks: Paul dear friend, how can I thank you, what can I do for you? Paul:
Nothing for me, do for yourself! . . . Accept the Lord Jesus Christ!
Publius, smiles, points at Julius and Martha: Thanks to your two friends here I believe that has already happened. Paul, shock:
You mean, you two . . are . . believers?
Julius, smile: Did you expect us to not be converted with sharing quarters with a fanatic such as yourself? Paul:
But you Martha, you seemed so . . . so . .
Martha:
Stubborn is the word you likely are seeking. . . And in that attribute I have a fellow, you may know him, they call him “Paul” as I understand.
Paul:
Truly the ways of the Lord do amaze.
Islander1:
And what of us, I want to know this Jesus who does such amazing things!
Islander2:
And I, and my family.
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Islander1:
You speak of Jesus, the Christ, yet how are we to know of him if we have no one to explain to us?
Paul:
This Jesus is the very son of God, born to a virgin of Nazareth.
Islander2:
A god born of a woman?
Paul:
Yes, exactly, and so a God, yet a man who walked among us, who suffered as we suffer, who was tempted as we are tempted, yet knew no sin. . . And it is to him that I have given my life.
Islander1:
So now that you have given your life to him, then you too are sinless?
Paul:
Hardly! . . I remain, and will always be, fully human. . . So my sinful nature is always with me.
Islander2:
Then I am confused. . . If, after giving your life to the Christ, you continue to sin, what benefit is there to being a follower of the Christ?
Paul:
You need to know the rest of the story of the Christ. . . He was born, became as us, but he did much more! . . He was crucified on a cruel cross, and was placed in a tomb. But on the third day, he rose from that tomb, and he again walked among us!
Islander1:
So the Christ continues to be with you.
Paul:
Yes, but not as you think. . . After spending time with us on earth he went back to heaven, to be with God, interceding for us all.
Martha:
That is something I don’t understand. . . Why would he intercede on my behalf, even before I gave the control of my life to him?
Paul:
God, the perfect God, can not abide the sight of sin. God demands payment for sin.
Martha:
Yes, that I understand. . . And that is why we are instructed to give sin sacrifices.
Paul:
Jesus, on the cross, became our sin sacrifice. . . And for those who acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Saviour of their life, God accepts the sacrifice of Jesus as being full and complete sacrifice for the sins of the many.
Julius:
But I don’t deserve that, I am not worthy, I am not even Jewish.
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Paul:
Jesus came to save not just the Jewish people, he came for Gentiles all over the world. . . It is God’s plan that none be lost to sin. . . And this could only be done through Jesus Christ.
Publius:
I feel, as you do Julius, . . so incredibly unworthy.
Paul:
All are unworthy, only Jesus was holy and sinless, and we are the unmerited recipients of Jesus’ sinless sacrifice on the cross.
Islander1:
You say Jesus was crucified on the cross. . . Did he have to die?
Paul:
If you mean could Jesus have chosen to come down from the cross, and walk away . . of course he could have. . .
Islander2:
Now that is more than I will believe! . . Explain to me exactly how a man on a cross could simply will himself to remove the nails from his hands and feet and to step down from the cross. . . Explain that to me or I shall never believe. . .
Publius:
Friend and neighbour . . I can not explain that either, nor can I rationalize it in my mind. . . But neither can I explain or rationalize the snake bite that happened right before your eyes. . . More, I can not believe or rationalize this man taking the sickness from my father’s fevered body. . . And yet it was from your mouth that I heard that it had, in fact happened. . . Tell me, can you explain to me how it is that my father is now alive and well?
Islander1:
It is a miracle of God, no question.
Publius:
Yes it is, and miracles of God are things of God, and as such indescribable.
Paul:
You are insightful friend Publius!
Publius:
Insightful? . . I am not sure of that. . . But, hungry, eager to know more of this Jesus.
Julius:
Teach us more Paul, please. . . There is so much we need to know.
Paul:
Seems we are not in a rush to leave for Rome, we will winter here. . . And even when we leave it is clear that the Holy Spirit will continue the work in you. . .
Islander1, frightened: Wait, wait, what is this of spirits? Paul:
Before Jesus returned to heaven he promised that he would not leave us as orphans, that he would send us a comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with us constantly. . . And so he has been.
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Martha:
So it was this Holy Spirit who calmed you through the storm?
Paul:
I have the proof that he will never leave or forsake you. Through the storm, through the fire. . .Our fire in the rain.
Julius, shakes head: Amazing! . . Publius:
Seems that none of you will be able to leave our island, much too much work to do here.
Paul:
The Lord has all that under control. . .You Publius are the leader of your people, and a good leader you are. . . But God has bigger plans for you. Here God will establish his church, and you will be shepherd of his flock.
Publius, frightened: Me, but I am . . I can not possibly . . I am not equipped . . I am one man! Julius, to Martha: What of you Martha? . . Perhaps you would want to stay on this island to assist Governor Publius? Martha, confused: Me stay here? . . I am your prisoner, to be taken to Rome, to be tried, and undoubtedly to be put to death. Julius:
Seems foolish to me that a worker should not be used. . . Besides Governor Publius, if he should request that you be allowed to remain here, what possible authority would I have to refuse? . . What do you say Governor Publius?
Publius:
Centurion Julius, I do so request . . no . . I order, that Martha shall stay here on the island and serve!
Julius, bows: I accede to your orders Governor Publius, so it shall be! . . (to Martha) . . Henceforth you shall be under the orders of Governor Publius. Martha, in tears, overjoyed: Oh Julius, you have given me life! . . (laughs) . . I could kiss you! Julius, mock horror: Lady, I forbid it! . . After all I am a centurion of the Roman Imperial regiment, think what that would do to my reputation! Publius:
But what of you Julius, why would you not stay here as well?
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Julius:
Begging your pardon sir, I have my orders, to guard Paul and the rest of the prisoners on the voyage to Rome. . . Besides, . . I think I want to see the impact that Paul will have on the city of Rome. . . My suggestion is that you keep an ear to the northwest in anticipation of the walls falling down when Paul’s influence hits town!
Paul:
I shall do no more and no less than I have stated all along. . . I shall preach the name of Jesus, and him crucified!
Publius:
But why must you sacrifice yourself, . . there is so much more to do . . so many more like us to learn his love and salvation.
Paul:
Each of us will one day be asked to sacrifice all we have, for the Lord our God. My time is now, and go I must. . . I must give all I have . . I must sacrifice! . . And in great pride I . . will . . sacrifice!
Song: I Will Sacrifice http://www.dramashare.org/music/IWillSacrifice.mp3 Once again you ask of me To lay aside my plans and see You have better things to come Far beyond my hopes and dreams Although the pain it hurts so much I know the Lord will heal me Chorus 1: (And) I will sacrifice For the Lord my God All you ask of me I will freely give Withholding nothing from my Lord Giving all I am I will sacrifice. Verse 2 My Lord Jesus sacrificed Suffering more than I could bear He gave his life and paid the price Simply because he cared Although it seemed he was defeated Jesus rose from the grave. Chorus 2: Fire in the Rain © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2009
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Because he sacrificed Oh Lord my God All you ask of me I will freely give Withholding nothing from my Lord Giving all I am loop Chorus 1 the end
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