Before the King

By Heather Kaufman

Description:

Joanna's wealthy family aspires to Herod's inner circle, but when her father's esteemed position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, her family harbors a dark secret. Entangled in the complexities of aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage, Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances. When tragedy strikes, Joanna grapples with a new future that challenges her sense of duty and hope for love.

Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. As she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, disciples who view her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. With pressure increasing on all sides, Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.

Book Takeaway:

We are always living coram Deo, before the face of God, which means that we never experience one moment apart from His presence. Wherever we go, God goes first. Through fire, storm, and valley, God goes first. There is nowhere we can go and nothing we can walk through where God has not already been and where His presence is not sustaining us. Because He is present, we can be brave, standing firm—not in our own strength, but in His.