I rummaged through an old and dusty pile of documents and papers that used to be important to me but over time had lost their luster. “Ah, here it is – I hoped I had not thrown you away.” When I was active and serving as a deacon, I used this very paper to help answer the question:
“How Do I Pray?”
“But, thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matt: 6:6.
“Therefore, I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.
“Well, I am already in my closet, so maybe my Father is in here with me.”
While meditating in this quiet time in the darkness, something told me that I must forgive Aebra or I would not feel God’s blessings when praying. That barrier to God will not unravel if my heart is not sincere.
So, I phoned her (I quit calling her Triple AAA) and we had a nice talk with no yelling. We decided to put the past in the past and start anew – like two people who just met and without history. We decided to communicate once in a while and chat. She surprised me when she was even open to my Christian style of advice. She wanted to change her life. She realized that it was time to consider starting a family of her own and the happiness that it would bring. I called Father Drake and arranged for her a meeting. For now, she’s in the need-to-seek stage. Good for her.
Chapter Fifteen
“High School Friend”
“I’m no angel, as you know! Besides, big and tough Eddy is scared. When it comes right down to it, I’m afraid that my name is not in the book – you know, the big book! And I think that Michael is helping to write that book.”
At my local bookstore, I made my way down the aisle in the religious section. I needed some answers: “Who really is this Michael guy and what’s his game?” As I was fumbling around and not getting any place, I heard in the aisle next to mine: “Let me help you, sir, I know where everything is located, even the comic section.”
Parting the books and being surprised: “Faye Marlow, is that you?”
Faye was a high school classmate and past friend. It had been a long time since we last crossed paths. We used to keep in touch but drifted away. At the current time, I was in sore need of a friendly voice, so I was happy to see her smiling face.
“Faye, what a pleasant surprise. Do you work here?”
“Eddy Riffle, what a nice gift to see you. It’s been a while and I was wondering where you were and what’s you’ve been doing with yourself. Yes, I work here part time. You know me. I need to be around people.”
“I sure do. Let’s quit talking through this peep-hole and go sit at that table in the front so we don’t irritate the good customers.”
I hurriedly put the books back in place and made my way to the table. “Faye, I’m glad we bumped into each other. I do need to find something but I don’t want to bother you with my situations.”
“Why, Eddy, you have not been bashful before. You know that I will help you with anything. We could always confide in each other and in confidence. I can’t count the times in our school years that you gave me advice that I appreciated. That’s what old friends do for one another – help with care.”
“I know, Faye. I do trust you. So, here goes my story and don’t laugh. It’s all true.”
I told her everything from A to Z. My whole story about the war, about Aebra Arlington and my downfall, about Ellie and my daughters, and about Michael. Now, I needed to know the facts about Michael. Why was he pointing his attention in my direction and why was he wasting his precious time on useless me?
“Faye, I’m no angel, as you know! Besides, big and tough Eddy is scared. When it comes right down to it, I’m afraid that my name is not in the book – you know, the big book! And, I think that Michael is helping to write that book.”
“Come on, Eddy, and quit whining, let’s take a look and see what we can find. Maybe there is an answer that will allow you to be more trusting in the blessings that are there for everyone, not just for scared little Eddy. Let go look in the Pity section, ha-ha.”
“You’re a hard nut for a part-time book store clerk. So, let’s get cracking. Get it, nut, cracking?”
Shirley knew exactly where to find the reference books and was adept at scanning the material. What we found was information clearly contained in Biblical scriptures. Michael is mentioned three time in the Hebrew Scriptures (Daniel 10:13-21). The prophet, Daniel, has a vision where he identifies Michael as an angel that is the protector of Israel. Daniel is informed in his vision that Michael will arise during the “time of the end.”
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1.
Faye and I talked for a long time about what these verses indicate and how they might be meaningful to recent occurrences. It was getting late: “Well, Shirley, it’s about time that I leave you to close up this place. I’m afraid that I took up too much of your business time. Will your boss be upset?”
“No, Eddy, my boss will not be upset. On the contrary, he is very pleased with how I have spent the afternoon with you. Knowledge is wisdom and will never lose its value. It will help you to make the right choices that are facing you. So, buck up and don’t be scared of that name in the big book thing. You’ve had some rough and trying times that would undo most folks but not you. You’re still kicking like a bucking bronco and braying like a stubborn mule.”
“Aw, Faye, as they say: ‘Don’t stick your finger in the cage!’”
“Eddy, Eddy, I hate to leave but there’s other things to do today. This has to be a short visit because I’m in big demand at this old library. It would fold up without my part-time help. If you ever need me or just want to talk, I’ll be sitting here at this desk – it’s my spot.”
“I’m glad that I bumped into you today. See ya around, old friend – talk later.”
I hugged her and left the bookstore. It had been a long time since our last meeting. It sure was a good break that we met because she really helped. The time went too fast. “Oh well, I will try next week to come back for another visit and then we can talk more about our fun times.”
Later when Eddy returned, he discovered that the library where they met was never a library but had always been a toy store.
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb. 13:2.
From the Author:
At this point, Eddy has now regained his job, his faith and ability to pray again, his family’s love, and his happy way of life. And, he wants to live and forget the past. What else is there to accomplish? Then, why is Eddy still fearing another face-to-face with Michael?
“What do I have to do to get my name and my loved one’s names in the Book of Life? And, I’m just plain afraid of what they will say about me on the judgment day. What will my family and friends think about me then?”
For Eddy Riffle and all of mankind, it’s the last piece of the puzzle.
“So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, Matt.” 13:49.
Chapter Sixteen
“Easter Day – The Vision of Jesus on the
Road to Golgotha”
Then, from around the bend, the crowd began to mingle with voices raising as if Jesus was near. I could hear a various array of sounds with different meanings. And, some were crying, some were laughing and jeering, some were shouting for Jesus to take charge and lead them. It was like all the emotions of mankind were somehow now present at the same time.
Mr. Patron
He looked like a bum to me because his clothes were frazzled and
aged. He had a haggard face that gave the appearance of being well traveled.
He turned to me and spoke: “Hey, buddy, can you spare a dime?”
I worked all Easter morning when I suddenly realized that something was wrong: “I’m hungry!” My appetite was finally coming back after being lost for two years. And, I was really missing that great taste of the first bite on a stone-cold empty stomach. So, I rushed down to the local deli for a baloney and cheese sandwich. I found an isolated table because I wanted some peace and quiet while I enjoyed my renewed taste buds. Everything seemed perfect to me except there was no waitress in sight. The only person in the joint besides me was the counter man. The name on his shirt – Joe. He took my order and soon delivered the sandwich, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet tea that I was chomping at the bit to receive. “Hummm, it was quite tasty.”
The waiter checked on me and dropped off the check and then slowly made his way to the kitchen leaving me by my lonesome. I sipped my tea while enjoying the quiet. Then the front door opened and another person walked in and made his way over to the counter and sat down. He looked like a bum to me because his clothes were frazzled and aged. He had a haggard face that gave the appearance of being well traveled.
He turned to me and spoke: “Hey, buddy, can you spare a dime?”
I was not taken back by his brashness because I could clearly see his condition. “Sure, man! Get on over here and sit in this spare chair. It’s empty and needs a customer.”
He waddled over and sat down: “Thanks, I’m hungry enough to eat the bark off a tree. I think I’ve already had that meal a few times. As a last resort, I come in here when everything else is exhausted and old Joe gives me a handout.”
Old Joe must have heard his name mentioned because he suddenly arrived at my table. “Can I get you anything else mister, apple pie maybe? Say, Mr. Patron, when did you come in?”
Before the hobo could answer, I spoke up: “He just got here and I do need something: I would like for Mr. Patron to have anything he wants to eat and give me the tab.” I took out my wallet and looked inside. All that I had was that $100 bill that I kept so I would never be broke and for emergencies. I guess this fit that situation. I reached the money toward the waiter and told him: “Give my buddy here the change.”
Then Mr. Patron reached over and grasped my hand: “Thanks again, but I will decline your offer of such great benevolence and concern. You see, I’m just passing through and I have sufficient substance waiting at the next stop. Old Joe and I have known each other for a long time and we work together in service.”
I was a little shocked: “Then, why did you come over to my table? Do I know you from somewhere?”
“Eddy, you don’t know me, and I just wanted to chat. Maybe I can be of assistance to you.”
“Hey, Mr. Patron, you know my name. Man, I don’t mind telling you that this is strange. What service do I need?”
With all that was happening to me lately, I was beginning to get used to crazy things. So, I slid my chair backward just to give me some jumping up room. “You never know!” I quickly looked at the man to see his reaction. All he did was to lower his eyes for a moment and paused. He then raised them up to meet my stare. Immediately, I fell under his hypnotic trance and was unable to get up and run out of that deli like I was burning to do. It was no use, so I relented and let his trance take me to another state of mind.
For me, it was like being at the movies: “You sit back and watch. You feel all the emotions of the scene before your eyes but you know that you can’t change the action. Yelling and screaming only irritates the guy sitting beside you, so don’t yell and scream.”
The scene before me was in the time of Jesus of Nazareth. What I saw was a great multitude of people that nervously rustled back and forth on the streets of the city. One man in the crowd said that he was awaiting the appearance of a captured Jesus. He said that he got there early so he could get a clear view of “The King of the Jews.”
Looking at the people that lined the streets, it occurred to me by their actions that they did not know what to expect. One questioned: “Will he break his bonds and destroy the captors with a single blow or will he be exposed as a fraud and a liar?”
Another said: “How should he be remembered? Is he the Son of God or just an ordinary man of teaching?”
Then, from around the bend the crowd began to mingle with voices raising as if Jesus was near. I could hear a various array of sounds with different meanings. And, some were crying, some were laughing and jeering, some were shouting for Jesus to take charge and lead them. It was like all the emotions of mankind were somehow now present at the same time.
I paused my thoughts for a moment to prepare myself for what was about to happen. My worst fears paled to what I now faced. The dragging of the cross screeched at my very soul as if I were actually present and part of the horrible scene. There it was: Jesus struggling, then falling, and then being struck with whips and canes while trying to carry the cross upon his back. Someone in the crowd cried, “Where is thy power to deliver us?” Others in the crowd tried to help Jesus and carry the cross for Him but were pushed back. Soon, a man from out of the throng came forward and helped a weakened and weary Jesus carry His cross.
Closer Jesus crawled and then was seemingly dragged to where I was viewing. I instinctively reached out for His bloodied hand to try and help Him to his feet. As I looked down, it was then that I met Jesus for the first time. Our eyes met and it was at this very moment that I understood.
Time seemed to stand still and everything stopped moving as if I had plenty of time to dwell on the face of The Lord. His eyes were kind and loving eyes, not filled with hate for His tormentors nor filled with revenge. His eyes were hurting eyes that were filled with the physical pain that He bore. His eyes were strong eyes that would not waver until his appointed task was completed. His eyes contained every answer for every question. His eyes told me that He loved me and every person that ever lived and every person that will ever live.
Even though not one word passed between us, I understood. My creation as a human being with an eternal spirit was explained in that moment and I understood. I thought: “If only I could take your place, even for a while.” But I knew it could not be so. The cup could not pass and Jesus must do this and I understood. Then, pushing the crowd aside, the brutal guards took Jesus and continued their onslaught down the road to Golgotha or “the place of a skull.” My vision could not follow Him further.
“Now from the sixth hour darkness came over the land for three hours and then Jesus cried out with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lamasabach-tha-ni? That is to say, my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? He soon yielded up the ghost. The temple vail was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose. And the centurion, which stood over him, cried out, ‘Truly this man was The Son of God.’” Matt 27.
I awoke from my vision and faced Mr. Patron. I could not speak. He put his hand on my clasped hands and he spoke: “If every human being could have been on that road to Golgotha and looked Jesus in the eye, they would understand. What a wonderful world it could be. We would be more loving and caring. We would do all we could to help others. We would be thankful Christians. God’s Holy Word tells us that someday all of us will be able to see the eyes of Jesus and kneel before Him. What a beautiful thought.”
“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” Rev. 22:3-4.
My ability to speak returned: Why did you give me a chance to understand what was before me all the time? I have never been able to let go of my human desires and be fully committed. But now I understand that faith in Jesus is “The Shield” and that He protects us from all the fierce darts of evil.
The patron came closer: “It isn’t me or Michael that is g
iving you the chance, it is Jesus, your Lord and Savior. We work for Him. Now, it’s time for you to follow your heart.”
Then, Mr. Patron got up from the table, made his way to the exit, looked back and smiled one last time. He said: “By the way, my name is Gabriel and I’m an angel. I deliver messages from God. See you on down the road.” Then he left with a wave and a nod.
My mind was now in a relaxed mode. I was beginning to understand what Michael wanted of me. And in my mind, I reflected on Michael’s visits and my visions. I could now see that I needed to forgive myself of my indiscretions and sins just as I had visualized that Jesus had forgiven me. Even on the cross where Jesus died, He said: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.
As I left the deli, Old Joe tipped his hat to me and spoke: “Call anytime, Mr. Riffle, I’ll be here. This deli never closes. And, Mr. Patron, err, I mean Gabriel, just lives around the corner, someplace close.”
Chapter Seventeen
“The Murder”
“What Could Go Wrong?”
The alley was dark from end to end. A man stood beside trash receptacles located behind a pastry shop. He had his weapon drawn. He was ready for action as he waited for his victim. Down at the far end, another man entered. He cautiously sneaked his way through the dark. As agreed, each turned on a flashlight that would signal their presence. Both men then stood face to face. They were unaware that another set of eyes watched. No words were spoken. The lights were doused. They fired their weapons into the darkness. Both, unknowingly, missed their targets. A single shot from a hidden sniper’s rifle penetrated his target. Roddy Shaw lay dead. The other man, Jonnie Riffle, fled. He did not know that he did not kill Roddy Shaw. The sniper did the trick! He had a night scope.
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