No one talked about what happened. It was, as if, we were all trying to reason the events that had just taken place.
Finally, I formed a question. “Why don’t we just kill him? Why doesn’t God kill him? He is killing innocent people in God’s name. How could He allow that?”
It had to be said. It was eating away at my belief system and pushing me to question all I’ve ever known about God. It didn’t seem fair. If He is so powerful and mighty, then why wouldn’t He stop this? Show Himself? I just can’t help but wonder why.
“Because if we kill him, if God sends his angels to kill him, what then would that accomplish? The people are under a wave of deception. They believe him to be the second messiah. They will protect him with their lives. Unless we reveal the demon that he really is, they will forever worship him.
Besides you can’t kill demons, they are already dead. All we could do is kill the host. The demon would just come back in another host and pick up where it left off. We have to kill the lie. If we don’t kill the lie, we will be perceived as the enemy. The power of the scripture would be lost. He has twisted God’s word into the perfect knot. What we have to do is untie it. We have to renew their faith in God, the Father. Then, God can destroy him.”
I understand because it reasons well in my heart, but my mind does not agree. “There must be some way to stop him” I thought out loud.
“There is. First, I will call some of my colleagues and persuade them to join us. We could use some help,” Dad said, before he left the room and started making phone calls.
“Victor,” I said as my voice fell on deaf ears. “Victor?”
He blinked back to attention. “Yes, Missy. I apologize. I was deep in thought.”
Couldn’t fault him for that, there is a lot to draw thought to. “What do you think the prophet is trying to do?”
He exhaled, as though, he had been holding his breath all day. “I believe…” He raised his hands and ran them down the contour of his face. “I believe he has come to discredit the Bible and cause the demise of Christianity. Then, he will take the lost souls back with him to Hell to join him in the final battle. I believe what we have been preparing for…the last days, is now upon us.”
I had a similar thought, but it still seems so unreal. “But the Bible says, he is going to lose that fight.” I tried to reassure him and myself.
His head turned in my direction, but his eyes never met mine. “I guess he will die trying, figuratively speaking of course.” He turned and walked out the room. “Good night, Missy.”
I lowered my head in thought of what he had just said. “Good night, Victor.”
It only took two days for the other pastors to arrive. Now there are seven of us. Not quite an army, but seven is usually a lucky number.
“Thanks for coming guys,” my father said as he hugged their necks. “This is more than I envisioned when I responded to Victor’s request,” he added as he met their questioning gazes.
“From what you have told me so far, I can understand that.” Benton said. He looked to be around forty. He was a medium build. Some might say stocky. He didn’t look like he’d run from very many fights in his years; pre-pastor, of course.
“So what’s the plan, Mike?” Swangi asked my father as he made his way closer to the group.
“Always pulling up the rear aye Swangi.” Dad laughed before slapping hands with him and pulling him in for a hug. He looked to be the closest in age to my father.
“I was hoping you could help me with that,” Dad finished.
Jif turned his attention to me as I watched them interact. “Is this your daughter?” The others then turned to notice me as well.
“Yes, this is my oldest,” Dad replied with pride.
“Do you think it is a good idea having her here, in the middle of all this?” Swangi asked with concern while giving me a “no offense” expression.
None taken. I have asked myself the same question maybe a thousand times. I am nowhere near as strong a believer as my father. In fact, I have been counting down my days to freedom for the past year.
I remember some of their faces, but I can understand them not remembering me. I’m sure I have changed a lot over eighteen years. Most of their visits are short and with Dad only.
“We are to train up our kids in the way they should go, right? She is here to see the battle we fight with her own eyes. Who knows, maybe one day she will be more willing to fight with me.”
Well, that was an answer delivered, as though, I wasn’t standing right here. Yet, it was true. I am not willing to fight in any battles, mainly because I didn’t know this kind of battle was taking place. I knew the devil was vying for souls, but not at this level of deception.
“We have to confront him again.” Zeal interrupted and shifted the conversation.
I was glad to have the attention off of me.
“Perhaps, he will see our numbers have increased and back down. If all of us are working together, we will have a better chance to expose his lies.” Zeal finished.
My father nodded. “I guess that’s a good starting place. Tomorrow, we will confront him again.”
I looked at Mongo who nodded in agreement, but never said a word.
I decided to find a place to rest as tomorrow already sounds like a busy day. That night, I thought about all that had happened since we got there: The boys that were killed in the fire, the old man that had been so brave, yet he too had been killed all at the hand of the false prophet. The last couple of days before the others came had been crazy as well.
The Prophet had continued teaching, as though, nothing had happened. His message overflowed with deception. He spoke of Genesis and the creation. By twisting God’s words of the human creation being good, he encouraged males and females to return to the way God originally designed them to roam the land, in nakedness. The biggest change was to the women, who he encouraged to embrace their distinct beauty.
These women, who wore an abaya, have remained completely covered their entire life only allowing their eyes to show. Now, they are bearing it all. He then told them, it was expected they be fruitful and multiply. The prophet had them convinced the sight was a tribute to the father. They became so engulfed in fornication and perversion that we had to blackout our windows to the view. It reminded me of how I would envision Sodom and Gomorrah. It seemed like the people were in a trance, or operating under a spell. He controlled them.
The way he is twisting the Bible is sickening. And I know if it has this effect on me, God has to be even more so displeased and angered by the sight. He so vividly denounced fornication and perversions in the Bible.
The prophet said, “Since it took God six days to finish the creation, it will take me six days for the corrections. And on the seventh day just as God rested, I too will rest and have a massive celebration for the new beginning.”
He also told them, “This time we will not make the same mistakes. We will start by protecting his son, praising and worshipping him, devoting our lives to his work. The time has come for redemption.”
I know I am not the holiest Bible warrior, but one thing I remember from all those Bible classes is the importance of not having any idols before God. I realize most of the people only started following him out of the fear of what would happen should they choose to rebel. But fear cannot be the only motivational force when you pledge your life to something. It must be faith.
I only wish I had been more receptive to God’s teachings sooner. While some of it stuck through repetition, I hadn’t connected with it. Now, I wish my knowledge base was stronger. I wish I knew his promises. I wish I knew what scripture to recite in combat. There really is a battle taking place. I wish I was prepared.
I was so preoccupied with my approaching freedom that I never even noticed. I did not see the signs of the battles my father had been fighting. I assumed his man
y missions trips were consumed with preaching and playing with unfortunate kids while handing out whatever the church raised to send with him. I did not know he was being used to battle and send demonic spirits back to Hell.
This demonic spirit seemed different to my father, stronger. I wonder if it isn’t just a spirit we are dealing with, but a demon that has merged himself with a human making them one flesh. Or, what if it isn’t human at all? Not only does that sound crazy, but impossible. Or is it?
Finally, the time came for our second confrontation with Hesna (This is what the prophet now calls himself). The seven of us went to his meeting place. It’s my understanding the people wanted to build him a holy temple. He objected stating he liked to be outdoors amongst all things created. I believe while demons can enter the church, it is far too distracting and uncomfortable for them; too many “God” elements.
We preferred to come to his service at the end so as not to subject ourselves to such foolery.
“And we know that the father has given us a sound mind and understanding. Use it to understand your purpose which is to serve me, the father’s son.”
The crowd went crazy, clapping and screaming. You would think they were at the Super Bowl and their favorite player had just scored a touchdown.
“You did not mention the first half of the scripture; God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear.” Swangi yelled.
Hesna gave a familiar look as his eyes searched the crowd for the voice spoken. “Hide not amongst the crowd, but reveal yourself,” he slurred.
He is really starting to get the lingo down pack, although his tone seemed more evil than the previous challenge. He must be growing stronger.
“It was him!” The people around Swangi yelled while jumping and pointing. “He said it!” They continued to say it almost in a chant.
“Yes. It was ME. I do not fear or run from my words.” Swangi said with utter confidence as the crowd silenced around him. Their faces now held concern for the new person’s lack of reverence for the prophet he opposed.
“Come friend.”
Swangi walked towards Hesna without looking back. The other ministers followed.
“I see you brought your brothers with you. I am not looking for a fight.” He said raising his hands as if to simulate surrender, yet his guards drew nearer. There is a significant number more this time.
“Neither are we,” Swangi replied. “We would just like to better understand your purpose, your father.” He made a clear distinction of Hesna’s father.
“I welcome any discussion you should wish me to entertain.” Hesna’s eyes gave a glimpse of the demon inside him as he looked at Swangi.
“God has not given us a spirit of fear and He is not the author of confusion. But you reign on the fear of these people. They serve you because they fear you.”
Hesna seemed all too delighted with the confrontation “Yet Proverbs 28:28 says ‘To fear the Lord is wisdom.’” Hesna challenged all too calmly.
Swangi finished it “And to shun evil is understanding. The context of fear in that scripture and throughout the Bible is to respect and reverence God. God wants us to reign in Heaven with Him. He doesn’t want to force us to choose Him so He can revel as we cower before Him. He wants us to choose to worship Him because we love Him. It is not His desire for us to be mere puppets or He would have made us as puppets. You have taken away the right for these people to choose who they will serve. You have replaced it with the fear of the consequences.”
Hesna, who had been sitting up until this point, stood. Swangi must have hit a nerve. “I am not forcing these people to follow me. They have seen the great works and believe I am the son of my father.”
Swangi started to speak, but my Dad beat him. “Yet, the last time we spoke you had your men throw three innocent boys into the fire and turned their torture into an example of how powerful you are. That wasn’t their choice, but your spectacle. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went willingly into the fire without resistance. It was a fate they accepted due to their choice to worship God. Any random person thrown into the fire that lacked faith in God would surely have burned to death.”
Hesna took a step closer to my Dad and bent his head to the side as he glared into his eyes. “So you think it was an unfair example,” He paused slightly not looking for a response. “Perhaps you would prefer this one? We all know the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. His God protected him from the lions”
He used both of his hands this time and formed them in some sort of a ball formation. Then he threw a ball of power into an empty space to the right of him.
Three lions appeared. These lions were massive. On all fours, they would have to look down to meet the eyes of a seven foot tall man. They certainly were not like any lion I ever saw at the zoo. Their coats are really dark brown…almost black. The hair around their face is jagged. Their eyes are an emerald green; a pretty color yet at the same time frightening in depth. The closest lion I’ve ever seen that resembled them would be Scar on “The Lion King”, except this was no Disney movie.
They were circling the spot Hesna created.
“Which of you will go into the lion’s den? A volunteer?” Hesna looked into the audience.
“I’ll go” Jif said.
Hesna looked at him. “Then go my friend.”
Jif walked to the lions. His back was to me, so I couldn’t see what he was doing. I’m sure he was praying.
Before he entered the circle, he said “The God I serve, The Great I Am, The God of Abraham, Moses and Isaac, my Heavenly Father will protect me.” He entered the lions circle.
The lions sized him and tried to attack him, but couldn’t touch him.
“Well, well. That’s all fine; interesting to say the least. Yet the Bible speaks of all sorts of magic. How do we know you don’t practice some sort of witchery. Tell your God to protect one of our own, a volunteer from the audience.”Hesna taunted.
“As I told you before, we are not to tempt God. He doesn’t use his power to compete in a show,” My father interjected.
“How then did Moses do all that he did to Pharaoh: turned water to blood, his staff to a snake? I’m sure you are aware of the story. He did these miraculous acts all to prove his God was real.” Hesna countered.
“Moses was not acting for his own selfish gain but at the request of his Father,” Benton answered.
“As I am,” Hesna said. “A volunteer?” This time his tone sounded more like a command than a question.
“I will go.” A child that looked to be no more than ten stepped forward.
His mother’s screams quickly followed. “No, Jacob. No. Please don’t go,” She hopelessly begged.
It was too late. Jacob was already heading towards Hesna.
Even in light of the gloom circulating in the air, I can’t help but wonder why she had her son out here to begin with. This man kills kids! She saw the three boys get burned to death. I just don’t think I’d be out here like it’s a concert with my kid. I know I shouldn’t have such thoughts, but come on…really? Still and all, I hope the kid doesn’t get hurt.
“Come child.” Hesna extended his arm to the child. “Tell me who do you serve?” He asked as if he already knew the boy’s response.
“I serve the God these men speak of; The God that can act on faith the size of a mustard seed, the one who sent his only Son so that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. The God my mom raised me to serve.” The boy looked out into the crowd for his mother. “Now she seems confused about who God really is and I understand that. A lot of bad things have happened.” The boy turned back to Hesna and finished. “I know he will protect me. Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear.” The boy looked towards the crowd again, for his mother I assume.
The boy’s answer upset Hesna, but he only showed it in a flash.
“Then go to the lions, and may you not perish… if it be your god’s will.” Hesna looked deep into the boy’s eyes. It was almost as if he was looking into his soul for something. The boy cornered away from his gaze and went to the lions.
He entered the circle with Jif untouched. It was as if he were surrounded by mere kittens. The crowd screamed and cheered. His mother gasped and sent up a praise prayer. Her faith had been redeemed.
Hesna grew very angry. He turned away from the crowd. With his back to us, he must have been doing something to the lions. They grew more and more fierce and viscous. They were also getting bigger and bigger. Jif grabbed Jacob. Holding him close, he whispered something into his ear. The lions clawed at them ferociously. Jacob let out a cry. His arm was bleeding.
“Oh no!” Someone shouted from the crowd. “He’s hurt!” The screams and cries exploded as we watched the lions about to kill them.
“Nevertheless, not my will, but thy will be done.” Jif said.
With that an angel entered the ring, he then transformed into a much bigger lion. His presence made the other lions cower at the sight of him. It was as if they recognized his authority. His eyes were the purest ocean blue. He was simply beautiful. His white coat shimmered like it was sprinkled with diamonds. The unity of the hairs looked like silk as they fell over his body. It was apparent to all that this lion was sent by God. The angelic lion tore the other lions to shreds. It clawed and ripped them without even exerting much effort. Then, the angel ascended back to Heaven.
“Praise God forever more. Thank you Jesus.” The crowd exclaimed.
Finally God had given them a sign. Perhaps all along He had been waiting for the people to remember Him and take a step out on faith. I cannot say I know the reason, but I do know that now the people had a renewed faith in God. That alone was a reason for excitement.
“Tell me, Hesna,” My father attempted to gain his attention. “You have seen the works of our Father, yet you still have not laid claim to who your father is?”
Hesna once again ignored the question. Instead, he turned to the crowd that was cheering and praising God. “How dare you betray your master with a flip of a coin? Just as the Israelites had to pay for building and praising a golden calf, you too will pay for embracing such acts in rebuke of your master.”
He threw his scepter down on the ground. The scepter grew in length then width. It wiggled and then curled up into a ball. Everyone stared at the ball trying to apprehend what was going to happen. Suddenly, what looked to be a hundred foot snake rose up out the ball. I know I tend to exaggerate when it comes to estimating critter sizes. But with this snake, which looked a lot like a king cobra, I don’t think I am exaggerating. While he was in his defencing position, his head topped around fifty feet.
“Every unbeliever will be bit by this snake and come daybreak you will surely die.”
The crowd broke. Everyone started running, screaming, pushing, and trampling over those who didn’t move quickly enough.
“Choose ye this day whom ye will serve,” Hesna finished.
“Dad!” I yelled while running towards my father. Hesna looked at me then matched my dad’s mannerisms to my movement.
“So you brought your daughter, I’m not sure that was a very wise choice.” Hesna laughed before sending his snake to get me.
“Missy!” my Dad yelled running towards me.
The snake was faster…much faster. I stopped running and stood looking in my father’s eyes while I awaited my fate. Judging from the snakes speed to capture ratio compared to my flight speed, it seemed pointless to run away. Yet, I didn’t want to run towards the snake while trying to get to my father either. So I just stood there and waited. Perhaps this is the way my life ends. If it is, it won’t be said I died in fear. And if there was anything I learned the past few days, it was to trust God.
The snake stopped momentarily and looked into my eyes. He extended his hood and opened his mouth revealing his two fangs dripping with venom. His tongue flicked as he let out a growling hiss.
Just as he was about to strike me, Hesna stopped him. “I want her alive.”
The snake settled for swallowing me whole instead.
Although I can’t say that was a more favorable outcome, at least I was alive; I suppose. It was so tight inside of him. I could barely breathe. The only way I could have survived is by the snake being Hesna’s creation. Even under the circumstances, all I could think about was how close we were to defeating Hesna. We couldn’t stop now.
CHAPTER 19—PASTOR MIKE
Epic Testament Page 23
