₦airaland Forum

orisa37:
Pray always to get Power Might and Hope to increase your FAITH.

I will, always

Thank YU

Eviana:
Well written....

Thank YU

orisa37:
Your Faith is your RICHES and WEALTH IN CHRIST JESUS.

Amen.

Ilamina:

Can I give you a legitimate advice?

advocatejare:
Allah sends people astray and leaves them in their transgressions wandering blindly

Allah sets a seal on people’s hearts so that they can’t see and Allah still punishes them for not seeing!

Allah is not God.
Allah is a Demon.
You have been deceived

When people are deceive, they don't know they are deceive because they have been deceived.

Greedy wench waisting away their spiritua potentials

The Purpose Of This War

Warfare between you and the devils is allowed for one purpose. It trust you into Christ-likeness, where the nature of Christ becomes your only place of rest and security.

God allows warfare to facilitate His eternal plans, which is to make man in His image (Genesis 1:26)

The father one goal is to transform our lives with Christ's life; He has but one answer to spiritual warfare: appropriate the nature of his Son in us.

TitsforTat:
Hi. Jantman I sent a mail. Looking forward to chatting. Thx

Right now I am unable to log in to the email on this my moniker. You can write via

Nova1982:
LMAO, I can't remeber the last time I ate garri/eba

Ignorance kill slowly. Even that vitamin C tablet can swell and damage one spinal cord

Even the richest people with their palaces and worldly comforts, would envy the life of peace, love, and happiness that those young lovers enjoyed in their poverty.

Along with their love for each other, they were also filled with the bliss of divine love. They gave themselves, heart and soul in the service of God and he blessed them in every way. .

Removed.

Gointo:
what is the skin colour of jesus christ in that vision or dream?, let start from there.

1. Your brain is too dormat to question me.

2. I don't affiliate with ignorant men.

...

..

...

AdeniyiA:
I know, as well as many others here, that you're highly opinionated. But I'd strongly advice you to be open to advices and others views, you might be at risk of making serious life mistakes if you believe that you are always right.

I am not judging anybody in particular but do you know what those who do God's will are His children and those who do not his will are living at the mercy of the cursed one? You briefly showed me your mind seeing you mention those names up there, politicians, celebrities etc, and that they beat the odds. Are you aware that being famous, rich and powerful do not necessarily mean you enjoy the grace, mercy nd favour of God.? The father of sins too blesses his people, such that the more you commit sint the more the blessing even increase... Don't get ith twisted

Well said.

Milli10:
I was in a barber shop yesterday, and one middle aged man was just regretfully telling his story on how sex and women was the reason behind his setbacks. According to him, he had himself established before the age of 24, until he started his philandering lifestyle.

Is there any possible way sex could be a reason for someone's downfall and setbacks?

Or does it mean that some women bring bad lucks after having sex with them?

Try and see for yourself

....

The conversation of the angels gave me some of the awareness I used to defeat Satan and his forces.

SwattiLee:
"Those who resort to power first will misuse their power. Love does not exist for power, but power exists for love."

Thanks a great deal for this post!

I am glad

fineboynl:
I'm talking about outside the church. On the main road. They walk like that from house to church.

Yes, cele don't use shoes inside church, but some of them are over doing it.

As I am I can't walk barefoot on tiles talk less of inside road

Don't mind their ignorance.

Download and install WPS on your phone to view the e-book below.

***
Michael and the captains who stood with him were also listening to all that Jesus had said, as were the thousands of angels who stood all around them. As a
peaceful silence had come upon the little group that walked along the dusty road with Jesus, one of the captains spoke up.
I have been here since the devil was allowed to tempt the first man and woman, but I have never understood the great evil that lies in men or the fallen angels
like I do now. What Satan tried to tell us was that this weakness is really the source of our strength. He tried to cause us to rebel by enticing us to come to know
ourselves and live by what he calls the great light that is within each of us. I have often been concerned that I never felt that there was a great light within me, but
that I only had what the Father had given me. I have not understood why it seemed that the more I felt this way—that I was lacking in great light and power within
me—the more I felt dependent on the Father, the higher I was promoted. Now I see that this is the truth that upholds the creation—we only have what we have
been given. The more we know that all power and light come from the Father, the more we can be trusted with power and authority.
That is why men will one day even judge us, Michael offered. Those who have fallen into such depravity and darkness, who are so weak and blind, will
know even more deeply their dependence on the Father. Therefore, He will trust them with more authority because they will know that they cannot trust in
themselves, but they are dependent on Him. Such will not again make the mistake that Satan made.
That is why the Son has become one of them—to help them to come out of hiding and into the light of God once again. Now we are learning more about God
every day than we have learned since the beginning. How great is the blessing that we have received, to be here and able to see these things!
How blessed are these men who come to Him, who hear His words and behold the glory of His ways. To behold this has truly been worth all of the battles.
All of the darkness that our enemy has brought into the creation only makes the glory of our God much brighter. The Father is more worthy of our allegiance than I
have ever considered before. He truly is the Source of all authority, power, glory, and dominion! How great and wonderful are these times, Michael continued.
***
The mood among the little band of disciples who walked with Jesus was becoming more sober. It had begun to sink in just how profound the difference was
between what Jesus had just shared with them about a true relationship to God and their whole religious foundation, which indeed the entire nation was now founded
upon. They could all see how profoundly the nation was about to be rocked with Jesus message.
John and Andrew both began to understand just how the Baptists message really did prepare the way for Jesus. Their hearts had been prepared for Him by the
long time that they had been with the Baptist, but they knew that most of the nation, especially its leaders, were going to have a very hard time with Him. Both still could
not understand how it could be that their religion had come to be so directly opposed to the very One they presumed to be worshiping.
Jesus, knowing their thoughts and letting them run their course for a time, then stopped again and faced them and spoke:
You each had your own conflict to overcome to be here. You each had to choose Me over that which you had veiled your own heart with. Everyone will have this
same conflict, and so will the nation. The veil is thick and ancient. No one can come to Me without surrendering what he has made to try to cover his own sins, just as
Adam did in the Garden. All men try to hide from God just as he did. I am the Fathers love to provide men with a covering for their sins and to beckon them to come
out of hiding and draw close to Him again.
The battle for the heart of this nation began with the Baptist, but now we must continue it. Many will be set free, but those who will not come to the light will
hate light, and they will hate Me and hate you. For this reason, you will know conflict every day that you walk with Me. In this world you will have conflict, trouble,
and continuous opposition, but I will give you a peace that will overcome the world so that you will even have joy in the midst of your persecutions. This peace can
only come from knowing that you are doing the will of My Father. That peace must control you instead of the fear of man. If you live by the fear of man, you will
not be able to help men. Fear God and Him only. That is the way of peace.
The disciples knew that this was an ultimate question. What would control them: the fear of man or the fear of God? The answer to this question would, more than
anything, else determine if they could follow Him or not. For most in their nation, it would be whether they would give up their own righteousness, which they had
worked their whole lives to establish, working hard almost every day to maintain, and exchange it for faith in Jesus. To others, the ultimate question would be whether
they loved their sin more than they would love Him. Some would soon be added to their group that had to answer this question. The mix of these personalities would
blend together as they walked with Him together until they became the most powerful little band of people to ever walk the earth.

About the Author
Rick Joyner is the founder and executive director of MorningStar Ministries and Heritage International Ministries and is the Senior Pastor of MorningStar
Fellowship Church. He is the author of more than forty books, including The Final Quest, A Prophetic History, and Church History. He is also the president of The
Oak Initiative, an interdenominational movement that is mobilizing thousands of Christians to be engaged in the great issues of our times, being the salt and light that they
are called to be. Rick and his wife, Julie, have five children: Anna, Aaryn, Amber, Ben, and Sam.

More From MorningStar

***
Simon and Andrew watched the encounter with Zebedee and his sons with great interest. Andrew was glad to see his friend John, but Simon had already started to
feel a little possessive of Jesus. Even so, Simon was astonished by the whole encounter with Zebedee and his sons. He had to fight his own emotions as hard as he
could to keep from crying with them. He had never seen Zebedee like this before, but he began to feel a love for him as if he were his own father. He was even now
sorry that they had to leave him so quickly.
For almost an hour the men walked on in a slightly awkward silence. Finally, Simon spoke up.
Master, where are we going?
We are going to the house of Israel, Jesus replied. We will start in Galilee, and then we will move from place to place as the Father leads us. We must go to
the whole house of Israel.
But what will we be doing? Andrew ventured.
We will be doing more than you can now understand, even if I were to explain it to you. Even so, please ask Me what is on your heart to know. I want you to
understand everything, but some things you just will not understand until you have experienced them.
This encouraged Simon and the others. Soon they were all trying to ask Him questions at once. Jesus stopped, raised His hand for silence, and then began to
explain to them something that they had not asked, but which somehow appeased all of their other questions.
My ultimate desire for you is that you understand as I do and that you will do the works that I do. Therefore, I will do and then teach. You must not be
satisfied to just see My works, but you are called to understand them and then to do them yourselves. For this reason, I will always welcome your questions. After
you grow in faith to do My works, you must teach others to do the same.
Master, what works are You talking about? Are we going to be baptizing, like John? Or will You do something else? John asked.
Yes, we will at times baptize, but I am talking about other works. Tomorrow you will begin to see them and understand.
Just hearing conversation after the group had walked so far in the awkward silence was a relief. Quickly, there was almost a buoyancy in the group. The
uncomfortable feelings were displaced by a deep but sober joy. As the joy permeated the group, Simons protectiveness toward Jesus was displaced by thankfulness
that others had also joined them. He walked over to talk to the sons of Zebedee. After a while longer, Jesus called for James to walk beside Him so that they could talk.
The shame that you felt earlier, when you first saw Me, was the same guilt that Adam felt, which caused him to hide from God after his sin. All men are still
hiding from Him. This shame has all men in bondage and alienated from God. Because of this, they do not want to see God or hear Him, but He created man to be
close to Him. My Father longs to be close to men, and, though they resist it, all men truly long in their deepest hearts to be close to Him. That is why I am here,
and that is why you are with Me—to help reconcile men with their God.
James did not reply, but he immediately understood what Jesus was talking about. After a few moments, He continued:
There are many ways in which men hide from God because of their shame. Many in Israel even hide from Him by zealously trying to serve Him, performing
sacrifices and devoting themselves to religious activity. But they do not worship Him with this activity; they are worshiping their own works. They are, by this,
putting their trust in their own works more than in Him. All who truly desire to serve God must do what you did. They must choose not to hide, but to come out
into the light of My Fathers presence. You are called to be one of My evangelists, and that is your job—to help men come out of their hiding places to stand in the
presence of God.
Sir, turning to You instead of away from You was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I really do not even know how I was able to do it.
You received help, Jesus replied. No man can come to Me unless the Father helps them. No amount of human persuasion can release a man from the great
bondage that shame has on his heart. That is why you must come to know the Holy Spirit, whom My Father will send to testify of Me to all He is calling back to
Himself. It was not just My words that persuaded you, but a knowledge that came to your heart that I was true. It is the Holy Spirit who makes My words living
and like sharp swords, able to cut the yokes that are upon the hearts of men. As My evangelist, you will be entrusted with the same power in your words, which
will testify of Me.
Sir, James responded, if I had not had the experience, I know that I could not understand what You are talking about. Because of what I just experienced,
I do understand. But I have never thought of anything like this before.
And neither has anyone else. This is why I must do and then teach. I have not come to work in the same way that any man has worked before. My works
are from above, and men who are from the earth cannot understand them until they have been helped by the Holy Spirit. The ways of God are different than the
ways of men. He does not think like men, but religious men believe that He thinks just like they do. Therefore, religious men are the most difficult men for the Holy
Spirit to help. It was much easier for you to understand and come to Me because you were not a religious man.
James was really surprised by this statement. I always thought that religious men were the closest to God.
No. Really you did not think that. Deep in your heart you knew that was not the way to God. Deep in your heart you knew that the Lord was not concerned
about rituals and sacrifices. In your heart you felt that God must be above all of that, and you were right.
Then why are so many of our holy men so zealous for these rituals? James asked, still troubled by the thought that these men were not serving God, though
they were devoting their lives to this service.
One act of kindness means more to God than a lifetime of performing rituals. Rituals can have their place if they are used to stir men to love, but they are
enemies of truth when they are used to take the place of love, Jesus replied, turning and saying it loudly enough for the rest to hear.
Rituals can be one of the thickest cloaks that men will use to try to hide from God. I have come to strip away this cloak so that men can come out of hiding,
walk in truth, and walk with the Lord again just as Adam did before the Fall.
You are now with Me because you made the decision not to hide from God or yourself. You did this because the Holy Spirit gave you peace in your hearts
and the knowledge that I am true. The Holy Spirit is a Helper—He does not force Himself upon men. Only when a man chooses to come out of hiding into His
light can He help them. He moves upon them to draw them to the Father, but He does not push, and you must not try to force men either. That is not Our way,
and that is not the way to life.
Jesus, who had been walking ahead with James, then stopped and faced His new disciples and continued: Religious men are the most resistant to the help of
the Holy Spirit. This is because they have built their lives on trust in their own righteousness, which they use to cover up their shame for the unrighteousness they
feel in their hearts. For a man to get free, he must allow the shame to be exposed, acknowledge it, and be willing to come into the light in order to be set free.
Shame is self-centeredness in place of God-centeredness. It is for this reason that the publicans and harlots will come to God before those who consider
themselves righteous.
James was even more surprised by this statement. Do you mean that publicans and harlots can come to God?
Yes, Jesus replied. They are all loved by the Father. He loves all men, even the self-righteous, though they are much harder for Him to reach.
Please forgive me if I am presumptuous, but You almost make it sound as if the publicans and sinners are closer to God and that the religious ones are the
furthest from Him. I understand what You are saying about how rituals are misused, but it is hard to believe that those who give themselves to lives of sin can more
easily come to God, James almost whispered, as if he did not want anyone else to hear him.
It is a hard saying, but it is true, Jesus replied. Many of the worst sinners will come to Me before those who appear to be the most religious and upstanding
citizens. Pride caused the devil to fall and has caused the fall of almost everyone since. Pride is to think that you do not need God. Pride is to think that you could
ever be righteous or acceptable on your own merit.
Self-righteousness is what caused Satan to fall from grace. He is actually one of the most religious beings in the creation. That is why he usually appears as if
he were an angel of light. Those who follow him the closest try to appear the same and are usually deceived into thinking that they have more light than anyone else.
Only the humble will acknowledge their shame instead of trying to cover it up. Only the humble will acknowledge that they are in the darkness and need the light.
That is why Isaiah said:
Who is blind but My servant, or so deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is so blind as he that is at peace with Me, or so blind as the
servant of the Lord?
You have seen many things, but you do not observe them; your ears are open, but none hears.
The Lord was pleased for His righ-teousness sake to make the law great and glorious.
But this is a people plundered and despoiled; all of them are trapped in caves, or are hidden away in prisons; they have become a prey with
none to deliver them, and a spoil, with none to say, Give them back!
Who among you will give ear to this? Who will give heed and listen hereafter? (Isaiah 42:19-23)
This passage, which had been considered an incomprehensible enigma to most scholars, was now easily understood by the disciples. It even seemed obvious to
them, and their exhilaration from this revelation was great. No teacher had been able to make the Scriptures come alive like this!
Jesus continued, Satan fell because he allowed pride to enter his heart. Therefore, God will only give His grace to the humble. The Law was great and
glorious, but it could only help those who would humble themselves before it. When men see the Law, and exalt themselves with it, using it to declare themselves
righteous and able to keep it, this is the greatest form of pride, and they will use it for an even greater evil. They will use it to plunder their brothers with it, just as
was spoken through Isaiah. But the humble face the Law that reveals the righteousness of God and acknowledge that it is beyond them. These are the ones who
will come to God, those who know they need His help and His redemption.
The group walked along for a few minutes. James was in deep thought, as this was so new to him. He had respected the most those whom Jesus said were
probably the furthest from God. He had respected the least those whom He said were the closest. As if knowing His thoughts, Jesus looked straight at James as He
continued.
It is not right to think that the ways of the publicans and sinners are closest to God. They are not close to Him either when they are in their sin. However, they
will more easily come to Him because they know that they are in darkness, and they will more quickly humble themselves to acknowledge their need for help. The
self-righteous will be offended by even the suggestion that they need help. Because God has given man the freedom to choose, man must choose to accept His
help. He will only do this to the degree that he knows how badly he needs help.
When Lucifer began to think that the light and power that he had came from himself, he turned from God to serve himself. Men who follow in his ways feel the
same. This was the first transgression—the first turning away from God. It is the most difficult to free men of. To help men, the Holy Spirit will reveal to them their
shame, illuminating their sin. It is at that point that they must choose to either receive His help, as you did, or go even deeper into hiding from His presence. Those
who go deeper into hiding, whether it is by covering themselves with sin or with the Law, will fight the light with a greater ferocity, thinking that the light that
threatens them is actually darkness. If they would listen to their hearts, they would know that this is not true, but those who go this way ceased listening to their
hearts long ago.
Earlier, you understood your sin, how you had tried to live by the rules, and how you did not do this for God, but for yourself. You confronted this and
decided to repent, to turn to Me and follow Me. This was the most important choice that you have ever made or ever will make. Even so, there are other areas of
your lives that are still hidden from God, which will be exposed as we walk together, and you will have to make the same choice each time.
When you see darkness in your own heart, do not try to hide it. If you will not hide, you will always be set free. Your lives will be filled with both more
freedom and more joy. Do not run from Me, but to Me. I will never be surprised or shocked by what is in your heart because I have already seen it. I will never
condemn you; I have come to set you free.
When you are free, you must set others free with the same freedom that you have received. Never take pride in your freedom or look down upon those who
are not yet free, even the self-righteous. The Father loves all men, even those who resist Him. Your main job from this day on is to love. You must love God above
all and love men even as you learn to love yourself again. To love yourself as you should is not self-centeredness, but the joy of being a child of God.
The disciples were all feeling this joy now. They also understood how, at the same time, they felt terribly unworthy to be walking with Him and to be taught by Him
personally. At times, they wanted to run, and at times they knew they would endure the revealing of any sin or shame in order to stay close to Him. This was a feeling
they would have to get used to as layer after layer of the hardness of their hearts was stripped away.
After a time, Jesus continued again. What I am saying to you now will become increasingly more clear as we walk together. This is the foundation of My
purpose and your purpose. Always keep in mind that when My Father saw the sin of this world, He did not condemn it; it was already condemned. He sent Me to
save the world. I am here to proclaim liberty to the captives and to be a light to those who have hidden in darkness. I will receive any who will come out of the
darkness into My light.
It always hurts to have the darkness that you have been hiding in stripped away by the light. Even so, it is the path of freedom, and after you have been
delivered, the pain will have been worth it. You are with Me to help men come out of hiding, to remove that with which they have tried to cover themselves, so that
they can stand before Me with nothing between us. Then I will cover their unclothedness with light.
When you feel exposed, do not hide, but come to Me. The more that you learn you can trust Me, the more you will be willing to be exposed to My light.
Trust cannot be forced. We must therefore allow men to walk by faith, not by force. True faith begins by coming out of hiding to be exposed to the light. True faith
is to be willing to be naked, exposed, and vulnerable, knowing that I have not come to hurt you, but to help you. Faith in My intentions, and My power to help, is
the most powerful force in the creation. You will learn this. It is more powerful than the pride of men or devils, and it will crush their strongholds over men.
You and this little group are the beginning of a great march of truth. It will be a long march, but men will come to believe Me. As they do, and as they come
out of hiding, the power of the light will grow in them. The release of this power will enable many others to know that they, too, can trust Me and come out of
hiding. This power will grow in those who come to Me until one day they are used to do greater exploits than have ever been done on this earth.
Master, do You mean greater miracles? blurted out Simon, who had been trying to catch every word of the conversation between James and Jesus.
Yes, I mean greater miracles. The greatest miracles that God has done upon the earth have not even required the lifting of His little finger. Just as He has
parted seas, He will one day part mountains because of the prayers of faith that come from little children who trust Him.

Chapter 4
Zebedee was becoming increasingly concerned over his son John. He now seemed despondent that Jesus had not returned for him as He had promised. James,
Johns brother, felt otherwise. He thought that John was overly idealistic and that this disappointment would be good for him.
But Zebedee did not like watching his son go from being so depressed that he could hardly work, to working with such frustration that it seemed as if every task
was an enemy that needed to be punished. Zebedee decided that it had gone too far and he had to talk to him.
My son, I know that you put much trust in this Jesus, but we should not put such trust in any man. Only God is worthy of such trust. He alone will never
disappoint us. He is the only One we should devote ourselves to in such a way. Even the greatest prophets like Moses and Elijah made mistakes. It is because we,
as a people, have been so easily prone to follow after men that we are now suffering this terrible yoke of being under the Romans. We have only received what we
deserved for not determining to have no other King but Jehovah.
John did not even look up to acknowledge his fathers words. They each hit him like a slap in the face, even though he believed that what he was saying was true.
True or not, he did not want to hear or believe them. He just did not know what to do. The months that he had spent with John the Baptist had been the most wonderful
of his life. They had been filled with continual wonder at the Lords activity. The Baptist stirred hopes of a greater move of God than Israel had ever experienced. Never
had he felt such hope, such expectation, and such wonder. Now the disappointment seemed to be just as terrible as those times had been wonderful. Even so, this time
at home had confirmed to him that he could never go back to a normal life again, but he just did not know what he could do. Would the Baptist take him back as a
disciple?
John looked up at his father, whom he loved and respected greatly. Father, I agree with what you are saying. I know that I will somehow get beyond the
disorientation I now feel. But I know that I must either return to the Baptist or somehow find Jesus. I cannot blame Jesus for not keeping His word. Anyone can
forget. Something may have come up that prevented Him from coming.
I will go find Him! John blurted out, throwing down the net he had been mending. This resolve was like a wind blowing away the fog from his mind.
Suddenly, he felt better. I will seek Jesus until I find Him! If I have to, I will not even eat until I do, but I will find Him, he continued with such force that it
shocked his father and brother.
Whenever you seek Me you will find Me, a voice flowed down from the bank above them. All three of the men wheeled around to see who had spoken.
Master! John shouted, leaping up the bank in giant strides. You came for me!
Did you doubt that I would?
Well, it has been so long, John mumbled.
Did you doubt My word? Jesus asked again.
John did not know what to say, so he did not say anything. Jesus did not say anything either, but continued to look straight at him. Finally, John almost
whispered, Im sorry. I did begin to doubt . . . but I knew that You must have had a good reason not to have come.
I understand, but you will learn that you never have reason to doubt My word, Jesus replied, as He reached out to take Johns hand and pull him to the top
of the bank.
Jesus then turned and looked down upon Zebedee and James. Both had been watching the scene with great interest. John quickly spoke up, Father, brother,
forgive me for not introducing you. This is Jesus, whom I told you about.
Yes, Zebedee replied, our son has told us much about You. Can we please offer You hospitality in our home?
Sir, My Father and I have always appreciated the hospitality We have received in your home, as well as in the home of your father. That is why I have come
for your sons, so that they can help to build Us a house. Then I will receive you and your father and show you hospitality.
Zebedee obviously did not understand Him. Sir, have You been here before? he asked.
Friend, it is hard for you to understand now, but you will later. You and your house have honored God by seeking to know His ways and by teaching your
sons to trust Him. He will now honor you by using your sons.
As He was talking, He reached out His hand to pull James to the top of the bank. James took His hand shyly. Will you join us? Jesus asked, gazing intently at
James.
James was stunned. A flood of thoughts arose from his heart. He had never considered himself a spiritual person like his brother. He tried to live by the rules and
sincerely tried to do what was right, mostly to honor his father and mother, but he had really never felt much of a desire to know about God. God seemed too
ambiguous and hard to understand. He had felt a subtle and almost continuous guilt about this, but now it was more than that. For some reason, at this moment, he felt
shame that he had not wanted to know more about God. The presence of Jesus magnified these feelings in him to the point that he felt that he would either have to run
or weep.
Do not be ashamed. You are no different from other men. No man desires to know God. Many do want to honor Him, but few want to know Him, and even
fewer want to be close to Him. But the Father wants to be close to men, and He wants to be close to you. He wants to use you to help bring men closer to Him.
Each word seemed to hit James like a hammer upon his breast. John and his father were even embarrassed as tears began to flow down James face. They had
never seen him this emotional before, and he had never felt that way before. He was truly sorry that he had not tried to know God. He was also happier than he could
ever remember being as he considered what Jesus had just said to him. He could not only get close to God, but he was sure that somehow the Lord was asking him to
right now!
Master, please just tell me what I need to do.
Follow Me.
I do not know You, but I somehow know that You are true. I feel as if God Himself is speaking through You. You not only know what I am thinking, but
You are somehow drawing my deepest thoughts out of my heart. I have never felt like this, and I do not do things rashly, but I know that I will follow You. I will.
Zebedee watched the entire scene in stunned silence. How could such a brief encounter with a stranger have such an impact on his son? And why was it that in spite
of his astonishment, he was not feeling dismay, but peace? He felt that, even as crazy as it all seemed, it was right. In fact, he even felt excitement.
Jesus then turned and looked at Zebedee. As He did, Zebedee felt something that he had not felt since he was a young child. He called it the joyful presence.
When he sat on the edge of the sea pondering the glory of all that God had made, he would begin to feel as if the Lord Himself would join him. Many times he had
asked the Lord to show him His glory just as He had shown it to Moses. He was always afraid that the Lord would do it, but he had determined that, as frightening as it
might be, it would be worth it. The feeling of the joyful presence that would often come upon him at such times was the greatest feeling he had ever had. He knew that if
he were able to ever visibly see the Lords glory, it would be an ecstasy beyond anything that he could ever otherwise experience. As he had grown and taken on many
responsibilities, he had not returned to such times of reflection and the joy he used to have in just pondering the Lord. Now, so abruptly, that same joy was all over him.
He felt that joyful presence. This changed everything for him. Immediately, he understood John and hoped that James would experience this.
Master, Zebedee almost whispered. I used to pray to see the glory of the Lord. I never did, but I know that I have felt His nearness. I feel Him now.
Maybe it is not for me to see His glory, but if my sons go with You, I know that they, too, will know the joy of His presence. This would be my greatest joy for me
now, for my sons to go with You. I know in my heart that You have been sent by God to visit our land. Our land needs His presence more than anything.
Our family prayer, which I have heard all of my life, and which my sons have heard all of their lives, is that our family would be used to bring honor to the
great name of our God. Somehow, I know that You are here because of those prayers. I will miss my sons, but this is a great day for me. I thank the God of my
fathers for hearing our prayers.
Friend, your prayers have been heard, and you will see the glory of God. God also knows what it means to send His Son. You have given Him two, and He
will reward you. He will reward you with the closeness to Him that you have desired all of your life.
I will come to you again and enjoy the hospitality that you have offered, but now we must depart. I have a purpose for which I cannot delay, and you have an
old Friend who has missed the times that you used to have together.
Zebedee arose, climbed the small bank, and embraced each of his sons. As he turned to face Jesus, he felt the great Presence with even more intensity. His brow
furrowed as he tried to hold back the flood of tears that were about to erupt. Jesus reached out and touched his shoulder and then turned and departed with James and
John close behind Him.
Zebedee watched them turn the corner. He felt sadness at the departure of his sons, but he also felt a great joy. He stepped back into the boat and just sat for
awhile. Then he pushed off. He was going to spend the night on the water. He had a Friend whom he had not been with for a very long time, and he could not do
anything else until he got alone with Him again.
Im sorry that I ever grew up and lost what I had with You then, Zebedee prayed. I must become a child again. I must never again lose what I had then and
what I felt when Jesus came here today. I may have lost my sons today, but it will be worth it if I regain my closeness to You. That alone could help me endure this
loss.

Continue below

Simon and Andrew were weary. They had fished all night without even catching enough for their breakfast. Andrew was just as weary of hearing Simon complain
and chide him about his belief that Jesus was the Messiah. Andrew had to admit though that he, too, had even begun to have doubts. It seemed that Jesus would not be
returning for them as He had promised.
It had now been many weeks, and not only had Jesus not returned, but there had been no news of Him. After the great expectations that had arisen because of the
Baptist, there now seemed to be a great pall of depression over the whole land. Not only had the skies been darkened by clouds for days, but great storms had
whipped the land like a scourge. It was almost as if Jehovah had forsaken them altogether and was venting His wrath on them. Andrew now felt that the darkness in his
heart was as great as the darkness over the land. It did seem as if Jesus had just disappeared.
The argument between the two brothers over the work that needed to be done to secure the boat was rising to a crescendo. Then they heard a great commotion
coming from the town. They both stopped to look as it got louder and was obviously coming toward them. It sounded like a wedding celebration, but it was much too
early for that. As a young boy came around the corner, they called to him, What is this about, young man?
A great Prophet has come to us! The One who heals the sick!
Simon and Andrew looked at each other. Finally Simon asked, What does he mean by the One who heals the sick?
I do not know. I guess we have been out so long that we have missed the news that the others have heard. But at least He has come! This must be Jesus.
At that time the whole crowd came around the corner, with Jesus walking in the front. Without hesitation He came right up to Andrew and Simon, stepped down
into their boat, and asked them to cast off. Simon hesitated, scowled, and then pushed off.
They had not gone far when Jesus raised His hand for them to stop. He then began to speak to the crowd, which had by now spread out all along the docks and
seemed to fill every available place. Simon marveled, but he had resolved not to be taken in like the rest by another prophet who promised deliverance, but could not
deliver.
As Jesus taught the people, Andrew and Simon sat in the back of the boat and watched. Even Simon had to admire the way His words flowed over the great
crowd like a gentle breeze. It settled them and gave them hope. He talked about God as if He were the peoples close friend. He made God personal. He made them
feel like God was right there with them.
After about an hour, Jesus told the people to go to their homes to enjoy each other and rest. They did not want to go, but they began to depart. There was such
rejoicing that Simon wondered if he had ever seen a group of people so happy. A half-dozen songs broke out from different groups as they walked along, and from the
boat they seemed to form a harmony.
Simon and Andrew both sat speechless as the Lord turned to them, Put out into the deep water and let down your nets.
After a moment Simon replied, Sir, we have fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus said nothing. Finally, after a few minutes, Simon offered, At Your
bidding we will try again.
Right here will be fine, Jesus said after they had paddled out a bit.
Andrew and Simon let the nets down. Simon was disgusted because he knew there had never been fish caught in this spot. However, as soon as their nets hit the
water they were filled with more fish than they had ever caught before. Soon the nets even began to break. Seeing their neighbors nearby, Simon waved to them to
come help. Jesus just sat looking on as they filled both boats with such a great quantity of fish that they were about to sink.
When they had finished, Simon and Andrew sat down and looked at Jesus. Simon remembered what he had said to Andrew when he told him how he believed that
Jesus was the Messiah. Simon had ridiculed him, saying that he was glad that the Messiah was coming back for him and that maybe He could tell them where the fish
were. Simon knew somehow that Jesus knew of this statement. Certainly, this was a great Prophet!
Andrew was thinking about the same con-versation and about how he had replied that this was expecting too much of the Messiah, that only God could do that. He
thought about what the Baptist had said of Him, how even the Baptist was not worthy to untie His sandals.
Both Andrew and Simon looked down at all of the fish, then at each other. They looked over at the other boats that were also struggling to haul in the great load of
fish. They then looked up at Jesus. He was looking at them. A great fear gripped Simon as he fell to his knees.
Please Master! Depart from me. I am a sinful man. I am not worthy for You to be in my boat!
I am not here because you are worthy, Jesus replied. But I am here for Andrew and for you. Will you come?
Simon began to weep uncontrollably. Andrew put his arms around him and turned to Jesus.
We cannot understand why You would want us, but we will both come.

Lucifer watched the grief rise in Jesus eyes. The Son of God mourned deeply as He thought of the spiritual and moral corruption of His own Fathers bride, and
His mother, the nation of Israel. The devil then continued,
You have probably witnessed how the lust that is now in some of the most pious men here, at least in their appearance, is even greater than we have ever
seen in Rome. Of course, the demons of deception and the religious demons love this! Most of them have decided that they really do not want to return to Rome
now since they have it so good here. I think that it will only be a short time before they have seduced even those who really love the Word of God.
Lucifer again looked at Jesus, who was grieved to the point of tears, which were now streaming down His face. The devil patiently let it all sink in and then continued.
It seems that very soon this whole nation will be bowing down to me, just like the Romans and the Greeks before them. Of course, I will not bring the idols
back. I must confess that what You did through the Maccabees has made that difficult here, but I dont really need idols with this religious facade. Having them
reject idols caused those religious demons to show some creativity. Now they have learned how to get men to even make an idol out of the Scriptures, their
traditions, and, of course, their own high religious titles and positions. The High Priest is now far more adored here than Your Father. Now they even esteem and
trust the Pharisees more than Him, and the Pharisees love their leaders more than Him.
Lucifer again turned to look at Jesus, who remained silent but was grieving more and more.
I really dont care to do this to this pitiful little people. It actually saddens me that Your Father really has no one on earth that loves Him, and I personally
enjoy it much more in Rome now. But with all that You have planned through this people, we now have to concentrate our efforts on this little nation. If You are
going to try to lead them back to obedience, to try to restore the rest of the world back to obedience, I must do all that I can to stop You. We are having so much
success now that it will only be a matter of time before we have completely destroyed these people. That would be a pity. I really do not get any pleasure out of
that. I do not know why You care so much for them, or why You care so much for men at all, but we do enjoy them for entertainment, and they are the only food
we have now. And look how they actually enjoy the company of my demons more than they want to be with You or Your Father. They are very soon about to
destroy themselves with their self-centeredness, and neither of us wants that, so I have thought of a solution that may work for both of us.
Lucifer again turned and looked at Jesus with what seemed to be the most genuine compassion. Pausing for just a few seconds, he continued in a slightly lower
voice.
I know You love these people. I know You want to help them. Neither do I care to go on destroying them like this. In fact, I, too, would rather be rid of
these lowly demons and their sick perversions. This world is now mine. Adam gave it to me when he chose to serve me. At first I was just angry at God for
banishing me from heaven. That is why I released all of these hordes with their perversions and diseases, but now I just want to exist in peace. If You will just
acknowledge me as the lord here, I will let You rule over not only this little nation, but over all of the kingdoms of this world, as my main lieutenant. Then You can
have them all living under that Law that You gave to Moses. You can make them righteous and give them peace and joy. You would make a wonderful ruler in this
realm! Do it for them.
Then Lucifer pointed at the evil horde that was darkening the sky.
Then You can send all of these hordes to the pit, and I, too, will be glad to see them go. Then there will be no more wars or diseases, and men will begin to
live as long as Adam again, a thousand years, or even longer if You will lift that ban and let them find the Tree of Life again. Then there will be peace on earth. I
will let You do whatever You want. All You have to do is take one bow before me to acknowledge my legal right here so that I know that the Father will not
banish me from here as He did from heaven.
Jesus was looking intently at Lucifer. I have Him right on the brink, the devil thought to himself. He waited to be sure that his next statement would hit with its
maximum impact, pushing Him over the edge into the trap.
As Lucifer watched, the compassion he saw in Jesus for those poor people was even greater than he had thought. How weak that compassion is making
him, the devil pondered. I must resolve to never let it get even the smallest grip on me. It is an enemy of true power.
Even so, the devil was the greatest of all masters at feigning compassion. It seemed to be working on Jesus like his other schemes had not. False compassion is as
strong as vengeance, if used properly, he thought, straining to hide the contempt he badly wanted to show for the Son, who had allowed Himself to fall to such a state
of weakness in that frail human body. Gathering himself, Lucifer then offered what he knew would be the clincher.
I know Your body is hurting You now. I do not know how You have endured being in it for so long. And to think that the Father wants You to endure
several more years of it! But what I really do not understand is, if He really loved You, how could He possibly ask You, the Son of God, the Lord of glory, to
endure the shame and torture He has planned for You? What could possibly be the reason for that? And for these pitiful little creatures? How could that possibly
help them?
After letting that sink in, he continued: It was reasoning like that which caused me to turn against Him when I did. I remember Your glory. I cannot even bear
to see You like this, much less on a Roman cross! Isnt that the tree the Scriptures say that You are to be lifted up on? How could a loving Father do something
like that to His Son? Just take one little bow to me and You can avoid all of that and return to Your glorious state immediately. It will be so easy and so quick. Just
do it, and then we can return this universe to some sanity.
After a pause Lucifer put on his best face of compassion. Please. Lets just do it and get it over with, he entreated.
Then he waited again, sure that Jesus would bow at any moment. He studied Jesus face, looking for any sign of His submission, but he became concerned when the
compassion on His face did not change. Finally Jesus turned and looked resolutely into the face of Lucifer.
Depart from Me, Satan! The Scriptures say that You shall do homage to the Lord God, and Him alone shall you worship (see Matthew 4:10).
The smug arrogance turned quickly to terror, then rage, as Satan almost fell backward. He then retreated in haste. He knew that the Son had the power to destroy
him with a word or even a gesture. The fear that overwhelmed him quickly spread throughout the demonic hordes. They fled in every direction, as their terrified curses
filled the air. Every angel in the region saw what was happening, and the praises of God and His Son quickly rose above the tumult of the fleeing demons. The Son had
dispelled the evil one and his horde!
Michael and the captains who had been standing with him in their long and trying vigil now rushed to the Son.
Lord, we thank the Father that You are okay! You endured the most terrible of all trials, and You have prevailed, Michael said as soon as they reached
Him.
Jesus looked at the great archangel. There will yet be a greater trial, but thank you for your encouragement.
It was a terrible trial for us as well, watching You endure that onslaught of evil. We could not even see through the demonic cloud what was happening, but
we could feel it. This whole part of the world could feel it. But thank the Father that You are alright! He told us to give You this bread and to tell You how pleased
He is in You.
At those words the eyes of Jesus glistened, and He stood to His feet with a strength that He had not felt for many days. Lifting His hands to heaven He cried out in
great joy,
Father, I am well pleased with You. All of Your ways are perfect. Thank You for My strength. Thank You for Your Spirit. Thank You for this bread, but
even more, thank You for Your love and grace.
With that, Jesus sat back down on a rock and began to eat His bread.
My friends, He said, looking up at Michael and the captains, such bread is a simple but great pleasure that I have come to greatly appreciate as a man, but
never as much as I do this loaf today. And after forty days of praying and fasting, seeing nothing but that evil cloud, I am just as thankful to see your faces as I am
for this bread.
Lord, we are honored to be with You now to comfort You. This time has been most difficult for all of us as well. We were all subject to Lucifers guile when
he tried to persuade us to rebel with him in heaven. We were in heaven, beholding the glory and majesty of the Father all around us, and it was still convincing, as
many of our fellows gave in to it. Adam and Eve succumbed to it even while they were dwelling in Paradise with the Fathers goodness all around them. It will
forever be a marvel that You resisted his guile in such a weakened state, in the midst of such a wicked and evil world, even under such a cloud of depression! If
any ever doubted that You were worthy of Your position, I do not think that they do now. We all now understand why You are the greatest joy of the Father.
As Michael looked at the Son, he marveled at Him even more than he did when He had agreed to become a Man and dwell on the earth among them. To all angels
this had been incomprehensible, but for Him to endure the kind of temptation He had just suffered, this would cause all of the angels to marvel for the ages. The Son of
God had certainly prevailed and proven that truth is stronger than the lie.
Forgive me, Michael continued, but You look very bad right now in Your body, even if in Your heart there is none like You. This is truly a day of glory and
victory that we will forever rejoice in. You have defeated the devil—even in the form of a Man! The joy of Your Father and the joy in heaven has not been this
great since we all sang together and the world came into being.
As Jesus stood, for a thousand miles in every direction the sky glistened with the swords of the angelic hosts that were drawn in a salute to Him. In heaven, the glory
of the celebration was greater than had ever been witnessed before. Every angel, every cherubim, every created being in heaven sang, danced, and rejoiced with all that
was within them. Truth was victorious! New colors were born as the Fathers delight overflowed to embrace the great hosts of angels and beings that He loved so
much, which He and His Son had brought forth together.
Soon man, who had fallen to the depths of depravity and darkness, would be assured of one day beholding this glory, too. They were even now assured of one day
beholding the greatest glory of all because they would rise from the greatest darkness of all. This was the greatest delight of the Father, to share beauty and glory with
those who could see it and appreciate it. Beauty and glory were the result of His love, and He longed for those with whom He could share His love.
As Jesus began to walk along the dusty road from the wilderness, He could now feel the delight of the Father. All of the angels who lined the road, with their swords
drawn in salute as they bowed on one knee, could also feel the Fathers delight. This was the food of angels. Hours before it had been the darkest of times, and now it
was the brightest. How quickly it had all changed!
The entire host that was with Michael and his commanders knew that the heavens were filled with the highest worship, but not one would now trade his place on the
earth for what was happening in heaven. There would never again be a doubt that the King, even in His greatest weakness, was still much stronger than the evil one in
his greatest strength.
***

***
Jesus sat on the hillside looking out over the wilderness. He longed for fellowship with His Father again. He knew that the Father was beholding Him, and He knew
that the Holy Spirit was with Him, but He longed to behold the Father and to feel the Holy Spirit again. Now He felt so weak. For the first time in weeks, hunger was
coming upon Him in waves, and the cold seemed to grip the very marrow of His bones. This body of flesh had become more of a burden than He had ever known
before. How He longed to be free of it!
He began looking at the rocks. They almost looked like bread. How easy it would be to turn one of them into a loaf and satisfy this terrible pain! Quickly, He caught
Himself turning away from the rocks to look out over the countryside.
Then depression swept over Him like the waves of hunger had before. How dreary this world was! How He longed to see the Fathers glory again. How tired He
was of seeing the continual selfishness in the hearts of men! Everyone only sought his own good and cared only for himself. If He were a King now, He could show them
the evil of their ways! But wasnt that what so many other kings had tried to do, only to be reduced to an even more terrible selfishness? Then He would be no different
from them. How could anyone ever rule such a stiff-necked people? With sudden awareness, He stood up and looked around. Where were these thoughts coming
from?
I must not continue to let My mind drift like this, He thought to Himself. I am not here at this time to rule. Im here to love them.
Then the weariness came over Him yet again, causing Him to jump up with a start.
Im the Son of God, He thought. I not only dwell in the glory, I have the glory within Me. I have the power. I could even move the mountains if I wished. I
could dispel this dreary weather with the lifting of My finger.
Lucifer saw his chance. The weakness of Jesus flesh had now made Him vulnerable. He was tottering on the edge. Now He could be pressed into using His power
for His own selfish reasons.
And He thought that He would condemn me for using the power for myself and seeking glory for myself. He is about to show that He is just like me! Satan
whispered to his commanders as he left them.
As Satan lifted up, the evil horde stopped swirling and almost in unison gasped with a confusing combination of both ecstasy and fear. Wind swept across the
mountains so that the rain was driven before the horde in sheets. Satan turned and thrust his hand in the air as if directing his legions to back off. He despised these
whining little creatures and demons almost as much as they feared him, but they were useful to him. He directed his commanders to control them so that they would
again form a cloud of depression over the area. He then proceeded toward the Son, almost cheerful with anticipation.
Jesus had again knelt to pray, mostly to battle the thoughts that were now seemingly bombarding Him through the rain itself. Sensing the presence behind Him, He
turned and looked up at Lucifer.
Lucifer stood in his most glorious apparel—more stunning than any earthly king could have ever imagined. His face was so kind and appealing, any child would have
easily come to him. Jesus knew him immediately and slowly stood to His feet to face him.
I am very sorry to see You like this, Lucifer offered, giving a slight bow. We have had our differences, but this is quite shocking. You are, after all, the Son
of God and even the One who created me. Is there something that I can do for You?
They stared at each other for a long minute. Satan continued, Of course, You, being the Son, do not need for me to do anything for You. I will be glad to turn
the stones into bread for You, but Im sure You can still do that much, even as weak as You are now.
Jesus looked at Lucifer. He looked more regal than the angelic captains. His face was more kindly than he had ever seen on a man. His voice was more soothing
and compelling than He had heard since coming to earth. This was the voice that Eve had heard. He watched as Lucifer picked up a stone that in fact looked just like a
loaf of bread.
Dear Jesus. That is what You want me to call You now, isnt it? Please, turn this into bread. You deserve this after all You have been through. Your body
needs its strength. Then we can talk. Of course, I will be glad to do it for You if You cant.
For a moment Jesus thought He could smell the bread. Never had He thought that anything on this earth could be so appealing. He took it out of Lucifers hand. He
held it, looked at it and surprisingly, smelled the bread again, faintly, and it aroused His hunger like He had never experienced before.
I have never desired bread like this before, Jesus admitted. But My Father made this into a stone, and He has not shown Me that I am to turn it into bread.
He loves Me more than the birds of the air, and He feeds them every day. So if He has not chosen to feed Me today, it is for My good, because He loves Me. I
only want to eat what My Father provides for Me. Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, Jesus responded,
looking up at Lucifer.
Of course, the devil responded, not changing his demeanor or showing anything but his seeming concern. So the Father has stripped You of Your powers
as well. Why would He do that if He trusted You?
Instantly, Jesus and the devil were standing on the pinnacle of the temple.
Listen, I am only doing this to help You, Satan offered, compassionately. It looks like the Father has betrayed You just like He did me. If You are still His
Son, if He has not disowned You, which it sure seems that He has done, cast Yourself off of this temple and see if He rescues You.
Jesus looked down, feeling faint from the lack of food. He wanted to jump just to feel the Fathers love for Him again. He knew the Father would save Him, and it
would be so wonderful to feel Him again! Satan continued.
Do the Scriptures not say, He will put His angels in charge of You, to lift You up lest You dash Your foot against a stone? (see Matthew 4:6) Surely then,
He would send His angels to catch You if You were to jump off of this temple. That is, if He still considers You His Son. If He doesnt, You will know that He has
done all of this to You just to destroy You. Then You will know that You are being cast away just as I was. I know that You do not want to use Your power for
Yourself, but if He does not send His angels to save You, then You had better learn to use it for Yourself, just like I did. This is as good a time as any to find out.
Weakness was now sweeping over Jesus in waves. The hunger was becoming unbearable, and His mind clouded. Never had he felt this depressed. How He longed
to see the Father or feel the Holy Spirit. How great it would be to just see an angel. He looked at the temple where He had enjoyed sweet fellowship with the Father
whenever He had been able to visit it. He remembered conversing about the Scriptures with the elders when He was young and what a delight it was to learn them,
ponder them, and see them from mans perspective.
No! I will not test the Father the way men are constantly doing it, Jesus finally replied. To doubt His faithfulness is to doubt the power that upholds the
universe which gave life to men and angels. This was the doubt that Eve allowed to take root in her soul. You, old serpent, you have not changed your ways, have
you? As the Scriptures declare, You shall not test the Lord your God, Jesus responded.
Very well. I understand, Lucifer offered, in his most humble and compassionate voice. It is just hard for me to understand why You are in such a state. But
You are right. You know that You are the Son, and You do not need to prove that.
I must apologize for these uncontrollable demon hordes, Lucifer remarked as he turned to look at the chaos they were creating. They are perpetually
hungry, almost as much as You are. They must feed their appetites or they really get out of control. Since the curse upon us is that we must eat the dust, which You
used to make the flesh of man, our only food here is the flesh of men. We therefore must satisfy ourselves with mans passions. The more we can inflame them, the
more we ourselves are filled. Of course, men invite us to do that by turning from the words that proceed from the mouth of God and seeking their fulfillment
through the lusts of the flesh. So we are feeding each other. But it is a pitiful existence for both of us, Lucifer said, turning to look at Jesus.
Do you see those demons of lust out there? Satan almost whispered. Since I made them leave the orgies in Rome and come here, they are nearly starving.
Many of the people here have learned to feed on the Word of God. Many of the rest have learned to keep their passions in check with all of their traditions. But
those lust demons are not as stupid as they appear. They can unravel those traditions and even use them to sow more lust in the hearts of this weak people You
and Your Father care so much about. After they give in to their lusts, these people become even more devoted to appearing pious on the outside in order to cover
up the corruption in their hearts. The demons like that even more because it hides them better. As long as they can cause the lust to grow in the hearts of these
people, their appetite is satisfied.

Chapter 3
Michael, the angelic captains, and their hosts continued gazing at the terrible spectacle before them. The wilderness had been overshadowed by the cloud of demons
for almost forty days, since the Son had entered His confrontation with Lucifer. It had not been since the rebellion in heaven that two hosts faced each other like this.
For forty days the evil horde of demons hurled insults and feigned attacks at the angelic host, who the demons knew were under strict orders not to respond.
These insults and feigned attacks were easier to endure than watching helplessly as the evil horde assaulted the population of Israel. They gathered into storms to
send hail to destroy their crops. They mercilessly blew trees over into dwellings and struck people with lightning as if it were a great game to them. They afflicted men,
women, and children with every kind of disease. They even agitated the Roman troops to mischief and sowed bitterness and rebellion in every heart in which they found
an opening.
Michael understood this was an attempt to make it as hard as possible for Jesus message to reach Israel. It would be hard for those who suffered such
catastrophes to hear a message from God.
Through all of the temptations and mischief of the evil horde, Satan had but one goal—to get the Son to respond in His authority as God. The demons did not
understand it, but their master, Lucifer himself, had said that they were doomed if Jesus did not abandon His manhood and respond to them in His power as God. They
had to provoke Him to do something that the Father had not sent Him to do.
Lucifer himself looked down upon the spectacle. With his legions darkening the sky, he was feeling more and more confident. He looked at the angelic hosts
standing passively and felt nothing but contempt. He turned to his lieutenants, waving his hand across the horizon where the angelic host stood, and spoke:
They will soon be ours! Their Master will serve me, and then they will serve us. This is the moment that we have been waiting for! This is even better than
when I seduced Adam and Eve—much better! How foolish for the Father to deliver the Son into my hands like this! He even sent Him in the form of Man, the
weakest of all creatures at resisting me! You will soon witness my greatest triumph. We will celebrate by destroying this despicable little people, the Jews, which
He, for some inexplicable reason, cares so much about.

Simon was trying to be patient with his brother. He was very glad to see him, but he was also quite agitated that he had been gone for so long, leaving their fishing
business when he was needed the most. Now with their only boat having been sunk in the storm, Andrew did not even seem to care.
Im happy for you to have found the Messiah, but I think we had better think about trying to find where our next meal is going to come from, Simon finally
blurted out.
Andrew was a little stunned, and then he looked around at the mess that was still left over from the storm. Of course. Please forgive me, my brother. I have
not even asked you how things have been going. I heard about the storm and the boat as I came into town. You have a wife and family to think about. I can
understand why you are worried. Ill be here for a while and will help get things going again.
You mean you will be leaving again? Simon asked, furrowing his brow in what Andrew knew was his most irritated gesture.
Simon, I must. How can I not follow the Messiah? We, as a people, have lived for this time.
Simon spun around to look out over the sea. They both stood in silence for a few minutes, and then Simon spoke. Youre right, my brother. I know that we
have spent centuries as a people waiting for Him, but I would just like to hear about one person who gets a prayer answered! I have tried my whole life to be
obedient. I go to the synagogue every Sabbath, and I work hard for my family. Why does God then do this to us? Does He take pleasure in our torment? Life is
hard even without such disasters.
Andrew knew better than to try to answer these questions. Finally, he stepped over to his brother, wrapped an arm around his shoulders, and pulled him toward the
house.
Come, I must see your wife and children. How I have missed them all! Everything will work out. It always does. Nothing will hold you down for long. It will
just give the fish a chance to get a little bigger before we catch them.
It is good to see you, brother, Simon said, finally smiling. Only, I do not like to hear about you leaving again.
I know. But we will have plenty of time to talk about it. The Rabbi will not be coming for me for several weeks.
What? Hes coming here?
Yes. He said that He would come for me in a few weeks.
Very good. I would like to meet the Messiah, Simon retorted with a chuckle. Do you think He can help us raise our boat or, better yet, tell us where the fish
are?
Good brother, that may be a little too much, even for the Messiah. I think youre asking for something that only God can do.

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