Chapter 7 Some Evaporating Filthy Puddle of a Mess ~ Part 2

Thankfully, I didn’t need to wallow in it for long. As these fiends were making merry, I cried out to Him in desperation. Then, all at once, the doors of this compromised bastion flew open from each side, the front and the back.

Now I don’t recall it being a windy morning, yet something quite unusual rushed by me in a fierce gust and it easily picked up the remaining filth on the theater’s floor. Gone was my little experiment, for everything was swept clean, even the filthy puddle.

Yet, but for this fresh wind, no one was present in the wake of it.

As I held my breath for a revealing, I was suddenly deafened by some ethereal shout. Still alone, I wondered if even this rock cried out.

Soon I heard those snickering bastards in the corners and they too were overcome; cockiness turned to whimpering—garbled cries of retreat and shame and weakness.

And then He walked in, the very One who grows neither weary nor jaded. I was overwhelmed by His Divinity—He approached me as a victor over these downward slopes and doubts, and certainly these demons. I stood dumbfounded, not knowing if I should run to Him or let Him continue His business on my behalf.

I made a wise choice to stay put. I watched as the very glare and blaze of Him seemed to inhabit every nook and cranny of this old porn palace. Feeble cries from the minions turned to horrid shrieks and pathetic mercy pleadings.

And then silence.

I fell to my knees as He turned toward me for truly He was and is the bright and morning star. In this form, as can be expected, all I could do was worship Him.

Glory in the highest!

Then, transforming into the man I've come to know, he lifted me to face him. It was over now and suddenly peaceful. He spoke calmly.

It just so happens, Jeff, that I am the final Word.

This Jesus of my day and my imagination cradled my face with his left hand, and with his right he firmly grasped my shoulder.

They know I am not one to be trifled with, but these snakes and scorpions will not relent against you nor against anyone who chooses to follow me. This is hazardous work, but it becomes infinitely more hazardous when you don’t realize and draw upon the Authority given you over this pervasive evil. You need to get that concept and never let it go.

I know this. I just need constant reminders. Maybe you do too. I need to feel it and imagine it and understand it—that with each battle and subsequent victory, Satan falls as a bolt of lightning from the sky, just like that ancient promise, which, I suppose, isn’t so ancient after all.

He could tell I was drifting. Tighter still he squeezed my shoulder.

Make sure the ones you serve are looking at a reflection of me when they look at you and not just you alone, for I will never fail them and my light will not dim. I will not become complacent nor indifferent. I will not grow cynical. I will not boast, for I know nothing of haughtiness. My passion will not falter nor dry up, for the source I draw upon is a living water. I will carry any and all burdens.

God, I needed this.

He turned to go, out the side door, out into some reality I should claim and know. He said one last thing, though, as he walked away.

There is a pristine path. Show them the trail I’ve blazed and let me do the rest.