The Second Horseman

Sunlight streamed through the large stained-glass windows lining the walls of the sanctuary. They were positioned so the light would fall on the large dais and pulpit; almost like spotlights controlled by heaven. Reverend  James Smallman glanced up at the center window on the back wall and smiled as the warmth of the light fell on his face. The glass showing  Moses and his staff destroying the staves of the Pharaoh’s magicians and proving the power of the one true God was his favorite scene.

“My  Brothers and Sisters,” he said as he stepped around the pulpit and looked out at the sanctuary. The Lord had certainly blessed his work during the last few years; today’s overflow congregation was proof of that. And, why wouldn’t He? James thought. I speak the truth, direct from Him.

“I  had prepared a sermon of Thanksgiving on this, the tenth anniversary of our ministry. However, something happened to change that.” James paused, walked the length of the dais making eye contact with many in the congregation and the broadcast cameras.

“You  may ask what is so important it would cause me to forego my planned  sermon.” James stepped back around the pulpit, picked up a book andraised it above his head. “This is a textbook that my daughter, Diana,  brought home from school last week. The title of this book is ‘Gods of  the Ancient and Modern World.’

“This  morning, Diana told me her teacher was telling her students that the  people of the ancient world were not condemned for their faith in false  gods, but would be judged based on their beliefs.”

A collective gasp sounded from the congregation, and James smiled and nodded.

“Once again the world chooses to attack us and the Living God. It began with  evolution; teaching our children that man was not created by divine  hands, but evolved from a monkey.” James paused as shouts of “Amen”  resounded through the sanctuary.

“Now,  they presume to teach that false gods are real!” He slammed the book down on the pulpit. “We must take a stand! We must not allow this  blasphemy to continue!” James gestured, and two men wheeled a large barrel out in front of the pulpit.

One of the men tossed a match into the barrel, igniting the fuel inside.  James picked up the textbook and brandished it over his head. “Just as the flames in this barrel will cleanse and purify the blasphemy in this book, we must cleanse and purify those who don’t believe in the Living  God. Let the cleansing begin!” James hurled the book into the barrel.

“You are summoned, James Smallman, to account for your actions,” a powerful voice, which was neither male nor female, yet seemed to be both, called.  The sanctuary vibrated with the power in that voice.

James looked up and saw a tall, light-haired woman, dressed in silver garments stepping to the edge of the upper balcony edge. She stood in front of the window showing Moses and the staves. The light surrounded her, creating a bright aura that burned and shimmered. A silver bow was in her hands, aimed at his heart. He heard a creak and a rush of air  then felt the silver arrow strike his chest. The sanctuary vanished in a flash of light.