Final Confrontation Read online

  Contents

  Chapter 1 “It was in Eden that the Seed was first mentioned.”

  Chapter 2 “How can this be? I am a virgin!”

  Chapter 3 “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

  Chapter 4 “Herod has been quite useful to us.”

  Chapter 5 “I baptize only with water.”

  Chapter 6 “The Lord has zeal for His Father’s house.”

  Chapter 7 “I am Herod Antipas. I am king now!”

  Chapter 8 “Jesus intends to do what the prophets could never accomplish.”

  Chapter 9 “He has just raised a dead boy at Nain.”

  Chapter 10 “A farmer went out to sow his seed…”

  Chapter 11 “I want the head of John the Baptizer.”

  Chapter 12 “Get behind me, Satan!”

  Chapter 13 “I am the Light of the world.”

  Chapter 14 “I saw Satan fall from heaven.”

  Chapter 15 “Lazarus, come forth!”

  Chapter 16 “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

  Chapter 17 “How goes the matter with Judas?”

  Chapter 18 “We need to settle this before the Passover.”

  Chapter 19 “Is this how you betray your Master?”

  Chapter 20 “Crucify Him!”

  Chapter 21 “The stone is moving!”

  Study Notes

  © Copyright 2004 — Doug Shafer

  All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. The use of short quotations or occasional page copying for personal or group study is permitted and encouraged. Permission will be granted upon request.

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  In the Beginning was the Word,

  And the Word was with God,

  And the Word was God.

  Dedication

  It is with gratitude in my heart that I dedicate this book to the three women and one little man of God in my life who make it complete:

  Lori, who puts up with my late nights at the computer and my early morning runs to Starbucks; Kiersten, who has been after me to bid on something on eBay and has the gift of giving and daddy’s wallet to try and make it happen; Breelin; my Little Bit who always makes me laugh and who will knock the fashion world over one day with her designs; and to my as yet unborn but here when this book comes out son Ethan—Your name means “strong” in Hebrew—may you be a warrior for the Kingdom! I love you all!

  P.S. OK girls, now let’s REALLY get that Monopoly game out!

  “Some Thoughts From the Author About Book Four”

  This last book of this series has been both a challenge and a joy. I have loved receiving emails from people all over the country who have enjoyed reading Chronicles of the Host. I hope it has been both a blessing and a fun read. I look forward to starting my next book. But first, some housecleaning issues for Book Four:

  I recognize there has been an adjustment made in the calendar then and now, and that according to our calendar Jesus was probably born around 4 B.C. That could be confusing when reconciling Jesus’ death to a likely time of 33 A.D. as corroborated by other historical references, Pilate’s time as governor, Herod Antipas’ rule in Galilee and Matthias’ authority in the priesthood. So this book uses a year one to year 33 chronology in order to simplify matters. Check it out sometime and you’ll find what I mean.

  I also chose to use the traditional names for the wise men rather than make them up. And even though the Bible doesn’t number the wise men, again I stuck with tradition for the sake of clarity and readability. Besides—they’re great names!

  In the transformation of Simon Peter, I have used the name Peter immediately after Jesus’ first meeting with him. Hopefully this will alleviate confusion of too many Simons, as Simon the Zealot becomes involved later on. By the way, any scriptural usage and/or reference is from the NIV version.

  Again, I have to repeat this is biblical fiction. It is an attempt to blend the Bible story with fictional accounts of angelic activity. I know in some cases you will find things that are “not in the Bible,” but the truth is I wrote this entire series with a Bible in front of me as a guide. Yes, you’ll find places where I make up names and events—but I think you will also find that the truth of the Bible is never intentionally violated in as much as I know. Have a great read!

  Finally, I have included study notes at the end of the book. There is so much rich teaching and Bible information implied as well as stated in the series that I decided to include some thought-provoking questions.

  Check out the Chronicles of the Host Web site for more study notes and information at: www.chronhost.com

  Final Confrontation Cast of Characters:

  Holy Angels

  Michael an archangel

  Gabriel an archangel and Chief Messenger

  Crispin a wisdom angel

  Millas a wisdom angel

  Alamar an aide to Michael

  Serus an aide to Michael

  Bakka an angel assigned to Serus

  Rufus a wisdom angel

  Unholy Angels

  Lucifer chief of the fallen angels

  Kara, Pellecus, and Rugio Lucifer’s three chief angels

  Lucifer’s Council Vel, Nathan, Prian, Fineo, Drachon, Sar, Rega, Tinius, Lenaes

  Berenius aide to Kara

  Demas spirit assigned to Herod the Great

  Rhedi one of Kara’s spys

  Jerob an aide to Rugio

  Achsan one of Kara’s angels, assigned to Galilee

  Lucien an angel over the city of Gadara

  Korah a demon in possession of the Gadarene man

  Drachus a demon of infirmity

  Brusial a demon of infirmity assigned to Lazarus

  Humans

  Caspar a wise man

  Melchior a wise man

  Balthasar a wise man

  Zacharias a priest and father of John the Baptist

  Elizabeth mother of John

  Eli a priest and friend to Zacharias

  Mary and Joseph mother and father to Jesus

  John the forerunner of the Christ

  Priests, Sanhedrin, Sadducees and Herodians

  Zairus a Sanhedrin

  Nicodemus a Pharisee

  Zichri a Pharisee determined to discredit Jesus

  Shallah a Pharisee and an aide to Zichri

  Zeruiah a priest

  Zereth a Sadducee

  Ethan a priest

  Achish envoy of Herod Antipas

  Rulers

  Herod the Great king of Judea at time of Jesus’ birth

  Matthias his high priest

  Zereth Herod’s chief assassin

  Herod Antipas Herod the Great’s son—ruler of Judea during Jesus’ ministry

  Herodias his wife

  Caiaphas his high priest

  Malchius servant to Caiaphas

  Pontius Pilate Roman governor in Palestine

  Claudia his
wife Lucius aide to Pilate

  Augustus Roman emperor at time of Jesus’ birth

  Tiberius Roman emperor at time of Jesus’ death

  Sejanus Tiberias’ chief aide

  Disciples of Jesus

  Andrew

  Peter

  Philip

  Bartholomew

  Simon the Zealot

  Thomas Judas Iscariot

  James

  Nathaniel

  James the elder

  Matthew

  Thaddeus

  Others

  Gehazi a disciple of John the Baptist

  Jadok a disciple of John the Baptist

  Justus a man baptized by Jesus

  Lazarus a friend to Jesus

  Mary and Martha sisters to Lazarus

  Mary Magdalene a woman delivered by Jesus of evil spirits

  Barabbas a convicted man

  CHAPTER 1

  “It was in Eden that the Seed was first mentioned.”

  2 A.D.

  The sky seemed a little brighter than usual, the stars shimmering like sharply focused dots dancing on an inky black canvas. The moon, too, was glorious, ever showing its gray face to the earth in solemn and solitary dignity. Of all the lights in Heaven, the greatest was the new star that had only recently appeared and hung suspended over the city itself. It was a perfect night for traveling; it was an even better night for completing a journey.

  Three figures on camels followed the little road leading to the city. Dusty, tired, and happy to see the lights of Jerusalem flickering in the distance, the men did not speak as their camels plodded down the highway. Not far behind them came the rest of the group—servants atop camels weighed down with the trappings of a long sojourn.

  The caravan halted on a rise in the road. The three men looked at each other and then at the bright star hanging low on the horizon. The star was set above the city, as if its light alone ruled the evening sky.

  The men were obviously of some importance. Their traveling clothes were distinctly Babylonian. They wore headgear in the eastern style, and carried costly jewels hidden in their clothing. Each was like the other in appearance, although they were different in character. All three seemed poised and purposed as they made their way through the desert night.

  “The gods be praised,” said Caspar. “This must be the city.”

  “This is Jerusalem,” answered Melchior. “The holy city of the Jews. Perhaps we are mistaken?”

  “Nonsense,” retorted Caspar, as he took a drink from his water pouch. He wiped his mouth. “No, this is it. I’m sure of it.”

  “Who rules in these parts?” asked Melchior.

  “Herod the king of the Jews,” came the voice of Balthasar. “Or king so long as Rome permits it. He’s a crafty one though, and not to be dealt with lightly.”

  “No doubt,” said Caspar. “Yet we must seek him out and inquire where the Child might be found.”

  The three continued toward Jerusalem, wondering what the end of their adventure would hold for them. They had known for some time theirs was a sacred task. Called out of Chaldea to pay homage to a newborn King, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar had left their exalted positions as magi to find the Child whose birth had unmistakably beckoned them. All of their calculations pointed to this place—and the star had guided them the entire journey. Now it was rewarding their efforts with precision.

  “It is good to know we shall soon be in the presence of the One foretold,” said Melchior. “We will be forever blessed with this memory.”

  “Yes,” said Caspar. “Tomorrow we shall visit King Herod. I’m sure he will be interested in our mission.”

  Unseen by the humans, two large dark figures watched as the caravan passed by. They grinned at each other.

  “Do you also suppose Herod will be interested in their mission?” asked one of the angels.

  The other smiled and nodded, his reddish eyes gleaming, then responded, “I believe I can guarantee it!”

  “All right, all right. Come to order!”

  The din of the energized gathering of angels quickly abated as Michael and Gabriel took the dais that stood in front of the largest assembly hall in the Academy of the Host. Some of the students, who had never spoken with either of the archangels, watched the two rulers whose exploits on earth were becoming well known in Heaven. A few even hoped to pose a question to them, or catch a brief conversation with them after the meeting.

  For Michael, this was a familiar setting. He had become accustomed to sitting in on Crispin’s classes—even doing some teaching now and then. Most of these were unfamiliar faces—some of the myriad of angels the Most High had created. Whenever he saw a face he knew, however, he nodded and smiled. He thought back to his own time at the Academy—he was like these eager candidates, many of whom were hopeful to be under Michael’s personal command as warriors of the Host.

  Gabriel was not as comfortable in the role of instructor as he was in the role of messenger. He much preferred repeating words already reasoned out than presenting his own information—even in a friendly environment like this. But his great respect for Crispin brought him to the Academy with Michael to discuss the events unfolding on earth. Michael glanced over at his friend and laughed at his predicament.

  “Come now, Gabriel,” he said in mock concern. “Surely one who carries the revelations of the Most High to the corners of creation will not be upended by some bright angels in one of Crispin’s classes?”

  Gabriel gave Michael an incredulous look.

  “Of course not,” he retorted. “After all, Michael, I am privy to the greatest revelations in Heaven. Why, I’ve even given information to the Chief Elder.” He looked up in mock surprise. “And even to you, Michael.”

  Michael grinned at the response.

  “I love the Academy,” Gabriel continued, glancing around the room. “And these angels. But I prefer delivering messages—not creating them.”

  “Come to order, please,” repeated Crispin. The angels settled into hushed silence as the archangels continued their banter. He stared at Michael and Gabriel. “Ahem! I’m speaking now to our guests who are intent on their own conversation,” he added playfully.

  “Good master, we beg your forgiveness,” said Michael. “Gabriel cannot restrain his enthusiasm for this occasion. I was instructing him to stop chattering.”

  “Yes, so I see,” said Crispin, who nodded at Gabriel with the hint of a grin.

  Crispin looked over the class with a scholarly expression and authority that captured the room. He then glanced in the direction of Michael and Gabriel.

  “My dear angels,” he began, “This is a wonderful moment in the history of this academy. I know you have awaited this moment for some time now as have I. Before we open the discussion for questions, I would like to read a brief statement which I have prepared, and, with the indulgence of our esteemed guests, the archangels Michael and Gabriel, I will commence reading.”

  An aide to Crispin handed a scroll with a wide golden band around its center to the revered teacher. He unrolled the scroll with little ceremony. Michael glanced at Gabriel and gave him a “here we go” look. Crispin began reading:

  “To the students of the Academy of the Host—an account of those events which have been both witnessed and experienced on earth since the dark rebellion began and which have revealed in some measure the wonderful and mysterious and ultimate intention of the Lord our God, the Most High Creator.

  In as much as the Lord in His wisdom ordered the recording of the greater portion of the events we are about to recount to you in the Kingdom Chronicles as well as in the Chronicles of the Host, it is our intention to give those details we believe are instructive and of interest to those of you whose future ministry on earth will depend on your ability to deal with the fallen wills of both humans and angels alike.

  Indeed, there are two wills with which we contest on both earth and in the heavenlies, and yet they are of the same mind, the same dark source. The mind of man ha
s, since the great disaster in Eden, been twisted and bent on selfish industry. The once glorious earth has been transformed into a bloodstained planet of hopelessness and hate. It thus becomes the ministry of the Host to secure with the Most High the final outcome of His great and glorious plan—something we still don’t understand, but in which we shall play some part as ministering spirits.”

  Crispin handed the scroll back to the aide, who bowed his head, and rolled it up as he walked away. Crispin then returned his focus to the capacity-filled room. He motioned for the two archangels to join him at the dais.

  “You all are a part of the greatest contest ever to have presented itself,” he began. “You have witnessed or heard of events great and small in the brief but brutal history of the earth. These events, when taken in total, begin to paint for us a picture that becomes both clear and murky with the birth of the Child at Bethlehem.”

  At the mention of Bethlehem, many of the angels in the room looked at Gabriel, who had played such a visible role during that event. Michael smiled discreetly at his friend whose message to Mary had been so shattering.

  “I think you’re a hero,” he whispered playfully.

  Gabriel grumbled something back, causing Michael to grin.

  “And so while we have these two ruling angels among us, we shall take advantage of them,” Crispin continued. “But go easy on them. It has been a while since they were my students in the Academy!”

  The room burst into laughter.

  “Perhaps before we open the class for questions we should hear from Michael and Gabriel, our great archangels!”

  The room broke out in cheers and applause as the two powerful angels looked at one another as if deciding who should speak first. Finally Gabriel came to the platform and began addressing the assembly.

  “Thank you Crispin,” he began. “But we all know that there is only One who is great in Heaven.”

  Crispin nodded his head in agreement and glanced toward the Great Mountain of the North where the Lord’s Presence rested.

  “We angels,” Gabriel continued, “warriors and ministers of the Most High God, have been given a sacred task to serve the Lord by entering the world of humans—those curious creatures made in God’s very image whose rebellion has cost them everything and for whom our Lord is planning some great work through the new-born Child. What this Child shall accomplish, or what shall be His end, only the Most High knows. Ours is not to raise questions—ours is merely to obey the Lord in matters great and small. I will be more than happy to answer any question this body might have.”