Ten Were Found Part 3

Nathan continued. “The Lord’s will be done. Let us, therefore, pray unto the Lord, effectually and fervently, for the opportunity to reach those that would otherwise perish in the tidal wave.” And with that, Reverend Andrews faced the wave and began to pray out loud, interceding for the lost. The other nine, which included Jason, followed suit. And soon the prayers of the ten became so thunderous that it began to drown out the cries and screams of the crowd behind them. And as they prayed the small group in the distance stopped its ears and gnashed its teeth.
Many people from the hysterical crowd stopped to take notice of the prayer group with voices that rivaled even the sounds of the ocean. And as the people watched and listened to the handful of fanatics yelling into the air with hands raised, something very miraculous happened. The wave stopped while it was still about a mile out, then slowly became a part of the ocean, it’s great size melting into the surface of the water.
The ten continued to pray, as though they hadn’t realized that the wave stopped. The crowd questioned what had happened, trying to find reason and understanding. In response to their questions, an angel appeared before the prayer group. He stood massive, seemingly three stories high, with a robe that would have given you snow blindness if you stared at it too long. In his right hand he held a large sword. He started talking right away, so to keep the crowd from panicking again.
“This day hath the Lord repented his judgment upon your city for the sake of the ten gathered before you. It was their prayers and their love for you all that convinced the Lord to stay his wrath.
“You as a people have done an abominable thing. In doing so, you have not brought back your loved ones, for a man is given one life to live, and after that, the judgment. But you have opened you hearts to the devil and have willingly given his angels a vessel to walk amongst you, to pollute your minds, and destroy your souls.”
The angel pointed his sword at the small group of people that gathered in the distance behind the prayer group. “You are as wolves in sheep’s clothing. But today you shall be cast into the depths, reserved in chains until the Day of Judgment.”
With that, the demons screamed with a loud voice and thrashed about violently before giving up their synthetic vessels. The bodies slumped to the ground.
“Take up the bodies and dispose of them with fire immediately,” commanded the angel, “lest the devil find occasion to destroy you all again.” The angel looked down on the prayer group who stilled prayed as though nothing else was going on and smiled. His face glowed brightly on them. “Their faith pleases the Lord.” The angel returned his attention to the crowd which stood in awe. “You resent them because you feel their lives condemns you. It’s not their lives that condemn you, but their devotion that convicts your hearts. This devotion is a result of their faith. And because of their faith and devotion, they have crowns of glory reserved for them when they pass into eternity. Any who desire the same promise may have it. Look unto them and they will direct you to the author and finisher of their faith, The Lord Jesus.” The very next moment he vanished.
The silence seemed to pierce even the praying of the ten. The crowd became very somber. You could hear women softly weeping. Husbands and wives embraced each other as they pondered what they’d witnessed. And for some reason, the crowd was reluctant to disperse. Many people went to work immediately on the lifeless, cloned bodies. After some time, all were moving about, lending a hand in what ever way they could to help, cleaning the streets, restoring the condition of various shops, and offering some financial assistance for repairs. The atmosphere was slowly turning some-what festive as all seemed to enjoy each other’s company.
“Reverend Andrews was the first to open his eyes to see the water had returned to normal. One by one, they opened their eyes, Jason being the last to do so. As far as any of them knew, there was no angel. Only there was a tidal wave, then there wasn’t. Immediately, Jacob sang aloud “Our God is an awesome God…” Jessi held his hand tightly, smiled at him, and joined in. Jacob smiled back at her. The glances they exchanged were more romantic than just plain joy. Young people in love, thought Jason, it’s a hopeful and encouraging thing.
“Well, young man,” Nathan said to Jason, “How do you feel?”
“Sir,” he replied, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt as alive as I do now.”
“Not a bad way to start over with your re-dedication, huh?”
“No sir. Not a bad way at all.”
“So, how long will you be with us?”
“Well, I’m stationed at Hunter Army Airfield. I may be there for two or more years. I was only down here because I wanted to see the sights. Don’t worry, I’ll visit often.”
“That’s good.” Said the Reverend. “I’ll look forward to it.”
They spent the rest of the day telling people about Jesus and helping with the clean up. The ten remembered that day as a joyous and sobering day. Weeks later they would here stories of the angel that appeared before them while they prayed and the things that were said, and how that bonfire in the street was actually the burning of bodies which were created by science and animated by dark magic.
Reverend Andrew’s congregation grew and increased in number, but sadly, pride kept most of those who left the church over it’s stand on cloning from returning.
Jason would always remember that day as his spiritual awakening. He had a fire and a zeal that was constantly fueled. A desire to reach the lost became personal to him. And not only did he have a story to tell his future kids, but his future grand children as well.

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So there it is. The ending of the short story you waited so long to read. I hope it wasn't too disappointing to you. I don't have any other short stories planned right now other than the two I plan to publish.

'Til next time.