Final Confrontation (13 page)

“We best be getting back to our nets,” he muttered. “Come on Andrew. We have a great deal of fishing to do yet.”

“Yes, you do,” Jesus said, as they left Him.

Michael and several other warriors followed Jesus into the house in Cana. Although He had only been in Cana for three days, He had taken on two followers, Philip and Nathaniel, who accompanied Him to the wedding. Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Nathaniel had been called when Jesus had passed through and spotted him under a tree.

Serus wasn’t particularly impressed with either Philp or Nathaniel. But he understood that all men were deficient, and if the Lord felt He needed men around Him, then these were just as good as any other. He had questioned Michael about it all.

“These are not things for you or me to decide,” Michael cautioned.

The archangel never pretended to understand everything the Lord did, but he had learned to trust Him. ‘Whatever the Lord does is right’ was one of his favorite maxims. And Serus knew this to be true. Still, it boggled him that the Lord should gather mere men around Him to begin organizing the Liberation.

“Of course He must use men,” Crispin said.

The wisdom angel was in the company of Michael and the other warriors at Cana to study the early ministry of Jesus and record the events for the Kingdom Chronicles. He loved Serus, and wanted the angel to understand that the Lord’s ways were neither the ways of men nor of angels.

They entered the house and walked through to a courtyard in the back where a couple of tables had been pushed together to form a large banquet setting. Jesus was greeted by the people and introduced around by His mother. Nathaniel and Philip also greeted the people. When they were all seated a servant brought refreshment to everyone and the celebration began.

“Humans are simple creatures really,” Crispin observed, listening to the joyful noise of fellowship. “A bit of wine, some food, good company and they are as content as any creature.”

“They certainly are easily contented,” said Serus.

Michael looked at Crispin upon Serus’ words and smiled.

“What do you mean, Serus,?” Michael asked.

“Look at them,” he said. “I know they are made in the image of the Most High but…”

A burst of laughter filled the area as the host told a story about a member of the wedding party. Serus shook his head.

“I don’t understand your attitude,” said Crispin. “Since when does the indifference of humans become so problematic for you? Humans have been indifferent toward the Lord since after Eden. What makes this occasion any different?”

“Here they all sit with the Lord of the Universe,” continued Serus. “They are happily eating and drinking and making merry. They don’t even know Who is seated in their midst!”

“Is that what concerns you?” said Michael. “As I recall there were two humans who were in the Lord’s very Presence in an ideal setting…”

“Yes, and they settled for much less as well,” said Serus.

“As did your former master in Heaven,” noted Crispin. “Lucifer was one of the most privileged creatures in Heaven. He, too, settled for something far inferior in the presence of the Most High.”

“Then the plan is doomed,” said Serus resignedly. “It seems any creature with a free will eventually choose poorly.”

The wedding party was now in full swing with a live band of musicians playing in the courtyard. Jesus was engaging in lively conversation with the host. His mother was also enjoying herself. The angels watched the party for a moment.

“Not every creature with a free will turns on his Creator,” said Crispin. “I have not. Nor has Michael, nor Gabriel. Nor has the remaining Host. Freedom does not necessitate an evil choice—it merely allows for it.”

“So when will Jesus reveal Himself?” asked Serus. “Being consigned to using men in His quest, He must reveal Himself to them at some point.”

As he spoke, one of the servants whispered something to the chief servant, who made a horrified expression. The bridegroom spoke something back to the servant, who went to the others to report their unfortunate circumstances. Their master had no more wine! Mary heard these things and whispered to Jesus that they had run out of wine and that He must do something about it.

“What have I to do with you in this matter?” He asked. “It’s not yet time to begin such things.”

Mary turned to the chief servant and told him to do whatever Jesus said. The angels watched as Jesus motioned the chief servant over to Him and told him to fill some water pots to the brim with fresh water. The man looked at Him strangely. But with Mary nodding he should comply, he shrugged and ordered the other servants to do just that. Mary motioned to the host all would be well.

After the pots were filled Jesus told the servant to draw from one of the pots and give it to the host. The host and the other guests watched the unusual drama unfolding. They had never been to such a feast! The host looked at Jesus and then tasted from the cup. It was wine. It was the sweetest wine he had ever tasted!

Crispin looked at Serus.

“In answer to your question, Serus, I would say Jesus has begun to reveal Himself today,” he said. “At Cana.”

“Quite a show your Jesus put on at the Temple today,” snickered Lucifer.

Gabriel looked at Lucifer, who was standing with several higher-ranking devils outside of the place in Jerusalem where Jesus was staying during the Passover. Several dozen warrior angels under Michael’s command stood sentry in and around the house. Lucifer dared not enter, but instead exercised what he considered his right to roam as freely as he might. Several of the fallen angels who were with him laughed mockingly at his comment.

“The Lord has zeal for His Father’s house,” said Gabriel. “Something you never completely managed.” Lucifer peeked inside the window at Jesus, who was eating a light meal in the dimly lit room.

“Oh, I had zeal,” said Lucifer. “But I also have a mind of my own. That is the difference between us, Gabriel. You exercise your mind on behalf of the Most High. I exercise mine in spite of Him. My zeal has lead to freedom—yours has imprisoned you and every other creature who remains the slave of the Most High.”

As they spoke, a cloaked figure hurried down the street and rapped lightly on the door to the house. He was a man of some importance if his garb was any indication—in fact he bore the trappings of a member of the High Council of the Jews. But what was he doing here?

“Ah, Nicodemus,” said Lucifer. “I know he has been troubled by Jesus of late. But to show up in person is quite astonishing.”

Gabriel smiled a knowing smile.

“Yes, Nicodemus has been troubled by our Lord,” admitted Gabriel. “However, I think you will be disappointed as to his appearance.”

Lucifer cast a menacing glance at the angel who stood behind him, assuring him that Nicodemus would cause trouble for Jesus. He turned back to Gabriel.

“Indeed? Let us listen then, archangel. Perhaps one of us will become educated.”

“Enter, Nicodemus,” said Jesus, opening the door.

Nicodemus, a distinguished looking gentleman with a salt-and-pepper beard looked about him as if to make sure he was unseen and then entered the little house which belonged to a friend of Jesus. Jesus gestured toward food and drink, but the priest waved it off with a thank you. They sat down and for a few silent seconds looked at each other.

“Rabbi,” Nicodemus began. “I represent some in the Council who know You are no ordinary Man.”

Nicodemus stood to speak, as he was quite nervous.

“We have heard of the wedding in Cana. We saw Your action today in the Temple, and might I add I quite agree with You in that regard. We know You are a Man sent from God, for nobody could do the things You have been doing unless the Lord be with Him.”

Jesus remained silent for a moment. Nicodemus looked at Him, not exactly sure what else he wanted to say, but needed to express some sort of confidence in this Man from Nazareth. He began to speak again when Jesus interrupted him.

“Nicodemus, you have said many things,” Jesus answered. “But there is only one thing that matters. You must be born again.”

Nicodemus was confused. What did He mean by this?

“Rabbi, how can a man be born again? Can a man enter into his mother’s womb again after he has already been born?”

“Nicodemus, your heart is sincere in its search. But I must tell you that if you are to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, you must be born not only physically but of the Spirit.”

Nicodemus sat down, perplexed and was framing a response in his mind when Jesus continued.

“Don’t be amazed at what I have said,” Jesus said. “The flesh gives birth to flesh, and the Spirit gives birth to spirit. That is why I have said you must be born again.”

The old priest made motions as if he were trying to understand, but could not grasp what Jesus was saying.

“Nicodemus, just as the wind comes and goes and nobody can tell where it came from nor where it is headed, so it is with those who are born of the Spirit.”