Trying to find peace in a violent world. |
A snake complained to God, "I'm tired of being stepped on." God replied, "If you had bitten the first that stepped on you, the others would look where they put their feet." The Devil smiled at the passage he had read from Aesop's Fables. "So, I serve a purpose in God's plan. I bite those who do not watch their step on the well trodden path." A physicist remarked, "But sir, you tempt so many into your traps." His fellows applauded. What could be the greatest scientific discovery of all; was unfolding before them. Their particle accelerator had revealed a dimension that exists a nanosecond ahead of our reality. The Devil's laughter was disturbing, "But sir, who is it that open this Pandora's Box? I can only do what God permits. And you have a choice. Will you obey God's laws of nature or transgress them with your inventions?" A learned Rabbi stepped forward, "You have a choice too. And you have chosen to defy God's plan. There is evil in the world when good men do nothing to stop it." The auditorium filled with applause. The Devil drew a deep breath and everyone of his audience shivered. "Do you not know your scripture? 'Shall there be evil in a city, which the Lord hath not done?' Amos 3:16. Who can say they are free from God's will? Amen I say onto thee any power we have comes from God, let he who hath the greater power have the greater sin." A reporter stood up, "Sir, what would you have us do?" The subject made a terrible smile, "Do what thou whilst." The reporter sat down quickly. The Devil spread his wings and the ceiling of the auditorium vanished. "Behold a billion points of light. Who can know what worlds they hold? Shall Mars the God of war be your Lord? Perhaps, the Huntress Moon is more fitting? Venus rises in every lustful thought. . But, Jupiter is a God of commerce. Do you worship money?" The Devil laughed loudly, "You do not know which God to worship!" A devout Parson rose up, "I know the risen Jesus Christ! You are the prince of lies!" Lightning flew out of the ancient eyes of Satan, "Do not make promises that you cannot keep. Your savior is nowhere to be found. Do you worship a magician? I can heal and raise the dead? Am I your savior?" The Parson shook his head, "You cannot love!" The Devil growled and snorted fire~ "If you will not submit, you will die!" The Parson ran toward the particle accelerator and threw his gold crucifix into the beam of energy. The image was short circuited. The audience cheered. The Parson clutched his chest and fell dead. "Shall a world be sacrificed for the life of one man?" Satan's voice echoed. ~~~ <^> |