- This topic has 368 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 3 days, 22 hours ago by
.
-
Posts
-
@freed_and_redeemed @hybridlore @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @linus-smallprint
NEXT SECTION!!!
The next morning after breakfast, Julian and Leon began making their way along the streets looking for the homes of the three men they had left to lead the church: Konner Krüger, Reinhold Meier, and Fox Keller. They went first to the home of the Meiers. Leon knocked on the door, and a woman answered it. She did not seem familiar to the two, and she didn’t recognize them. “I’m sorry to bother you, mam,” Leon said. “We were looking for the Meiers. They are old friends.”
“I don’t know them,” replied the woman. “I have lived here almost a year now, but I never heard their name.”
“Oh, I am so sorry to have bothered you,” Leon said. “Thank you, and good day, mam.”
The two turned and walked away. Julian sighed. “There are two options. They left unexpectedly–– which surprises me since Reinhold took over some of the leadership in the church. Or they were arrested.”
Leon nodded soberly.
The two made their way to the Kellers. Their home was inhabited by a young couple who, though they tried to be helpful, said they had only ever met Mr. Keller the day they bought the house, and knew nothing of his whereabouts. Leon and Julian thanked them and went on their way. Both were starting to feel a little discouraged. They had hoped to find Fox, Reinhold, and Konner, even if all the rest were gone. Then again, those three would face the most danger, and perhaps they were dead.
Julian and Leon arrived at the Krüger’s’ home and knocked on the door. There was no answer, so Leon knocked again. After a third time, the two turned away. They were a few paces down the street, when the door opened. Leon turned around and nearly cried out in surprise. Standing at the doorway was Konner. Leon hurried back, followed by Julian. “Konner!” he exclaimed softly, grasping the young man’s hand. “Do you remember us?”
Konner drew back, looking warily at the two. Then, his face lit up. “Julian! Leon!” he cried in a whisper. He glanced up and down the street. “Come in, quickly!”
The two were ushered in, and they came into the main room of the small house. Mrs. Krüger and Konner’s younger sisters greeted Leon and Julian in hushed excitement. They all sat down, and Mrs. Krüger brought them all something to drink. Julian looked about the room a moment before remembering that Mr. Krüger had passed away years before they ever met Konner.
“I never thought to see you again,” Konner said. “Where have you been, and why are you here?”
“We’ve been traveling the length of the country,” Leon said. “We came back to encourage you and the rest of the Believers.”
Konner started to his feet and moved swiftly to the window, yanking the shutters closed and pulling the curtain. His sister had done the same to the other window, and their mother pulled the door to the room closed. Konner lit a lamp in the dark room, and then spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “Speak softly, and it is best not to speak at all about such things.”
Julian and Leon glanced at each other, and Leon felt a sense of dread creeping through him. What has happened in our absence? He looked straight at Konner. “Do you still believe in the One true God?”
“Yes,” Konner hissed.
“Do you still serve Him, and Him alone?”
Konner shushed him, nodding in answer to the question.
Again, Leon glanced at Julian. Then he took in a slow breath. “Are there any other believers?”
Again, Konner shushed him and then glanced at his mother. Mrs. Krüger motioned to her daughters, and they slipped from the room. Konner closed the door behind them and set the lamp on the table. He sat down across from Leon and Julian. “Nothing has changed in my belief,” he whispered. “I only ask you not to speak aloud of such things.”
“Are there still other believers?” Leon demanded.
“Yes,” Konner whispered. “Now, be quiet!”
“Konner, what has happened to the church? Where are Reinhold and Fox?” Julian asked, urgently.
“They’re alive,” Konner replied, under his breath. “But if you don’t lower your voice, you’ll get us all killed!”
“Konner, it’s the Sabbath in two days? Will you meet?” Leon demanded.
Konner winced and looked away
Leon looked straight at him. “Konner, in two days’ time we will meet for the Sabbath. All of us. Talk to Reinhold and Fox, find a meeting place, and make sure everyone knows. We will see you then.” He rose abruptly, and Julian followed suit.
Konner leapt up and grabbed Leon’s arm. “Leon don’t be angry with us! It’s not what you think. We still believe in God, all of us, and Him alone do we serve.”
“I am not angry,” Leon replied. “I am surprised and confused by what has happened to you. Where is the courage of the young man who chose to stay behind and lead God’s people, even though it meant almost certain death?”
Konner looked away. “You don’t know what it’s been like for us, Leon.” he said, his voice choked and hoarse. “You don’t understand what has happened to those of us who chose to stay. After you left, they started killing left and right. We would all be dead if we hadn’t kept quiet.”
“You mean, you’ve stopped meeting?” Julian asked.
“More than that,” Konner replied, in a whisper. “We dare not even say His name anymore for fear of being overheard. We still believe, but we do so silently, and that is why we are safe.”
“What!” Julian cried. “You can’t do that!”
“Yes, we can!” Konner whispered angrily. “It’s all we can do! They would kill us all in a matter of days. We’re tired, Julian! We’re tired of the fear, pain, and death. At least now we can sleep at night!”
Julian clenched his fists and turned away.
Leon looked at Konner compassionately. “I know,” he said. “I know you’re tired, and you’ve had a hard fight. But that’s why we’ve come back. We aren’t running this time. We’re staying here to fight with you.”
“Fight?” Konner laughed. He looked up at Leon, tears in his eyes. “This is no fight, Leon, this is defenseless massacre. We are not warriors anymore, we’re just survivors.”
***
Julian sat by at the desk by the window and stared out over the city. It would be the Sabbath tomorrow. He and Leon had talked, prayed, paced, and thought. Konner had pleaded with them not to try and make a connection with the other believers yet, saying it would be too dangerous. Leon and Julian agreed to wait until after the Sabbath. The day before, Konner had come to tell them that the meeting would be held in the blacksmith’s cellar. He didn’t wait around to hear if they agreed with the idea, but took off running once his message was delivered.
Leon and Julian had agreed that Julian would speak to the people at the meeting. Now that he had accepted the role, Julian wasn’t sure if it had been the right decision. He didn’t know what to say. He was angry, and he knew that right now the people didn’t need his anger. They had been driven to the ground already, now they needed to be lifted up. Chastised, yes, but not ranted at.
Julian looked over at Leon who was reorganizing his rucksack. Suddenly, Leon jerked his hand back with a hiss of pain. Julian started when he saw the blood on his friend’s hand. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Leon replied. He rubbed his palm on his pants and looked at his hand. “It’s not deep. Something just sliced the surface. He carefully put his hand back into his pack, looking for the object. A moment later, he drew it out. It was a dark crossbow bolt. Memory flashed over Leon’s face, and he stared at the bolt, turning it over in his hand. At last, he stood and came to Julian. He laid the bolt on the table and then looked out the window. “I was sitting in this very inn when someone shot that at me.”
Julian stared at the bolt, his eyes going over its razor-sharp blades. “Do you remember how you talked about us being soldiers?” he asked.
Leon motioned to the weapon. “It was that moment that brought the realization to my mind,”
Julian nodded.
Leon put a hand on the side of the window frame and leaned against it, letting out a deep breath. “It seems the fight has been long and hard here, and our brothers are weary.”
Julian nodded. He reached out and rolled the bolt along the table, deep in thought. “The church in retreat,” he murmured.
***
Julian looked around from where he and Leon sat in the blacksmith’s cellar. He could see Konner, Fox, and Reinhold were standing together in a corner, their faces drawn with worry. The few people who were gathering in the room were tense and on edge, and some refused to sit down. Julian felt Leon’s hand on his shoulder. “God, speak through Julian today, and use him to bring truth and strength to Your people,” he prayed.
“Yes Lord,” Julian whispered.
Konner came over to them. “We’re ready,” he said. “But whatever you have to say, do so quickly. None of us want to stay here long.”
Julian took a deep breath and stood up. The room fell silent, and every eye turned to him. Julian bowed his head. “Oh Lord, we are weary of this struggle. We are tired and discouraged. Please give us strength, Lord, to do what you have called us to do. Speak through me today and use my words to strengthen Your people.”
Julian looked up. His eyes fell on Konner, who turned away. Reinhold shifted nervously and glanced toward the stairs, but Fox was looking straight at him, waiting for Julian to go on. Julian looked about the room. Then, he began.
“Whenever persecution brakes out, whenever we are singled out for destruction, there will be two churches. There will always be a church that is allowed to remain unhindered, and ‘at peace’. Then, there is a second church, one that is attacked again and again, with all that hell can wield against it. One church is allowed by the authorities and is not threatened, the other is singled out for destruction. The first church I spoke of might even be supported by the emperor or king. No one touches it. And then, there is the second church. The second church is under attack. Many of its leaders will be imprisoned or face death, many of those in it will lose all in this world.”
Julian paused, looking from face to face. He saw the pain of memory in their eyes. “The first church is a bird in a cage,” he said. “A bird in a cage will not and cannot reproduce. In one generation, it is gone. Those who once held onto any part of the truth will be dead, and it will be no more. There will be no lineage. It is only the free birds that raises up a new generation. The church that exists only to survive, will survive only one generation.
“If we make decisions based on survival, and only on the ability to be free and safe, and say “Well, this is the best we can do,” mix idol worship with Christianity, or perhaps just don’t speak out against it. “Just shut your mouth and survive, at least they give us permission to believe in God.” If you strive only to survive, then the church will be dead in one generation. It’s been proven since the beginning. The church that cowers and makes compromise is a dead church. You will see very soon that I speak the truth. You will decline, you will fall, you will vanish. You have no life because you can’t speak out in faith, you can’t call out and bring more in, you cannot go out and fight for Christ.”
Julian could see the guilt in their eyes, and he saw Konner cringe. When he spoke again, his voice was gentler, but still firm. “Then there is the church that refuses to be caged, refuses to bow down, refuses to make compromise. It refuses to stay silent. It speaks, and it speaks only truth. God’s truth!”
“Which one are you?” He asked, his voice rising. “There are always two. The one that just tries to survive, no matter the cost, and the one that defies evil, and as a result, thrives. It’s the church that defies restraint upon its confession that thrives. When we stand up and believe Jesus over any governmental law, we are filled with His strength and power. We must honor the authority that is God-given, yes. However, if that God-given authority asks us to contradict God’s authority and God’s laws given in the word of God, we must say no–– No matter the cost.
Julian opened his Bible to the place he had marked. “‘And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” We have been called to go out and spread God’s word! You cannot remain silent when Jesus Christ Himself has commanded you to speak!” Julain turned several pages and continued. ‘You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’”
Julian looked up. “You have been called to show the world who Christ is. By word and deed, by life… and death. And Jesus has said to us, ‘Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’”
Julian paused and looked at the faces turned toward his. Konner and Reinhold had stopped looking to the door, and Fox seemed frozen in place. The room was completely still, and no one moved.
“There are always two,” Julian said. “The church that goes silent, and the church that confesses. The only true church is the church that does something. When you reach Goliath— when you reach the challenge, when you reach that which defies the church and asks us to compromise–– there’s a road to silence and a road to confession. It is the place where you can pick up five smooth stones and respond, or you can cower down and be passive. You have been called to speak the truth! To live the truth, to confess the truth. Confession is not just your words, it’s your life. It is saying “I will walk, the narrow way.””
“The word confession has two parts. The first means, ‘in perfect agreement, in perfect reflection’. When you look into a still water, you see yourself. If you move, the reflection moves. That is what this means. The second part is ‘Jesus Christ, the Word of God’. So, confession means when the Bible moves, or God’s Word moves, or Jesus Christ moves, we match His stride. We walk where He walks. If He goes this way, we go this way. We must be in perfect agreement. That is true confession, and we are called to confess Christ. If you are the true church, you are in agreement with Jesus.”
Julain held out a sweeping hand to the room. “There are always two churches. Which one are we? Are we the ones that are willing to boldly represent the Word of God” Will we say to God, “I am willing to do whatever You ask me to do.”? Or will we cower down? By life and by death, we must confess. We must be a church of prayer, and a church of confession. We must pray, and we must do! We have been built to face challenge. We have the truth of the King of kings, and we are doing nothing with it in a time that is most desperately needed.”
Julian raised his voice, bringing his hand down in his Bible. “We have come to a crossroad. Goliath stands and mocks the living God. Make a choice now. Will you be silent, or will you stand up to him? Are you ready to pick up five smooth stones and do something?
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
I like how Konner and the others are afraid of the Empire. That seems realistic—I would be surprised if in a time like this, all the Christians were courageous enough to defy the government always. Julian’s speech is good. Very rousing. A few parts didn’t make sense.
“If we make decisions based on survival, and only on the ability to be free and safe, and say “Well, this is the best we can do,” mix idol worship with Christianity, or perhaps just don’t speak out against it. “Just shut your mouth and survive, at least they give us permission to believe in God.”
I think just the structure of this sentence confused me. It doesn’t seem to be leading anywhere.
The word confession has two parts. The first means, ‘in perfect agreement, in perfect reflection’. When you look into a still water, you see yourself. If you move, the reflection moves. That is what this means. The second part is ‘Jesus Christ, the Word of God’. So, confession means when the Bible moves, or God’s Word moves, or Jesus Christ moves, we match His stride. We walk where He walks. If He goes this way, we go this way. We must be in perfect agreement. That is true confession, and we are called to confess Christ. If you are the true church, you are in agreement with Jesus.”
Also, this. Where is he getting the two meanings of confession from?
Altogether, good section.
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C.S.L.
Thanks.Yeah, they’re like right at the center of everything, so it’s not easy.
Ah, yes. It was a run-on sentence into the next paragraph, and I tried to clean it up with punctuation and forgot to change some words.
The definitions are the literal Greek translations for that word. There are two words in Greek that make up the word in English that we call, Confession.
Homolegeō is the word, but it has two parts.
Homo
“In perfect agreement, in stride, like, similar, reflection of something. Mirror”
Logos
“The WORD, Jesus Christ,”
(The spelling changes when you combine it. Don’t know why Greeks do that.)
So, Homo-logos, or Homolegeō means in reflection, in stride, in agreement, with Christ.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Gotcha. You might want to try to clarify the definition a little more, but I would see what others like Linus think.
What does your signature mean, by the way?
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C.S.L.
A moment later, he drew it out. It was a dark crossbow bolt.
Interesting the church Leon talked about the war of Faith is the one that fell apart the most, but I guess they are in the capital where the most danger is.
Julian’s sermon is fine, but I think he needs to remind them more of what they are fighting for. What the reward in heavan will be. These guys are scared and they need a reminder that they don’t need to worry and God will protect them, even if they die. They need to know that it will be worth it, and this can help them see that is is selfish and cowardly to keep it to themselves. Julian only touched on this very briefly.
“If we make decisions based on survival, and only on the ability to be free and safe, and say “Well, this is the best we can do,” mix idol worship with Christianity, or perhaps just don’t speak out against it.
Have these three actually been participating in idol worship, or is Julian just putting this in here because he is thinking of Karl?
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
Julian’s sermon is fine, but I think he needs to remind them more of what they are fighting for. What the reward in heaven will be. These guys are scared and they need a reminder that they don’t need to worry and God will protect them, even if they die. They need to know that it will be worth it, and this can help them see that is is selfish and cowardly to keep it to themselves. Julian only touched on this very briefly.
Yeah, I think this is what’s missing from the sermon.
Also, maybe this is just me and the fact that I have historical knowledge of this topic, but I’m a bit surprised that he’s all like “what??? How come you are hiding and fearful? You should be all out there doing what you were doing!!” when if anything, he probably should’ve expected that, as unfortunate as it is. Most people are not that courageous, especially if their enemy is massacring them left and right. There are a few examples in history where Christians went underground like this (the most recent example I can remember being in North Korea, where some disguise their prayers as normal conversations).
Not necessarily condoning that btw, just pointing it out.
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
Other than that, this is a good section, and connects well with your previous ones.
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
Hmm, the problem is, I’m trying not to drag things like “greek” and “hebrew” in because that muddies the world a bit because it is technically an alternate reality.
Well, it’s a bit of a chopped up version (due to space. Who made the rule of 100 characters anyways?!) But it’s a Chesterton quote that reads,
“The great march of mental destruction will go on. Everything will be denied. Everything will become a creed. It is a reasonable position to deny the stones in the street; it will be a religious dogma to assert them. It is a rational thesis that we are all in a dream; it will be a mystical sanity to say that we are all awake. Fires will be kindled to testify that two and two make four. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer. We shall be left defending, not only the incredible virtues and sanities of human life, but something more incredible still, this huge impossible universe which stares us in the face. We shall fight for visible prodigies as if they were invisible. We shall look on the impossible grass and the skies with a strange courage. We shall be of those who have seen and yet have believed
Basically, there will come a time when all the things that were once accepted as the truth they are, (Maybe…. murder is wrong, and killing unborn babies is murder, men are men and women are women and you can’t change that, etc.) will be challenged, and we’ll be left fighting to defend a truth that was once widely accepted.
I first heard it in the Italian Prime Minister’s speech. And man…. oh wow, if we had someone like that in our country!! Anyhow, I saw a response video from a favorite pastor of mine concerning it and… wow. Just wow.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
I don’t know who fell apart worse, them or the church in Clonabay.
Julian’s sermon is fine, but I think he needs to remind them more of what they are fighting for. What the reward in heavan will be.
mkay, that works. I’ll try to pull some of that in.
Have these three actually been participating in idol worship, or is Julian just putting this in here because he is thinking of Karl?
He doesn’t know at this point because so far, Konnar was the only person they’ve made contact with. However, he does know it happened in Clonabay.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Well, first off, this is Julian we’re talking about. Leon had more understanding for them. Second, this is really their first time going through something like this. The last time was in Ardenta, and Ardentans have a certain brute stubbornness and willingness to just hang on that a lot of other cultures don’t. (That’s part of why they would rather die fighting on their farms then leave their farms to make an army.)
So yeah, this is kind of a first time for him.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
@keilah-h @linus-smallprint @hybridlore
Okay, here’s a question for y’all.
So, I personally really like Julian’s speech/sermon, whatever it is. (I cringe when y’all say sermon because I’m a woman and I wrote it. But I guess Julian is a guy. 🤣) Anyhow, I really like some of the themes it hits, I like the flow. Basically, I personally think I did a good job on it. There. Said it.
Okay, now that I’ve said it, here’s the spot where y’all come in. I went back and forth on keeping it a few times, and finally leaned toward it just because I really like it. However, there has already been something similar to this with Leon, (and man, his was good. I really like how his turned out and I think it really, really connects with the story)
So, in light of this, should I cut Julian’s. Basically, it’s the reader who needs to benefit from a scene like this, because several times already we’ve known that they held worship, and I can even add a few lines where Julian begins so that you get an idea of what he’s talking about, and then I could jump forward to where he finishes. I also wouldn’t have to scrap Julian’s. I could just save it in a word doc for some other book sometime if it’s ever relevant.
What I’m asking is, as readers, did you get anything out of this in this book at this time in this place, or did you just read it more to get over it to the next part of the story?
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
@freed_and_redeemed @hybridlore @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @linus-smallprint
NEXT SECTION!!!
It was late into the evening before the meeting finally broke up. Julian’s words had shaken the little church, and they were ready and open to hear more. As Leon and Julian took turns speaking to them and encouraging them, they could sense that each person had guilt hanging over them–– guilt for remaining silent. Leon and Julian prayed with them, encouraged them, and then called them to take up their swords again and fight.
Fox, Konner, and Reinhold stood before the congregation and pleaded their forgiveness for having cowered down and let fear keep them silent. From that point on, Julian saw the lift in their heads, the squareness of their shoulders, and the firmness of their steps. They had hidden in defeat, but it would not happen again. They were ready to stand up and lead, and they would do so–– even at the cost of their lives.
That night, Fox asked Konner, Leon, Reinhold, and Julian to come to his home. His family had fled the Capital, and he had moved into smaller lodgings alone.
The young men gathered about in the main room and ate a meal they had prepared for themselves. When they were finished, Konner and Reinhold stoked up the fire, and they settle down to talk.
“Leon, Julian, will you ever forgive me for the cowardice I showed when you first returned. I shouldn’t have listened to fear! I should have stood up for what I knew was right, even if they killed me for it,” Konner said.
“We all should have,” Fox agreed. “We were all cowards.”
“And worse, you left us to lead while you were gone, and we led them into cowering fear, submission, and silence!” Reinhold cried. “We have failed so horribly in what God called us to do.”
“Fox never wanted to. He held out the longest, but we forced him to keep silent,” Konner added, honestly.
“You pressured me, yes, but the fault is mine. I shouldn’t have listened to you,” Fox corrected him.
“But you needed to be able to trust us. We were supposed to be all three helping and encouraging one other and holding each other accountable. Instead, we pressured one anther into silence,” Reinhold argued.
“We all failed, and we are all to blame,” Fox said.
“Listen, all three of you,” Leon broke in. “Fox is right. All three of you did fail, and all three of you are to blame. You should have stood up for what was right and spoken out against sin, and you should have led the people to do so. But that is a mistake that you cannot go back and undo, and it is a mistake that you cannot atone for. Jesus Christ died for this moment. He died for your failure, and the failure of all the others. Repent, and He is faithful and just to forgive. Learn from your failure and mistakes and now go out and do not repeat them.”
***
The days passed, and the church grew stronger. The people gathered often to meet and pray, and Julian, Leon, and the three young leaders met together almost every day. Still, no one ventured to speak out in the streets. Leon and Julian prayed about it, but they both felt God was holding them back. They soon found out it was because he had called another to take the first step.
“I’m going out tomorrow morning,” Fox said.
He, Leon, Julian, and the others were gathered in Fox’s home again. Now, his four friends looked at him in silent surprise.
“Out in the streets? To… to speak to the people?” Konner asked.
Fox nodded.
“They’ll kill you,” Reinhold whispered.
“I know,” Fox replied. He stood and walked over to the fire. Leaning on the mantelpiece, he stared into the flames. “I’m afraid to go, but He’s telling me I must.”
“But Fox, are you sure you’re ready?” Konner asked.
Fox did not reply for a long time. When he spoke, his voice was hardly above a whisper. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” He turned around to face them. “He will give me the strength, no matter what comes.”
“When will you go?” Reinhold wondered.
“Tomorrow morning in the market,” Fox replied. “The people need to know the truth, and I can’t keep hiding it. That’s not right.”
“We’ll be there, no matter what happens,” Konner said.
Fox turned to face him. “Please don’t do anything rash. The church needs you, and the people need the chance to hear the truth more than once. If something happens, don’t try to save me.”
“He’s right,” Leon said. Then he turned to Fox. “Tomorrow morning, you will not be alone. We will be there, and we will be praying for you, but the Lord will be there with you every step if the way.”
They spent the rest of their time together in prayer for Fox and for the people who would hear his words in the morning. As they gathered to leave, Leon stepped aside with Fox for a and laid a hand on his shoulder. “I am proud of you.”
Fox smiled. “Thank you. Pray for me Leon, I’m nearly sick with terror.”
“I will,” Leon promised.
***
The next morning, Leon and Julian stood near each other in the crowded market. Julian thought he spotted Konner and Reinhold, but he wasn’t sure. Then, near the fountain, he saw Fox. “Oh Lord God, You know what will happen today, and I know this will be Your will. Just please, please give Fox the strength for whatever comes. Give him peace,” he pleaded under his breath.
Fox stepped up onto the broad rim of the fountain. For a moment he said nothing, and Julian could see the rigidness of his stance. Oh God, give him courage!
Julian’s prayer was answered, for Fox lifted his head, straightened his shoulders, and called out in a loud, steady voice. “People of the Empire! I have come to you with the truth! I have come to tell you of the path to life and the way of salvation!”
Many stopped what they were doing and turned to listen. Fox took in another breath and then continued.
***
All that morning, Fox spoke to the people, and many stopped what they were doing to listen. It wasn’t until afternoon that a priest appeared on the scene. Julian had never seen anyone so angry in his life, and the priest sent a young man with a message. Julian looked to Fox, who didn’t seem to notice. Leon was also watching the priest, and he moved slowly toward Fox.
Leon and Julian were about twenty paces away from Fox, when three soldiers burst onto the scene and began shoving their way through the crowd. Fox started and looked up. He saw the soldiers, and the next moment he had jumped off the fountain and dashed into the crowd. Some made way and pointed to routs of escape, while others shouted out where he was going to the soldiers.
“Come on!” Leon shouted in Julian’s ear.
The two pushed their way to the crowd and broke out in a street not far from Fox. Leon leapt up on a crate. “Over here!”
Fox saw him and Leon jumped down.
Fox broke free of the crowd, and the three sprinted down the street. All around the market, the people were scattering. Some ran for their homes, while others took up the chase for Fox.
Fox raced after Leon, while Julian followed behind, keeping an eye on their pursuers. They raced down streets and alleys but couldn’t shake the soldiers and the men who had joined them.
Leon rounded and corner and skidded to a stop. “Back!” he shouted. Julian turned and raced to the end of the street but heard shouts approaching. He turned and saw a dead end just beyond Leon. Oh God, help us.
“Here!” came a shout.
The three spun to see two young men crouched on the wall that blocked the end of the alley. One had a rope and was securing the end to the chimney of a nearby roof. “Go Fox, it’s you they want!” Leon cried.
Fox raced to the wall and grabbed the rope. He climbed up with desperate speed and made it to the top. One of the young men pointed down the other side, and Fox dropped over the edge. Leon was already climbing the rope, and Julian stood just below, an eye on the street’s entrance. Leon made it to the top, and Julian jumped. He grabbed the rope and began to climb as fast as he could. The soldiers had reached the alley, and two ran for the rope. One began to climb after Julian. Julian kicked him and he fell, but the other quickly scrambled up while the third began to load his crossbow.
One of the young men above grabbed Julian’s arm, dragging him up onto the wall, while the other cut the rope. The two jumped off the wall, and Julian threw himself after them as the first crossbow bolt whistled through the air. The next thing Julian knew, he was falling. He had a moment to think just how high the wall was, and then he crashed into a deep pile of straw. He gasped for breath as Leon pulled him up. Their two rescuers broke into a run, and Leon and Fox followed. Julian glanced back a moment at the cart he had tumbled into and breathed a silent prayer of thanks before tearing off after the others.
The two came to a house and one opened the door. The five scrambled inside, and one of the young men closed and bolted the door. For a long moment, they all slumped in the dark hall, gasping for breath and waiting for the pounding of the soldiers at the door. After a long minute, Leon looked up. “Thank you,” he whispered.
“Come inside,” one of the strangers said.
The five came into the main room, and one of the young men brought a bucket of water and a cup.
After they had quenched their thirst, the tallest spoke. “It should be safe to go home soon. I don’t think they got a good look at your faces.”
“Thank you for saving us,” Julian said.
“It was God who did it. He just had us in the right place at the right time,” the other replied
“Who are you?” Leon exclaimed.
“I’m Paul Hartmann, and this is my cousin, Zoltan Weiß,” the taller of the two said. “We’re from Lentrenk.”
“The University,” Julian breathed.
Paul grimaced, and Zoltan turned away.
“I’m Leon Fischer, and this is Julian Damoss. We were good friends if Heinrich and Johannes,” Leon said.
Paul started in surprise. “You are Leon and Julian? I have wanted to meet you for so long!”
The two cousins shook hands with them, and then Julian introduced them to Fox. The five gathered about the table, and Leon looked at the two cousins. “When did you leave the University?”
“About two months ago,” Paul said, lowering his gaze.
“Then you know…” Leon trailed off.
“We were there,” Zoltan whispered. “We saw it all.”
“Were there any other survivors?” Julian asked.
Paul shrugged. “Many scattered, and the soldiers chased them. I don’t know who got away. Zoltan and I hid.”
“We arrived a day after it happened, I think,” Leon said, hoarsely. “We… we buried them.”
Paul swallowed hard. “Thank you.”
Julian looked at the cousins, blinking back tears that sprang unbidden at the horrible memory. “Please tell us what happened.”
Zoltan got up abruptly and left the room. A few moments later, they heard a door slam.
Paul was looking down at the table. “I can’t,” he whispered. “I’m not ready. I’m sorry.”
Julian reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You don’t have to. Tell us when you’re ready.”
Paul nodded. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and took a deep breath. “The coast should be clear,” he said, forcing the pain from his voice.
Leon nodded and rose. Julian and Fox followed his example. “We promised to meet the others at Reinhold’s home,” Fox said.
“Others?” Paul asked.
Julian smiled. “We are not the only ones left in the city who believe in the One True God. There are others.”
“Come and join us this Sabbath,” Leon added.
Fox gave Paul directions to the place, and Paul promised they would try to come.
Julian, Leon, and Fox bade farewell and set out down the streets. No one stopped them, and they made it safely to Reinhold’s home. There they found their two friends in earnest prayer. Konner and Reinhold were overjoyed to see the three safe, and they all gathered to thank God for His deliverance and protection. After that, they discussed what had happened.
“We should set a guard and some kind of signal,” Julian said.
Leon nodded. “I agree. Some of us should watch around the edge of the crowd, one person should be somewhere high, like a roof, and a few should be in the surrounding streets. Then one more should be near whoever is speaking. Those on the ground keep a lookout and signal to the one up high, who signals to the one near the speaker. In this way we might be able to get a head start and escape more easily.”
“I like that idea,” Konner said. “Let’s try and take a look around the city square to plan out where everyone will be before the next time.”
“Agreed,” Julian said. “Now, who is going to lead Sabbath worship?”
“I’ll do it,” Konner replied. “I’m ready again, if you’ll let me.”
Leon smiled. “Of course.”
***
The week passed, and the five kept an eye on the square, looking for different ways to approach and the places to watch. There was the main platform that Leon had climbed that fateful day when Dietrich threw off his mask for the first time in front of his people. They discussed this, but decided against the platform since they would have to climb the sides to get up and down, and that wouldn’t be good for an escape. They decided instead to use the rim of the fountain or an overturned cart.
The sabbath came, and Leon and Julian were excited to see Paul and Zoltan join the gathering. After the meeting, the cousins came up to Leon and Julian. “Are you going back out to the square again?” Paul asked.
“Yes,” Leon replied.
“Then please, let us help in any way we can,” Paul said.
Leon nodded. Julian wanted to ask again about what had happened at the University, but he bit his tongue. If he pressed them, he knew they would never tell.
That week, several young men asked Leon and Julian to pray for them, for they planned to go out into the streets and talk with those God led them to speak to. Then Konner decided to speak in the square.
Two days later, Julian sat on the roof watching for signals from Zoltan, Reinhold, Leon, or Paul. Fox was standing near the fountain, and Konner was just climbing up onto its rim. Up here, Julian had a clear view of the whole square below. “God, protect Konner today. Speak through him and use him to show the people the truth. Open the hearts of those who are listening today and prepare them to receive Your Word. May Your will be done.”
Even from high on the roof, Julian heard when Konner began to speak. He soon had the crowd’s attention, and he began to lay out the story of sin and redemption. Julian listened while watching the lookouts and taking his own sweeping glances over the square. It was hard not to get distracted and stop to listen intently to all Konner was saying, for his voice had a powerful draw.
It was about two hours before he spotted Leon pointing to two young men in the dress of temple troops. Julian watched them from time to time while keeping an eye on any signals from the others.
It was Zoltan who pointed to the temple officer on a horse. Another of the temple troops left the scene, and Julian stood up. He made a motion to Fox, who nodded and signaled to Konner.
Konner brought his message to a quick close and jumped down off the fountain. He blended into the crowed, and the others on the ground slipped away. Julian watched from the roof until each one had safely left the square. A few temple troops hunted around the area and then reported to the officer, who scowled and road away.
Julian waited a few more minutes before scrambling down and disappearing into the crowd. He heard many people discussing the strange things they had heard, and he smiled.
The church was once again on the front lines of the fight.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Okay, here’s a question for y’all.
No. You’re fine to keep it in. Instead of feeling like it something I needed to get over for the next part, this felt more like setting the stage for the climax.
(I cringe when y’all say sermon because I’m a woman and I wrote it. But I guess Julian is a guy. 🤣)
Do you ever get your dad to look over these sermon/speeches?
“I’m Paul Hartmann, and this is my cousin, Zoltan Weiß,” the taller of the two said. “We’re from Lentrenk.”
“The University,” Julian breathed.
Ah. Survivors. Good.
How is ß pronounced? I imagine something like a B.
A thought that occurred to me. When this book began, the church went underground and into hiding, forming an isolated community in the mountains. But now you have Julian telling us that is bad to go into hiding. So in your story, I would like to see this explored through the characters and plot, perhaps discussing the following questions.What is the difference between the hiding we see at the beginning and what we see now? When is it okay to hide? What are some methods of hiding we should avoid? (We do know turning to the point of worshiping idols is going too far.) I could imagine one of the three cowardly Christians in the capital challenging Leon and Julian on these before becoming convinced he needs to stand for his faith. “Well that’s easy for you to say. Your the ones who left us behind while you took a nice trip to the mountains!” This is not absolutely necessary, but this question may pop into your readers minds. Especially since not hiding has become the main theme for the last bit.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
@ellette-giselle ohhh, I understand now.
(I cringe when y’all say sermon because I’m a woman and I wrote it. But I guess Julian is a guy. 🤣)
Just cause you’re a woman doesn’t mean you can’t write impactful things.
Like yeah, the Bible specifically says that only men should be pastors cause it mirrors them being fathers and heads of households, but if you wrote a whole book like this and never wrote a “sermon” cause you’re a woman and women writing sermons isn’t quite right, then it would have something missing. That’d be like only fleshing out the female characters cause you’re afraid your male characters won’t act like males cause you’re not one. Which would be really bad since almost all your protagonists are dudes lol
Also what Linus says about having your dad helping you write it is a good idea if you really need it.
Haven’t read the section yet cause I’m working on something, but I’ll get to it today and give you my thoughts.
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
What is up with KP? I haven’t gotten any notifs.
No. You’re fine to keep it in. Instead of feeling like it something I needed to get over for the next part, this felt more like setting the stage for the climax.
Okay, that makes sense.
Do you ever get your dad to look over these sermon/speeches?
My dad actually hasn’t read these ones yet. It’s more the word “sermon” that’s a knee-jerk reaction and less the actual content. I’m completely behind what I write, it’s just more the idea of “writing a sermon”. If that makes sense…….
Ah. Survivors. Good.
Yes. Shell-shocked traumatized survivors.
How is ß pronounced? I imagine something like a B.
That depends on the word. In this case, this name is said V-ī-ss. Like vice. In fact, that’s how you say it. Vice.
A thought that occurred to me.
Here’s the difference. Julian and Leon’s gang didn’t stop meeting, worshiping, praying, etc. The people who stayed in the capital did.
It’s the heart matter. You see, they stayed instead of fleeing, but from their actions it leads one to believe that the root reason for staying was because they didn’t want to lose their homes and everything they owned, so they were willing to compromise for the sake of comfort. Maybe it didn’t start out that way. A lot of them would have stayed because they knew for them it was the right thing, but once they saw what was happening they let fear take over, and instead of trying to escape– which would have been fine– or stand up, they just coward down.
Is that making sense?
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.