EVE OF CHRIST'S RETURN

Greetings -

This is fiction but it could be true.

Peter Knew, the son of a minister, was diligently taught to obey God. He married Rebecca Patience and had three lovely children.

It was weeks before Christmas and Peter, a famed music producer, had booked Eden Hall in New York City for a holiday extravaganza titled, Christ Returns. His company, Fluid Notes, had just signed a rising star, Gomer Wayward. Her role in the Christ Returns production would be her first major billing since the start of her contract with Fluid Notes. She would be the understudy for the veteran, Ruth Cherish. The understudy role would allow Gomer to perform in all four of the Sunday matinee performances.

Gomer had her mind set on a stellar career. She did not intend to reach famed heights through a slow reasonable process. She had a plan. Lure Peter, and gain a fast route to fame and fortune. She bristled at beginning as the understudy. She had a few weeks to snare her man because her first goal was to displace Ruth in star billing for the Christ Returns production. Little by little, Gomer gained ground with Peter until one afternoon, she cinched her deal.

Peter succumbed.

They began an affair that would lead to much heartache.

Two weeks before opening night, Peter met with Ruth and told her, “Ruth, I have decided to give Gomer star billing for the extravaganza. You are now the understudy for the role.”

Ruth was stunned. She excused herself and hasted away to sob. She prayed, “Lord, my heart aches with sorrow. I need your comfort, and blessed assurances to cope with this pain.”

The Lord responded, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. I will strengthen your heart. You will mount up with wings as an eagle. Wait, I say, on the Lord.”

With the composure gained from her moments with the Lord, Ruth went to Peter smiling and said, “Peter, I will be delighted to be the understudy. Thank you for the opportunity.”

Peter soberly wonders how Ruth is able to maintain such calm with the news that he has delivered. He looks at her curiously and asks, “How can you be composed after what I just told you?”

“I trust God, Peter. The Lord promised me that He will have me to mount up with wings as an eagle. I believe God because there is constant proof that He is a promise keeper.”

Peter feels the guilt rise in him. He sheepishly says to Ruth, “I envy your peace. It is something that was my experience until…” His voice trails off. He hastily walks away.

Ruth prays, “Lord, please restore Peter to righteousness with You.”

The Lord responds, “It shall come to pass.”

Ruth joyfully exclaims, “Thank you, Lord!”

It was not enough that Gomer had displaced Ruth. She also steadily taunts Ruth and gloats that she is now the star.

Ruth continues to cleave to the Lord, and to love Gomer in spite of how Gomer relentlessly mocks her.

On opening night, December 23rd, Peter and Gomer arrive together.

Gomer took the stage and sang three Christmas carols.

One audience member commented, “She sings well but her delivery has no spirit.”

The show continues, and concludes.

Gomer receives applause but never any exhibits of thunderous appreciation or requests for encores.

People know that Gomer is an adulterer, and many could not enjoy her because of her sordid character.

In contrast, on Christmas Eve, Ruth performs superbly in the matinee with God’s power flowing with every carol she sings.

Many of Ruth’s favorite fans skipped Gomer’s performances and attended the matinees where Ruth consistently rendered exceptional performances.

Ruth received positive press, numerous ovations, and so many encore requests that she made a record seven encore appearances.

Those matinee shows were a sell-out success.

The New York Messenger newspaper reported, “Christmas Eve, and Beyond - Understudy Reigns With CHRIST RETURNS.”

Gomer was crestfallen. She “gathered” herself, and remarked to herself, I still have Peter who will be my “fortune.”

Peter left Rebecca and his three children.

Gomer moved in with him, and continued to perform but never again with star billing.

Ruth accepted a better contract with another company, headed by Daniel Den. She went on to major success.

Eight years later on Christmas Eve…

Peter returned to Christ, severed himself completely from Gomer, and returned to Rebecca and his children.

Gomer’s heart melted with grief. She isolated herself for weeks.

Ruth heard about Gomer’s misfortune.

The Lord spoke to Ruth, “Go to her.”

Ruth obeyed.

When Gomer opened the door and saw Ruth, she collapsed in her arms.

Ruth cradled her, and together they sang the Lord’s Prayer.

Over weeks, Ruth continued to minister to Gomer – she led her to Christ.

Months later…

Ruth was nominated for a Stellar award for her carol, “Christmas Cradle.” She invited Gomer to attend the award event with her.

Gomer gladly accepted.

Ruth won for best Gospel Song. Upon acceptance, she called Gomer to the stage, and exclaimed, “Thank you, Gomer, for all that you contributed to my growth in our Lord. God made this possible for the two of us to stand here united in His holiness.”

Gomer smiled glowingly.

The two embraced in the power of love.

…but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; …( I John 3:2-KJV)

Sandra

Written October 23, 2008

© Copyright October 23, 2008