Bible Jumper: Angel In Flight| Part 2 (Flash Fiction)

 

 

Obadiah: Created By Bing AI

Obadiah clutched the crying baby to his heart as he sprinted through Serenity Forest. The infant's screams echoed in his ears as he ran faster and faster, desperate to reach safety.

"Just a little further," he muttered to himself. His foot caught on a fallen tree, and the infant slipped out of his grasp. Panicked, Obadiah rushed to pick up the baby, checking for any injuries. Aside from a bit of dirt on its face, the child was unharmed. The angel let out a sigh of relief.

Obadiah heard one of the Reapers yell, "There they are!" He quickly snatched up the child and hurried towards their destination. As he ran past a towering Oak tree, he saw the face of the Archangel Michael etched into the bark, a symbol of protection. Obadiah ducked behind the tree with the child in his arms, gazing down at its peaceful face. The baby's bright eyes met his, oblivious to the turmoil its arrival had caused.

"I'll guide them in the opposite direction," Michael's voice resonated from within the tree.

Soon after, the noise of hurried feet and a bawling infant could be heard heading in the opposite direction.

Obadiah carefully peeped from around the tree. The plan worked. The Reapers were searching away from him.

"Go now," Michael instructed.

Obadiah sprinted towards the Jump site with all his might. Suddenly, a searing sensation shot through his back. An angel arrow had pierced him. Being half-human, he knew he only had ten minutes to seek medical treatment before bleeding out.

Fighting through the agony, Obadiah fell to his knees but clutched onto the infant in his arms. He was determined to protect the baby even if it meant sacrificing his own life.

Antioch loomed over Obadiah, a fierce look in his eyes. "I've got you now," he growled, reaching for the child in Obadiah's arms. "Give me the infant!"

Obadiah shifted his position to get a better view, only to realize that he was completely surrounded by Reapers. Their glowing red eyes and ashen forms didn't scare him; after all, they had been engaged in battle for centuries. He was aware of his ability to disintegrate them with a single thought, but his injuries made that option less feasible. Instead, he would have to use his cunning to outsmart them if he wanted to survive this encounter.

The Reapers inched forward, their menacing presence looming over him. He shifted his gaze towards the blindingly white door - the only escape route. "You'll have to pry this child from my dying grasp," Obadiah declared defiantly.

Antioch replied, "That's fine. I'll give you five minutes, if even that." With determination in his eyes, he declared, "I will take the child from you. But I must commend your honor in sacrificing yourself. After a thousand years, I have finally emerged victorious over you. And when you fall, I will ensure that the rest of the chosen ones meet the same fate.”

Obadiah struggled to catch his breath. "Your plan won't succeed. It's far from over." He held onto the baby even tighter.

“But it is,” Antioch said confidently. “I have the names. Death will come for them, starting with you and the child.”

Obadiah took a deep breath before asking, “How did you come by the names of the Chosen Ones?”

"Don’t tell him, nothing," Bolofar, the second in command retorted. "Let him die like the dog that he is. Let me finish him off."

Antioch knelt down next to Obadiah, his voice filled with pride as he spoke. “You see, we Reapers have evolved. We are not the mindless beings you perceive us to be,” he boasted, gesturing towards his ash form that briefly took on a human appearance before returning to its natural state. “Before I end your life, I want you to understand that I will eliminate anyone who stands in my path, starting with the abomination you hold in your arms.”

With what little energy he had left, Obadiah covered the child protectively with one of his wings.

"Finish him off and take the child," Antioch commanded.

The Reapers approached with menacing intent. Obadiah quickly shuffled backwards, pressing his back against the rough bark of a nearby tree. Bolofar sneered and lifted his sword, ready to strike him down. "I have been waiting for this moment.”

Bolofar barely finished speaking when a pair of gigantic, glowing hands emerged from the tree and snatched Obadiah. In an instant, both he and the child disappeared without a trace.

Antioch's voice echoed through the empty forest as he bellowed, "Obadiah! I will find you!"

Obadiah let out a groan, struggling to clear his blurred vision as he looked up at the figures looming over him. Among them were Moses, the man chosen by God to lead the Hebrews, standing alongside Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb.

"How many days was I out of it?" Obadiah asked weakly.

"You were unconscious for three nights," Moses replied. "We took turns watching over you."

"I am grateful," Obadiah said, attempting to sit up but falling back onto the straw mat, his body still weak.

"The Lord sent angels to heal your wounds," Joshua added. "You must rest."

Obadiah's mind was flooded with memories from the past seventy-two hours: the tragic deaths of his beloved brother-in-law and sister, and the near fatal attack on his young nephew by the Reapers. With each memory, his determination grew stronger. He demanded to know, "Where is my sister's child?”

Moses frowned, his thick, white eyebrows arched. "You were near death. Miriam looked after him until the angels came for him.

Moses and the others were aware of the Jumpers and their divine purpose. They had provided refuge when needed most.

Obadiah recalled the moment Bolofar raised his sword to strike, only to be thwarted by God's hands rescuing him and his nephew. The child should be here with him. Safe from Antioch and the Reapers in this sanctuary of time.

Obadiah struggled to rise. "I need to see the child with my own eyes. His parents were killed by Reapers—my sister was his mother. Before she died, she entrusted him to my care. I gave her my word I would protect him, even with my life."

"You speak rightly," Moses affirmed. 

"You have seen him?"

Moses nodded in agreement. "Miriam watched over him until the angels arrived  and took him away."

Obadiah gestured to Joshua. "Help me up. I must speak with Michael."

Obadiah Angel Chronicles: The Return of Hubert Bannion III (Flash Fiction)

 

Obadiah: Created By Bing AI

In Manhattan, New York, Hubert Bannion III, the powerful CEO of Bannion Corp, had sacrificed everything in pursuit of success. But one night, the weight of his corporate duties became too much to bear. Without a single word or explanation, he abandoned his office and his former life behind.

Six months passed with no trace of him. His sister, Delia, tirelessly searched, enlisting the help of the police and private investigators, but Hubert seemed to have vanished into thin air.

One day, Delia found herself among the VIPs in Baylor City, attending a tour at the Arklow Museum led by Obadiah, also known as Director Brian Sessions. She had traveled from New York, where her efforts to get assistance from the police department had hit a dead end. Desperate for answers and driven by relentless determination, she had maneuvered her way into the exclusive event, hoping to seek the help of the enigmatic museum director. As Brian recounted the story of Jeremiah, the prophet who endured tremendous trials but found strength in faith and perseverance, Delia's resolve strengthened. She knew she had to speak to him, convinced that he held the key to the justice she sought.

“Jeremiah’s story reminds us that even in the darkest times, hope and purpose can be found,” Brian concluded, his eyes lingering on the audience before settling on Delia Bannion.

“Your story about Jeremiah touches something deep within me,” Delia said in his office after the tour, her voice tinged with desperation. “My brother, Hubert Bannion III, disappeared six months ago.” She took a seat across from him.

“I heard about Hubert,” Brian said. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m doing as well as can be expected,” Delia sighed, her gaze searching Brian's face for reassurance. “The police have given up, but I haven’t. I’ve scoured the city and even hired private investigators, but Hubert remained a ghost. I’m at my wit's end.”

Delia's eyes bore a tired, determined look from months of fruitless searching. Her fingers twitched with anxiety, the only visible sign of her desperation. “Can you help me?”

Brian's eyebrows shot up as he leaned back in his oversized chair, surprise etched across his face. “How can I help?”

Delia hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain her friend's suggestion without revealing too much. “I don’t know if you can. A friend mentioned you have a unique way of helping people when the police can’t.”

Brian straightened in his chair and met Delia’s gaze. Her plea tugged at something deep within him. “I may have a way to assist you," Brian began slowly, carefully choosing his words.

Delia leaned forward, her eyes wide with hope. "Whatever it is, I'm willing to try. Please, anything that could lead me to my brother."

Brian regarded her with gentle understanding. “Let's start with what Hubert was like before he disappeared.”

Delia sighed, her voice softening as she recalled her brother's demeanor. “He was the epitome of success—driven, ambitious. But underneath it all, he was kind and caring. Lately, though, he seemed overwhelmed, like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I tried to help, but…” she trailed off, her voice choked with emotion.

Brian nodded thoughtfully. “Sometimes, those who seem the strongest are also the most burdened. Delia, let me see what I can find out, and I'll get back to you.”

Delia's shoulders slumped, her posture defeated as she lowered her head. Her eyes, usually full of determination, now held a glimmer of desperation and sadness. She jumped to her feet. “I've heard those words before. They mean you can't help me.”

“It doesn't mean that,” Brian assured her. “I will have news on your brother shortly.”

Several hours later, utilizing his divine abilities, Brian walked through the picturesque village of Saddlebrook in Vermont, feeling a sense of familiarity that surrounded him. The quaint cottages and winding lanes reminded him of a simpler time, a life far removed from the chaos of the city. It was in this tranquil setting that he finally caught a glimpse of Hubert Bannion III.

Hubert was dressed in worn-out clothes, his once impeccable appearance now faded and weathered. Brian watched from a distance as Hubert interacted with the villagers, his smile genuine and his eyes reflecting a newfound peace.

Approaching Hubert cautiously, Brian cleared his throat to announce his presence. Hubert turned, surprise flickering across his face before recognition set in.

"Brian Sessions? What are you doing here?" Hubert's voice held a mix of emotions - relief, apprehension, and a hint of resignation.

Brian said gently. "Your sister Delia has been searching tirelessly for you. She's worried sick.”

“How did you find me?” Hubert said. “I thought I had covered my tracks well.”

Brian smiled kindly. "Fate has a way of guiding us where we need to be." He studied Hubert's worn features, noting the lines of stress that had melted away into a sense of peace. "Your sister loves you deeply, Hubert. She just wants to know that you're safe.”

Hubert's gaze drifted to the ground, a mix of emotions flickering across his face. "I never meant to cause her pain. I just needed to escape... everything.”

Brian nodded understandingly. "We all carry burdens that can become too heavy to bear. But running away doesn't always solve our problems; sometimes, we need to confront them head-on.”

Hubert sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his actions. "I didn't know how to face it all. The pressure, the expectations... I felt like I was suffocating.”

Brian placed a comforting hand on Hubert's shoulder. "You don't have to face it alone. Delia needs you, and there’s something else you must consider. There’s a woman here who has captured your heart, but she doesn’t know who you truly are. It’s time to be honest with her.”

Hubert's mouth gaped. "How do you know all of this?”

Brian's eyes held a glint of knowing wisdom as he replied, “Sometimes, the answers we seek are intertwined with the people who cross our paths. As for the woman in question, she deserves to know the truth. It's time to let go of the facades and embrace your true self.”

A mixture of fear and longing danced in Hubert's eyes as he processed Brian's words. The weight of his decisions bore down on him, but a glimmer of hope sparked within his heart. "I've been living a lie for so long, I don't know where to begin.”

Brian squeezed Hubert's shoulder reassuringly. "Start by being honest with yourself. The rest will follow.” He paused, watching the turmoil play out on Hubert's face before continuing, "Delia is waiting for you, Hubert. It's time to return home and face your fears.”

Hubert took a deep breath, the cool village air filling his lungs as he made a silent resolve to confront his past and embrace his true self. With newfound determination, he turned to Brian with a grateful smile. “Thank you for guiding me back on the right path. I will go back with you to see my sister.”

Brian returned the smile, a sense of peace settling over him. Together, they made their way back to the city, each step bringing Hubert closer to reconciliation with his past and a hopeful reunion with Delia.

As they approached Delia's doorstep, Hubert's heart raced with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. He had been gone for so long, lost in his own struggles, that facing his sister felt like stepping into the unknown. But he knew it was a necessary step towards healing and moving forward.

Delia opened the door, her eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of her brother standing before her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she rushed forward, enveloping Hubert in a tight embrace. She wept tears of joy at her brother’s return.

In a surprising move, Hubert announced his plan to donate a significant portion of his wealth to the small village that had given him so much.

At a press conference, he spoke openly about his disappearance and newfound perspective. “I found happiness not in wealth or power, but in community and simplicity. I’m giving back to those who showed me true kindness and humility. Let this be a lesson that success is not measured by what we have, but by the impact we make on the lives of others.”

The village received Hubert’s generous gift with gratitude, using it to improve their infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Hubert, now a changed man, balanced his life between the corporate world and the village, ensuring that both thrived under his care.

Hubert's transformation was profound. He became a bridge between two worlds, using his resources and influence to foster a spirit of giving and community. Brian continued to guide him, helping him navigate his dual responsibilities with grace and wisdom.

In the end, Hubert found a sense of fulfillment he had never known. He realized that true happiness lay not in the pursuit of wealth, but in the connections he forged and the lives he touched. His journey had come full circle, bringing him back to the people who loved him and the community that embraced him, forever changed by his experience.

Insights from the Bible| David’s Battle|Lessons on Spiritual Warfare

 

David's Battle on Spiritual Warfare

The story of David and Goliath has moved people for many years. It shows the power of faith and courage. It also teaches us spiritual lessons that can change our lives. 

David, a young shepherd, showed great faith by facing Goliath with just a sling and his trust in God. His bravery teaches us that our strength comes from believing in a higher power. This belief can help us overcome big challenges.

 Trusting God's Provision:

 Central to David's victory over Goliath is his unwavering trust in God's provision and guidance. In 1 Samuel 17:37, David declares, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." This declaration reflects David's reliance on God's past faithfulness to bolster his courage in facing present challenges. 

David's trust serves as a timeless reminder that, regardless of the magnitude of our trials, God remains with us, guiding our steps and equipping us for adversity.

 Facing Challenges with Confidence:

 David's encounter with Goliath illustrates the importance of facing challenges with confidence rooted in God's strength rather than relying solely on personal abilities. While the Israelite army trembled in fear before Goliath's formidable presence, David approached the giant with courage fueled by faith in God's empowerment. His audacity stemmed not from arrogance but from a profound belief in God's ability to grant victory. 

 In our lifetime, we all encounter trials and tribulation that seem impossible to overcome. The story of David and Goliath is a reminder to all of us that we overcome these challenges together, knowing that God's strength help us when we feel weakest.

 Embracing Unique Strengths: 

David's victory over Goliath underscores the significance of embracing and utilizing our unique strengths and abilities, even when they appear unconventional or untested by conventional standards. David, a shepherd boy without formal military training, demonstrated prowess with a slingshot honed through caring for his father's flock. This seemingly ordinary skill proved instrumental in achieving an extraordinary feat. 

 The Bible teaches us to acknowledge and cultivate the gifts and talents given to us by God. It emphasizes that even our seemingly modest strengths can serve significant purposes in fulfilling God's plans. 1 Corinthians 1:27 states: "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." This verse highlights God's tendency to use the unexpected and underestimated to demonstrate His power and wisdom.

 Trusting in God's Timing:

 Moreover, David's triumph over Goliath underscores the importance of trusting in God's timing and divine plan. His victory did not unfold hastily or arbitrarily but according to God's ordained purpose for Israel's deliverance and His glory. This aspect of the story imparts lessons in patience and perseverance, encouraging us to await God's perfect timing, knowing His plans for us are good and His timing is impeccable (Jeremiah 29:11).

 Conclusion

The narrative of David and Goliath transcends its historical setting to impart timeless spiritual truths. Through David's steadfast trust in God's provision, his courage in confronting challenges, his reliance on unique strengths, and his patience in awaiting God's timing, we glean enduring lessons applicable to our lives today. May we, like David, learn to trust in God's provision, confront challenges with confidence in His strength, embrace our unique gifts for His glory, and patiently await His perfect timing in all aspects of our journey.