Opinion

“NO!” Lucifer howled as he lept from his seat. He tore a stone arm off of his throne and smashed it into the floor. Cracks formed and pieces of stalactite fell from the ceiling. Demons rushed to avoid a crack splitting the floor away from Lucifer’s throne as glowing red lava oozed up the crack. “How long must I put up with this! NO MORE!”

“Oh, whatever do you mean?” said Reliant innocently “Surely not that the Rogers are now baptizing 20 more people into Christ? Why I should think you would rejoice that more people are escaping your fate. Oh. Wait. Yeah. That kinda conflicts with your general plan, doesn’t it.” Reliant smiled peacefully as he folded his hands in front of himself.

The home Bible Study group was on the Rogers back deck, one man standing in the hot tub and the others waiting for their turn to be baptized.

“Daniel, upon the authority of the Word of God, I baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the Holy Ghost.”

—

Hell was having a less pleasant experience at that moment.

“Have you nothing to do with your time, that you come here to mock us?” screamed Lucifer. “You have blocked us for two years. We have no chance to interfere. There is no sportsmanship, no fairness, no even chance. Mock then, for I would see you become as myself.”

“As entertaining as your antics may be” Reliant sighed “I am here on business.”

—

The rejoicing at the Rogers home Bible study was finishing. The last person stepped into the hot tub.

“Anna Marie, you have already received the Holy Ghost. Congratulations! Now hold your hands like this and hold your nose. Anna Marie, upon the confession of your faith, I baptize you now in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins.”

—

“As much as I would like to stay and watch” sighed Reliant “I am here on business.”

“Why should I hear anything from your mouth?” sneered Lucifer.

“Oh, excuse me. Then I will report to the Creator that you prefer to hear this at His mouth.”

“NO! Anything but that. Please. Not again.” Lucifer cowered in what was left of his throne.

“So here is the deal” reported Reliant “Smee may enter Groundswell. He may not touch their persons or their lives.”

Smee was a small demon, fairly fast, not exactly strong but rather intelligent, at least for a demon. He quietly backed away from the right side of Lucifer’s throne where he had been standing, however, he was not fast enough to escape his ruler’s grasp. Lucifer’s hand found Smee’s throat much as a panther plays catching mice.

“This whimp?” asked Lucifer “He will let THIS in but bars the real demons?”

Reliant nodded. “Take it or leave it” he sighed “it is what you get.” And with that Reliant turned on his heel and left.

Smee dangled helplessly in Lucifer’s grasp. Even through his closed eyes he felt the stares of the entire cavern focused upon himself.

“Look at me.” hissed Lucifer.

Smee opened his eyes. This was the worst. Lucifer wasn’t too bad if you didn’t get too close, and you stayed away when he was in a bad mood, which was most of the time. But there was no escape this time. Lucifer looked into Smee’s eyes, transferring fire and ice in his gaze. Smee trembled in terror very much like a small helpless, terrified, little animal caught in the grasp of a man.

Lucifer spoke one word as he violently exhaled fire from his nose. “Succeed.” He then hurled Smee like a rock through the crack in the ceiling.