Arithem grabbed his friend’s fist and nodded. “Thank you.”
Anisian smiled then faced Thomas. “Now, let us see if our efforts were worth it.”
???
Thomas waited, feeling suddenly foolish talking to a God who probably couldn’t hear him. Or maybe didn’t want to. Thomas had done nothing but shun Him, ignore His Word, and kill His followers. Why would He give Thomas the time of day?
A speck of light formed on the horizon far out at sea. Not the reflection of the moon, but something much brighter, something golden. It grew larger and larger, coming closer and closer.
A UFO? One of the Neflams’ ships?
No. He’d seen their ships, and this was much brighter…faster.
Should he get up and run back to his house? Thomas's heart nearly crashed through his chest.
Still, he sat, mesmerized, unable to move. This was just like Tori’s drawing!
By the time the light hit the shore, it was the size of a man, a shimmering man who stepped from the water onto the sand and moved toward Thomas.
He squinted at the bright light. Pulse racing and mind spinning, he lowered his gaze to the sand, unsure what to do.
Was this God? If so, would He incinerate Thomas on the spot for all his sins?
Two golden boots, engraved with Hebrew words, appeared in his vision as light enveloped him.
“Thomas,” a voice said, though not like any voice Thomas had ever heard. It sounded like the mad rush of a river, deep, abiding, loving.
A hand appeared. A hole punctured the wrist right through to the other side. Fingers pressed beneath Thomas's chin and raised his gaze upward.
The figure of a man blazed behind the dazzling light. A smile formed on his lips.Such love! Such love beamed from his eyes, Thomas could not tear his gaze away.
“Who are you?” Thomas asked.
“I am Jesus, the One who died for you. Receive me and live.”
And then He was gone.
Darkness surrounded Thomas. He rubbed his eyes, where the vision of the man remained. A sweet scent showered over him like nothing he’d ever smelled before.
He hung his head. Tears came hard and fast, dropping onto the sand.Jesus is real! The God of the Bible was real. He was not a bully. He was pure love. The love Thomas had been searching for his entire life, unconditional, abundant, overwhelming love.
“How can you love me after all I’ve done?” Thomas sobbed.
I have always loved you. Repent and I will wash away all your sins.
The bright flash of a sword swept across the darkness, and Thomas dropped his elbows to the sand.
“I repent. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I’ve been so stubborn, so stupid, so arrogant.” More tears came, choking his voice. “I submit to you, Jesus, my King and my God.”
Before he even finished his words, joy like he’d never known bubbled up in his heart, rising to his throat and emerging in laughter, beautiful, joyous laughter.
Sitting up, he wiped his eyes as a cloak of immeasurable love settled on his shoulders. He sat there for what surely was half the night, thanking and praising God.
Finally, when the first hint of dawn turned the horizon gray, Thomas grabbed his cane and hoisted himself to stand. He drew one last breath of the sea air, then turned to face his home, shoulders back, mind and heart settled.
He knew exactly what he had to do.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
