Chapter 22 - Page 309 - Shanha Talks To Jesus

   A voice boomed, as if coming through a loud waterfall. "Be not afraid," the thunderous voice said. "No harm will come to you."

   Everyone, including, Jim, Rhasha, and Shanha, fell to the ground. Fear was etched on every face. No one had their eyes open.

   "Sit up," the voice roared, "and see what comes forth from heaven."

   Everyone slowly sat up. As the people in the congregation raised their heads, strange things began to happen. A blinding beam of bright light shot out from the throne room in heaven toward the village. The bright light flashed as it hit the ground, blinding everyone in the congregation. In their mind's eyes, a vision began to evolve. An ancient city stood before them. People lined the street, yelling and cheering. They were dressed in strange clothes and talked in a foreign language, but God caused the village people to understand what the ancient people were saying.

   "Crucify Jesus," they yelled. "He claims to be the king of the Jews."

   A man bathed in glowing light walked down the street carrying a wooden cross on his back. Blood ran down his face from a crown of thorns. Bystanders and mockers called him Jesus. Two other men walked behind him, dragging crosses as well. Roman soldiers walked on both sides of Jesus as he dragged the cross behind him.

   The cross was heavy and the walk was long. Jesus staggered and fell, weakened by the wounds inflicted upon him. He didn't have the strength to get up. A young black man named Simon watched from the side of the road. He looked strong, so the soldiers instructed him to carry the cross for Jesus.

   The village people continued to watch the events unfolding in the vision, as if they were watching a movie at the theater. It seemed vividly real. Jesus was escorted to a small hill at the edge of the ancient town. The place was called Golgotha, which is also known as Calvary. Simon laid the cross on the ground and was allowed to leave.