Pastor Jake’s hands shook as he lifted the communion plate. The juice in the small glasses looked normal. It even smelled like grape juice.
No one in his congregation would notice the poison.
“In the same way,” Jake tried to keep his voice steady. “Jesus took the cup, and said: ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
Jake accidentally glanced at the undercover State Agent in the back row. He arrived long before the service began, when Jake was by himself. Since then, he watched Jake’s every move .
Just two drops in each cup was enough to kill.
The congregation knew something like this would happen. They watched the tolerance movement strip away their religious freedoms. Christianity spoke against moral freedom; so it had to go. They’d seen churches burn down, pastors sent to prison, but not this. Killing a whole congregation was a first . . . as far as they knew.
How many churches had the US already silenced?
Jake fumbled as he set the plate next to the bread. Please, God, protect our bodies from this poison. “As always, communion is only for those who have asked Jesus to save them from their sins and accepted his gift of eternal life. The Bible warns against taking communion in an unworthy manner. No one will judge you if you don’t participate. I ask you today to take this warning seriously.”
That was it. His only way to warn his congregation without the man noticing. The agent looked at ease with his gun and detonation trigger under his coat.
Five bombs. Jake watched the agent place them before the service just in case Jake resisted.
If he told the congregation to run, a few might escape before the State Agent detonated the bombs. But, complying would save more lives.
“Please, form a line down the center aisle.”
Men and women came forward. These were few brave men and women who held true to their faith despite the growing persecution. Jake couldn’t be more proud.
As always, most of the younger children and some of the older ones stayed behind. Some were too young to understand the gospel, and others were simply hesitant.
Jesus, watch over these children.
As the last in line found their seats, Jake prayed, “Jesus, we thank you for all you did and the certainty we have of our salvation through your sacrifice. We long for the day when we’ll see you face to face. Amen.” Jake looked up. Unless God moved, that day would be today.
First they ate the bread in unison, then the juice.
The poison. The blood Jesus shed for them. Now they unknowingly shed their own blood to save the lives of their children.
The congregation bowed their heads in silent prayer. After a few minutes coughing filled the room. Children screamed. It all faded as Jake fell to the ground.
Please, Jesus, bring this nation back to you. Forgive them for . . .
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