The Resurrectionist

by Michael Gesellchen

  "I never saw it before. I did fear God. All my actions were done out of fear. If I messed up God would increase the intensity of my anxiety. Having to be perfect all the time is a recipe for an anxious mind. God didn't demand perfection, I did. I became my own worst enemy."

  "Healing is a journey, William. Now you can see." John said.

  "So the demons, they wanted to keep this discovery secret, keep the light hidden."

  "Angels, actually. Angels that fell and rebelled against God. The same Angels that sent me to the gallows." Sarah said.

  "The men with the gray eyes." I said.

  "Once great, fierce defenders of the Kingdom. Now seeking the destruction of man. The fire, the light within extinguished." John said.

  "Can you stop them?"

  "That's what we're working for." Sarah said.

  Feelings of great compassion for Reverend Channing arose from my soul. He was no different than me. In his own way he did what he thought was right.

  I was ready to help. John guided us through the barren wastelands toward that hateful city. The journey was difficult and my mind was filled with questions that I was nervous to ask. I felt so insignificant next to him, even though he never treated me as such. He told me we were brothers in spirit, created by the same God. Upon reaching the forsaken city I worked up the courage to ask, or in my case, blurt out a question.

  “You were present at the last supper.”

  John paused. “Yes.”

  “The Holy Grail.” I waited. Silence.

  “Yes?” John asked.

  “Umm,” I felt stupid for asking. “Is it real?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s awesome!”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know, if a person drinks from the cup he gains eternal life.” I said.

  “William, it’s just a cup. It was made of clay as was the custom at that time. I don’t even know if it survived all these years. Probably not.”

  “You mean it doesn’t have magical powers?”

  “No, just a cup. You look surprised."

  “I just thought it would be cool. You know, to have eternal life.”

  John stopped me. “What do you think this is?” It hadn’t dawned on me, at least not yet. “Eternal life is for all,” John said. “You don’t need a magic cup. Just faith.” I walked along in humbled silence.

  "What was his greatest miracle? Raising the dead? Casting out demons?" I asked.

  John turned and placed his hands upon my shoulders. "His greatest miracle was when he washed the dust off our tired feet."

  "What? I don't understand."

  "That is why you cannot see the Kingdom of God."

  “This is as far as I can go. The guards will surely recognize me and our cover will be blown. This is Jacob. He works with us. He will take you through the tunnels under the city and guide you to my brother. James will take you to Mr. Channing.

  “Wait. I don’t know what to say.” I said, hoping John would write me a script or give magical words that would save the Reverend.

  “Don’t underestimate yourself Will. I see a lot of potential in you. Have faith, allow the truth of God speak through you. He will teach you what to say. Pray.”

  ***

  “My friend,” James said with a big smile. I embraced him.

  "Jimmy, I mean St. James, you don't know how good it is to see you." I smiled. "You tricked me though. Why didn't you say who you really were? You don't look like a saint, not with that huge scar across your chest."

  "Herod's sword left a nasty mark huh?" James said.

  "It did." I said.

  "You weren't ready. Knowing the truth of my identity would have been detrimental to your spiritual growth."

  "I don't get it?"

  "You needed to confront your demons with the help of God, by listening to his voice within your soul. This is how faith defeats fear. In your triumph over fear, faith burned its presence in your soul. We were with you but you still could have fallen. John and I prayed without ceasing for your deliverance. We left you clues along the way."

  "The writings, the women's journal, it wasn't a coincidence I found them was it?" I said.

  "It was no coincidence. We can guide but we cannot directly interfere. Had we interfered we would have been in violation of your free will. Free will is needed for soul growth. It brings us closer to God."

  The joyous reunion was cut short. I had work to do. James made the sign of the cross and led me into the dungeon, to face my fear, to face Reverend Channing. He stood guard, the demon's powerless against his light. I inhaled slowly and exhaled even slower. I stepped forward. The Reverend lay motionless in the corner of the small room. God had been with him the entire time. Reaching out for him. Loving him. He never reached back.

  “Reverend Channing.” I said. He didn’t respond. I inched closer. “Reverend.” It’s Will. William Stark. I’m the last person you want to see, but I've come to help. You don’t have to stay here, not anymore. Look.” I pointed to the door. “It’s wide open. We can leave, together.”

  I watched Reverend Channing lay motionless on the ground. I reached out and placed my hand upon his shoulder. He jerked backward and growled. I jerked my arm back and moved farther away. I stood silent. Unsure of what to do or how to proceed. The familiar feelings of anxiety gripped me. This time I didn't avoid, I prayed. God help me. Teach me what to say. I breathed. “Look Mr. Channing. I can’t force you to come. No one can. Not me, not your wife, not Allison, but they love you just the same. They never stopped loving you. Sometimes it looks that way but in the end love is the only thing that’s real.

  All this hell that’s around you, it’s only a temporary illusion. It can’t last. It will only stay around you for as long as you let it. You’ve been lead to believe hell is eternal. It's a false teaching. It was spread by the false prophet to trap souls in darkness. Let go of these beliefs. Let the light in. Let love help you. It's not easy, it’s not automatic, but it's real.

  The difficulty is part of the process, part of the journey. It shapes us, teaches us, helps us to become like him. Strong. Our personalities are a gift from God, but our character, that's built by us. We have the power to keep fighting. Believe me, I’m as broken as they come. My past, my mistakes, what I did to you. I’m so sorry. I wish I could take it back, but it's with me forever. In time I hope you can forgive me, but it will remain. I can't change it, not the past. All I can do is use it. Learn from it. It’s part of me, part of my experience. It’s dark. It isn’t pretty, but it’s mine. I paid a heavy price for my choices and actions. It took going through hell to teach me that there is a better way. I was too blind to realize that God was with me this entire time. Loving me, caring for me, guiding me, even here, even in hell."

  Reverend Channing kept his face hidden in his arm the entire time I spoke. “Come with me.” I said. He didn’t move. I stepped closer and reached out my arm for a second time. The Reverend didn’t move. “Please, come with me, you won’t be alone. There's help, for both of us, if we choose to accept it. We can heal. We can do it together.” For a third time I reached out my arm to Reverend Channing. He swung and swiped it away. His nails scratched my skin and drew blood. I pulled back. “Pray, ask the Father to send his Holy Spirit and fill your soul with his essence. His Divine Love. Please, I beg you.” I fell to my knees.

  James walked into the dungeon and placed his hand on my shoulder. “It’s time to go. You’ve done all that you can for him.” He guided me back to the tunnels were Jacob guided me to John who was waiting outside the city. He didn’t say a word, only smiled and nodded. Monika embraced me back at the refuge. Allison and Sarah cheered my efforts. I had never felt so down.

  "I failed."

  “No,” Allison said, wrapping her arms around me. “You planted the seed. That is all one can do. That's all that is expected of us. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me, for my family. Will, I love you. More than you could ever know.”

>   Monika watched from the corner of the room. She smiled faintly and walked away. An air of sadness surrounded her spirit.

  "Now we pray. Have faith. God will take care of the rest. Remember what you said. Love is the only thing that's real. In the end, love will win out. My dad will be raised from the dead.”

  John walked into the room along with James. They smiled and nodded in approval. “I’m sorry Dr. Z., I mean John. I must be the worst person you’ve ever worked with. I failed again. Just like I did back in your office.”

  “No William, there is no failure. Only learning, only growth. Your path was long and hard, but you grew. Would you agree?” I nodded. “Then you haven’t failed. All people are on the path that leads them home, leads them to God. You just happened to take the long way.” He smiled. I smiled in return. A small weight lifted from my shoulders.

  “Now what?” I asked.

  “Now is a time for rest and celebration. We are taking you to the realms of light and love. There's a banquet planned in your honor.”

  "I don't deserve a hero's welcome."

  “Your soul was lost, but now it has been found. What greater joy there is in heaven than to welcome it home. You pulled souls from the pit of darkness. Resurrected them. The Father promised a spot at his table for all who wish to feast. Your spot has been prepared and is waiting for you.” I felt so humble in that moment. So undeserving.

  “William, I wasn’t just saying that I saw potential in you. I truly meant it. You saw the souls who are still lost.” I nodded thinking back to all the poor wretched souls still trapped in hell. “It’s ultimately your choice, but we would love to have you on board. There are many groups and organizations in the spiritual realms dedicated to rescuing lost souls. It's a great and honorable work, but it's not easy. The potential to fall is always there, but we will be with you. We will guide you, that is if you choose to continue this work, if you choose to be a Resurectionist.”

  I nodded with hesitation. John sensed my apprehension, pausing momentarily, his eye serious. "We need your help Will, there's another. I want my brother back."

  "Your brother? James is right here. He's fine." I said.

  "My spiritual brother, like you and I. We're going to attempt an impossible mission. An epic rescue. You met the man already, even freed him. That's why we need you."

  "If I freed him, why isn't he here?"

  "He went the wrong way."

  "The disheveled man in the pit." I said.

  "Judas. We're makin’ a run at the Devil. You want in?"

  ###

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  About the Author

  I live in St. Louis Park, Minnesota with my wife and our two children. I love all things paranormal, spiritual, and supernatural. I began writing in 2004 but didn't get serious until 2012 when I became a Stay At Home Dad. I wrote The Resurrectionist in between naps and long hours in the sandbox. I love spending time with my family and write when I get a chance. Let me know what you thought of my book at mgesellchen@gmail.com or connect with me through one of my links below.

  Connect with Michael Gesellchen

  I hope you enjoyed reading The Resurrectionist. I am in the process of writing the sequel, but due to time constraints, I'm unsure when it will be completed. I also love writing Flash Fiction. Please check out my blog where I list various stories I've written.

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