The Influence (Supernatural Thriller)

by Matthew John Slick

  Sotare was obviously pleased with Mark’s confession. He let Mark think about it for a while, waiting until he was ready to continue.

  Kathy sensed the humility with which Mark was receiving Sotare’s teaching. She rubbed her hand on his thigh.

  After a few seconds, Sotare asked, “How do you see yourself now, Mark?”

  He thought about the answer. “A couple of months ago I would have said I was a good person, that I didn’t hurt people, that I was sincere, and should naturally be allowed to go to heaven. But now, I know better. I am a man, a sinner, who has been saved by God’s grace, and will be kept by his grace. I have nothing to hope for except what I can find in Christ.”

  “Excellent. You have learned a great deal already. And, what have you learned about God?”

  Mark was surprised at how quickly his next answer came. “I’ve learned that God is completely infinitely holy, perfectly just, and that he owes us nothing at all. I’ve learned that he is exceedingly patient and that his love for us is so great that we cannot possibly comprehend it. This means he is trustworthy. Therefore, through my trials and my tribulations I hope to be humble before him and be thankful that no matter what happens to me, whether I am healthy or sick, wealthy or poor, that I must always trust him and the love he has for me, even if I cannot understand it at the time.”

  Sotare nodded approvingly. “I can only teach you so much. But these truths you have learned through your suffering, through your encounter with God, and through your changed heart. All of it comes together to teach you what you need to know…and to answer your questions.” Sotare spoke the last five words emphatically.

  Mark picked up on it. “Sometimes, answers to the tough questions aren’t always that easy, are they?”

  Sotare pointed at the Bible that was on Mark’s lap. “You’ve been reading the first few chapters of Genesis, right?”

  “Yes,” responded Mark.

  “Then you know about the lie spoken by the Evil One to Eve? The lie that you do not need to trust God and his word and that you can determine what is good and right for yourself.”

  “Yes,” responded Mark. “I have studied the passage about the garden a lot in the past couple of weeks. There is a whole bunch of truth there.”

  “Yes, there is, more than most people realize. Nevertheless, the death of your son was very painful, but if you had not undergone its agony, would you have been here in this garden, crying, broken, and calling out for help those few weeks ago?”

  “I suppose not. Only, I wish there had been another way.”

  “Perhaps there is, but if God had done something different in your life, would you be who you are now?”

  Mark looked down at the Bible sitting next to him. He picked it up and ran his thumb across the edge of the pages. “I suppose not.”

  “Would you want to be any different from who you are now?”

  Mark was still thumbing across the pages. The sound was barely audible. “No.”

  “Then do you agree that what happened brought you to where you are now?”

  Mark reflected on his own heart and how it had changed. God allowed him to suffer the loss of his son, to undergo the weight of its pain, so that it would break him, help to change him, so that God’s purpose in him might be accomplished.

  “Yes.”

  Sotare continued. “God doesn’t make robots. He wants you to live, to experience, to make choices, to be responsible for those choices, and to use what he has given you for his glory.”

  “And what is God’s purpose for me?” asked Mark as he looked up at Sotare.

  “Only you can answer that. He calls people according to the kindness of his will and according to his sovereign plan. But I hope you have also learned that his calling is beyond us both.”

  “That’s an understatement.”

  “He will communicate to you. But in the meantime, he’s going to prepare you. It does not matter what you are called to do, big or small. It only matters that you do it.”

  Once again, Mark felt like a student listening to his teacher.

  “Mark, you asked me one time which religion was true. Do you know the answer now?”

  With a smile and a nod he said, “Yes. It isn’t an issue of which religion is true. The issue is God, his Son, and the truth found in his Word. It is not religion that God desires, but a living and vibrant relationship with Him that can only be accomplished through fellowship with Jesus, not through ceremonies and rituals and not through a particular church.”

  “Very good.” Sotare got up. Mark watched his movement. “Kathy is a good woman.”

  Surprised, Mark looked at her. She had been patiently trying to follow only one half of a conversation. He squeezed her hand. “Yes, she is a very good woman. She’s better than I deserve.”

  “Mark, I want to bless you and Kathy.”

  Mark looked at Sotare quizzically. “You do?”

  “Yes. And she will need to see me and hear me. Can you ask her if she’d like that?”

  Mark stared at Sotare a moment, absorbing the thought of what Kathy was going to experience, and then shifted his gaze to her. He smiled big and said, “Honey, would you like to see Sotare?”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “Me?”

  Mark chuckled. “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “He said he wants to bless us.”

  Kathy stared into the blank space where Sotare was sitting. It didn’t take long for her realize her breathing had quickened as had her pulse. She swallowed hard. “Yes. Absolutely.”

  “Kathy,” said Sotare.

  She was startled by the voice that came out of thin air.

  “Yes. I’m here.”

  “I am speaking to you so you can get more comfortable. With your permission, in a few seconds, I would like you to close your eyes. I will then place my hand over them. When I remove my hand, you will see me.

  Kathy took a deep breath and clasped Mark’s hand tightly, “Okay.”

  “Mark, I would like to do the same with you. Is that all right?”

  Without hesitation, “Of course.”

  “Are you ready?” asked Sotare.

  “Yes,” said both in unison.

  “Then, both of you please close your eyes.”

  She looked at Mark and slowly closed her eyes as she smiled.

  Sotare got up from his seat and moved close to them. He placed one hand on Kathy’s eyes and the other on Mark’s. After a few seconds, he withdrew.

  When they opened their eyes, both had to squint because of the brightness. They were in the midst of a beautiful and brilliant radiance that seemed to shine from nowhere but was everywhere. Under their feet was green grass just like what Mark had experienced before when he had died. A perfect comfortable breeze barely moved and it seemed strangely refreshing. Kathy and Mark absorbed what they were seeing, enjoying it, savoring it.

  There was a movement and both Mark and Kathy looked to see Sotare standing there in full angelic glory. He glowed slightly and the light from this place reflected on his robe, making it almost translucent.

  Kathy was stunned. “You’re beautiful,” she said.

  With a smile Sotare looked towards Kathy’s body. After a few seconds, she managed to pull her eyes away from him to look down. She was wearing a white robe, a brilliant white, clean robe. She remembered how Mark had told her how in one of his visions he had been wearing filthy rags. But she was wearing pure white. The rags were gone and she knew what it meant. She was a true child of God. She smiled hugely then she looked at Mark. He, too, was clothed in white. His was smiling.

  Sotare opened his wings. They were large, perfectly proportioned, and moved ever so slowly back and forth. Kathy was surprised at how much she enjoyed seeing him.

  “You are beautiful,” said Kathy, realizing how easily she was accepting it all. “You’re just like Mark described you.”

  “True beauty comes from God,” he said as he pointed. From the distance two figures were approaching. Her hea
rt leapt with expectation. She looked to Mark, who was already watching them. Was she going to see Jesus as he had? She swallowed hard and waited for the sensation of holiness that he had described.

  “Is this what you saw before?” she asked Mark.

  “Not exactly,” he said confidently.

  Kathy could see the couple but they were too far away for her to make out who the man and woman were. How did she know it was a man and woman? She realized that in this place, things can be known in ways not possible on earth. On earth? She suddenly realized she didn’t know where she was. It was heaven or something very close to it, but where? It didn’t matter. The figures continued to come closer.

  “Who are they?” she asked as she kept her eyes on them.

  “I don’t know,” answered Mark. “But we’re going to find out.”

  Sotare was behind them and put one hand on each of their shoulders. They both looked at him. “I will be back soon,” he said and disappeared.

  Kathy and Mark looked at each other momentarily, then turned their attention back to the approaching pair who were covering the distance quickly. In a short time they would be face to face. Kathy looked at the beautiful green grass and admired the vivid blue sky with that indescribably rich light. There was no sun, but the radiance was everywhere. It was all so beautiful.

  Kathy grabbed Mark’s hand. He returned her grip gently, but said nothing.

  They watched the mysterious couple who were now much closer. Kathy remembered how Mark had described the approach of the Lord, how the holiness and purity grew in intensity as he came closer. He said it was an incapacitating purity. But that wasn’t what she was feeling. How did she know that? There was no majesty, no wonderment of purity. But, still, it was good. She could feel it.

  The two continued to approach until she could distinguish that one was a young man and the other a young woman, both dressed in white robes. Kathy marveled at how they seemed to walk slowly but yet covered the distance quickly. It was unlike anything she’d seen before, but she realized, it was somehow natural in this place. She focused on the two. Both seemed to be in their twenties.

  Mark had also been watching them carefully. He let go of Kathy’s hand and took a step forward. They kept coming, framed by the distant trees and shallow rolling hills covered in shades of green. Then, suddenly, they were there a few feet away.

  The young man seemed familiar.

  “Hello, Dad. Hello, Mom.”

  Mark stood motionless, then after a long moment asked, “Jacob?”

  “Yes, Dad. It’s me.”

  Mark felt the force of Jacob’s words as if a wave had crashed against his chest. He took a half step backward, shifting under the weight of the revelation. Then, regaining his bearings, he lunged towards his son. They collided in a hard embrace. “Jacob,” said Mark in a strained voice. Then, all the love, all the frustration, all the loneliness of missing him, all of it came flooding out like a torrent. Mark wept.

  Kathy had put her hands over her mouth and was crying. She wanted to lunge towards Jacob but somehow she knew she was supposed to wait. She watched her son and wrestled with the reality that he was there, grown, right in front of her. Her whole body and soul seemed to be locked in yearning disbelief. But she waited and watched through tear-filled eyes.

  “Jacob,” said Mark. “Jacob, Jacob.”

  Mark held his son as he sobbed, squeezing him hard. It was a beautiful embrace. His body convulsed with each rhythmic heave of tears that erupted from his soul. His moans were mingled with joy and tears. They stood there for a full minute as Mark savored the wondrous event not saying anything.

  Kathy wept too, watching, waiting for her time.

  Then, finally Mark broke the silence. “Jacob, my son.”

  Jacob patted his father on his back as they held each other. “It’s okay, Dad. It’s okay.”

  The words were calming as if they somehow brought the peace of this place into Mark’s heart. He shuddered with another sob and smiled as he finally pulled back to look at Jacob. Mark knew that his time with Jacob was short and that the intense feelings he had were being shaped by the peace and love that somehow permeated this place.

  His son was smiling.

  “I’ve missed you so much. It’s been hard.”

  “I know, Dad. I know.” Jacob was looking straight into Mark’s eyes.

  Mark realized that somehow Jacob was aware of everything that had happened. “Have you been watching me?”

  “No, but I know what you’ve been through.”

  Mark wanted to ask questions but Jacob, as if deflecting them, gently released himself from Mark, looked at Kathy, and took a step towards her. With a smile and outstretched arms he said, “Hi, Mom.”

  Kathy lunged forward and threw her arms around him and tried to press him into her body. She cried out, “Jacob,” and broke into moaning sobs.

  Mark’s heart broke with joy as he watched her embrace her son. It was so right, so perfect.

  Kathy intertwined her fingers with the fabric of Jacob’s robe. Tears rolled down her face.

  “Jacob, Jacob,” said Kathy as she wept. “Jacob, I love you so much.”

  He gently tightened his embrace.

  Kathy continued to cry, her body heaving with each sob as she held him. Jacob’s breath was warm on her cheek. His arms were strong and encompassing. She melted as she leaned on him.

  “Jacob.” Kathy savored his name each time she said it.

  She was with her son, her only son whom she loved. Waves of love and gratitude cascaded out from her heart.

  “Jacob,” she said between softening cries. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Mom.”

  The words caressed her soul. “Say it again. Call me Mom again.”

  “Mom,” said Jacob as he held her. “I love you, Mom. I have always loved you.”

  A new flood of tears erupted from her soul. She wept hard, full, groaning, heaving tears. She pressed him to her body tightly, lovingly, and savored the wondrous moment. It was heavenly to be with him and to hear the precious words he spoke. She was undone and fell willingly into the well of emotions that flooded upward and outward.

  Then Jacob said softly, “It’s okay, Mom. It’s okay.”

  His words had a strong calming effect. There was a connection between them and this place. He pulled her back and looked into her eyes. “It’s okay, Mom.” His words brought a quick and gentle peace.

  Kathy’s tears began to fade until finally she was able to gently move back enough so that she could look at him again.

  Jacob was smiling, wiping his wet eyes.

  “I have missed you so much,” she said.

  “I know, Mom. I’ve missed you, too.”

  “Your father. He’s been in anguish since you…since you died.”

  “I know, Mom. I know. But it’s all okay.” He looked at his Dad. “It’s all okay.”

  Mark moved close and put his arm on Jacob’s shoulder. “But how? How could you know?”

  Jacob smiled and said, “I just know.”

  Neither Mark nor Kathy needed answers. All that mattered was that they were with their son.

  “Mom, Dad, there is so much I would like to talk to you about, but I can’t. It isn’t that I’m prohibited, it’s just that, well, there is so much here that can’t be explained. This place has to be experienced.” He gripped his mother gently by the shoulders, looked at her, and then at his father. “But I want you to know that the wonder and joy are so good here that no malice can exist, not even in your heart. It’s all because of Jesus.”

  Mark was smiling. He moved closer to them and all three embraced. It was perfect happiness, perfect peace. He blinked away the tears from his eyes and looked to the young woman standing nearby.

  After a few seconds, Jacob said, “We don’t have much time.” He gently pulled away and motioned with his hand towards her. She was lovely, dark haired, with soft, pleasant, feminine features. She stepped forward.

  �
��Mom, I want to introduce you to Beth.”

  Kathy nodded and reached out her hand to meet hers, noticing a slight familiarity in her face. Her heart skipped a beat. Could she be?

  “I am your daughter. My name is Beth,” she said plainly.

  Kathy stood there amazed and perplexed. Here she was, the child that Kathy had aborted back in college. Then it hit her. Beth was the name she had secretly thought of calling the child if it was a girl.

  She was motionless. She stared. Her face twisted into a mass of sorrow. The accumulated guilt and regret Kathy had experienced over the years from the abortion leapt upon her like a beast and forced Kathy once again to break. But this time it was not from joy. It was from shame. She moaned out loud painfully, plunging her face into her hands, shaking as she cried, and between muffled sobs she pleaded, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”

  Beth moved close to Kathy and said, “It’s okay, Mom.” She reached out and put her hand on Kathy’s shoulder.

  Kathy’s knees weakened slightly. Through tear-filled eyes she looked again at her daughter. Beth smiled and opened her arms.

  Kathy pressed her lips together, straining to see through the tears as she stepped towards Beth. She felt hesitant to embrace her daughter because of her shame. But, she had to. She had to touch Beth. She wanted to hold her, feel her, and love her. But Kathy hesitated and through her sobs she cried out, “I’m so sorry, Beth. Please, please forgive me. Please.”

  Beth gently took Kathy’s hands. “I forgive you with all my heart. I love you.”

  Kathy finally broke. She moaned hard as she grabbed Beth in a strong embrace and began to sob convulsively. Beth held her as her mother wept.

  Mark watched, tears rolling down his face. He looked to Jacob and then back to Kathy and Beth.

  Then Beth said, “The Lord has forgiven you, Mother.” Her words were like medicine. They seemed to force Kathy’s anguish aside.

  “It’s okay, Mom.”

  “Please forgive me,” said Kathy in a strained voice.

  Beth gently pulled back enough to look into her eyes. “Of course I forgive you. With all that I am, I forgive you. But, Mom, the important thing is that Jesus has forgiven you. It is all wiped away because of him. The only thing left is my love for you.”