* * *
Jane and Kerri found themselves sitting in a court room, both feeling a little confused. One moment there was a car heading straight for them and then (in a blink of an eye) they found themselves sitting in a court room. They were surrounded by hundreds of frightened people.
“What happened?” Kerri asked scared.
Before Jane could answer a deep and powerful voice called out, “Jane Klein, please come and face the court.” Jane looked up at the source and saw it was coming from the Judge. She couldn't make out his features, just a silhouette, because there was an incredible bright light behind him.
Swallowing hard, Jane slowly stood up and walked toward the Judge Bench. She has been in court so many times in her younger years that she knew the procedure. This time was different because she now knew she stood before the Almighty God, and she was about to be Judged.
Her heart filled up with fear when she looked at the prosecutor and saw it was none other than the Devil himself. The fact that he looked like a regular person in a fancy suit did not make him seem less terrifying. In fact, he looked very handsome - with the exception of the horns on his head. Nothing like any adaption of him in any movie. Seeing the Devil sitting there was not the worse part of this courtroom for Jane. As horrible as it was, the fact that the defense table was empty made things fell a hundred times worse.
Jane stood by the Judge Bench visibly shaking. The Devil sits to her right and the empty defense table to her left, Jane feared for the worst.
“Your honor,” The Devil spoke as he stood up holding up a file. “This woman before you has committed many sins in her time on Earth. She has lied, stolen, abused her body with drugs and alcohol to extreme excess and has laid with many of men that was not her husband. In some cases, you will find, that there were some men that were a husband, just not her husband. Your Honor, this is just part of her file.”
Jane could not stop shaking for she knew the accusations were correct. If only she knew sooner, she would have never done the things that were in that file. She knew she was guilty of everything the Devil accused her of and was deserving of the punishment she knew she was going to receive.
Jane's thoughts were interrupted when, from her left, she heard, “Objection, your Honor.” She opened her eyes and saw Jesus himself, in all His glory, standing by the defense table. She felt as if a terrible weight has been lifted from her chest as her tears of horror were transformed into tears of Joy.
“According to the Legal Code 2 Corinthians 5:17-19,” Jesus continued with authority, “this woman is a new creation and no longer subject to the sins of the past.”
“Your Honor,” the Devil cried out in frustration.
“The defense is correct,” God called out, ignoring the Devil's plea. “Jane Klein you have been found not guilty of all charges. Case dismissed.” God slammed the gavel down.
Unable to contain herself, Jane ran to Jesus and hugged him tighter than she has ever held anyone before. Her face buried in his chest, she never felt so much love in her entire life. “Thank you,” she cried out. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
She looked up into Jesus' eyes and felt fresh tears come flowing out. “Well done,” Jesus spoke then smiled at her lovingly, “good and faithful servant. Welcome to the Kingdom.”
Two big doors opened and amazing light flowed out from behind them. Jane could not see beyond those doors (because the light was so bright) but she walked toward it anyway. The closer she walked, the more happier she had become. As the doors closed behind Jane, Kerri heard her say, “It is so beautiful.”
Excited, Kerri jumped up and ran to Jesus. If Jane got into Heaven, she was a shoe in. She wanted to thank Jesus in advance. “Lord, Lord,” she called out to get Jesus' attention. She was unable to reach him for there was a barrier separating the Gallery from the rest of the courtroom. When Jesus turned to face her, she spoke, “It is such a pleasure to meet you and I am so happy to have you in my corner. I knew you existed, I just knew it. I am ready to take my place in Heaven and to have you defend me against this disgusting creature.”
The Devil looked over at her and sneered. She stuck out her tongue at him and laughed. Get ready for another defeat, she thought with confidence.
“I will not be defending you,” Jesus said with sorrow.
Shocked, Kerri looked back at Jesus. “Why?” she asked, confused. “You defended Jane and she broke your commandments so many times without hesitation. I am a 10 times better person than she ever was. I went to Church every Sunday for years, I have prayed over people, spoke in tongues and kept up with my tithes constantly. Why would you defend her and not me?”
Jesus took at her with tears in his eyes. “I never knew you,” he said then turned his back and closed his briefcase. With great sorrow, he walked away from the defense table.
As he walked away, Kerri watched in horror. She turned and looked at the Devil who was smiling. His face suddenly transformed into the older gentleman that she so desperately wanted approval from (when she was at the bus stop just a little while ago) and then transformed back. Her jaw dropped.
She stared at him in disbelief until she heard, “Kerri Johnson, please come and face the court.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason J. Cross is an independent filmmaker, animator and author. Most of his work can be seen on www.fsocross.com as well as on youtube. Jason currently lives with his wife and twin daughters in Brooklyn NY.
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