Free The Redeemer by Linda Rios Brook Page B

as if remembering—“since a long time ago.”
    Since your debate skills got you exiled from heaven.
    “But, sir, shouldn’t you send Him a message? How will Jesus know you’re planning a confrontation?”
    Satan paused as if remembering something. When the memory passed, he answered.
    “I assure you, He knows.”

C HAPTER 10
    F OR THE NEXT forty days Satan had me stand in front of him every morning and drill him on the Word of God. Of course, I wasn’t allowed to tell him if he gave the wrong answer.
    “Who does Scripture say is the apple of God’s eye?” I asked.
    “Me.”
    “Actually, it’s Israel.”
    “Don’t try to tell me who God’s favorite is. I was always the apple of His eye.”
    “My prince, although without doubt you were the favorite, the Scripture in question is referring to the Jews.”
    “That’s ridiculous.”
    “I know. It’s probably a misprint, but I’m sure this is the edition Jesus will be using.”
    So it continued until the fortieth day, when I went to Satan’s quarters as usual to go over the day’s lesson.
    “It’s time to go,” he said as he checked himself out in the mirror one more time.
    “Good luck, sir. I’m sure you’ll do well.”
    “You’re coming with me.”
    “Me? But I’d be of no help in a fight. Molech would be a better choice.”
    “Molech can’t spell. I want this carefully documented. Bring your notebook.”
    I felt weak in my knees.
    “But sir, are you sure you know where Jesus is? He tends to ramble from place to place.”
    “He’s in the desert—waiting for me. Now come along, and don’t lag behind.”
    I had no choice but to follow him out to the ledge where we would launch off toward the earth. All I could think about was what it would look like to Jesus when He saw me arrive with Satan.
    Jesus will see me with Satan and believe I’m on his side. All my work to build my case will be for nothing. What can I do?
    Then I had an idea. I stepped right in front of Satan as he was about to lift off.
    “What are you doing?” he yelled as he back flapped to keep his balance.
    “Sorry, sir, but I just realized a potential breach in protocol.”
    “Protocol?”
    “Yes, you see, a monarch like yourself always has a forerunner to pave the way for him. You know, to make sure everybody knows someone important is about to arrive.”
    Satan looked skeptical and annoyed.
    “It’s true, sir. Just think about it. God doesn’t just show up some place. He sends an angel to announce His coming. If you appear in the desert with no forerunner, Jesus won’t take you seriously.”
    “He won’t?”
    “Let’s take no chances. You’re going to want every competitive advantage. Now just wait here, say half an hour, give me time to get to the earth and announce that the prince of the air is about to arrive.”
    “What will you say about me?”
    “Huh?”
    “What words will you use to describe me? I want to know what you plan to tell Jesus about my arrival.”
    “Oh, well,” think, think, think , “I’ll say, uh, ‘Behold the coming of,’” splutter, cough, deep inhale , “‘Lord Satan, prince of darkness—”
    “‘Ruler of the earth,’ say that,” Satan interrupted.
    “Right, I was just about to say that…”
    “And say something about my beauty and power.”
    “Certainly, I was coming to that part.”
    Finally he was satisfied and agreed to give me a half hour’s start.
    I folded my wings in the most aerodynamic posture I knew and nose-dived toward the earth.
    I hope I can throttle up in time before I crash my head into a rock.
    I zoomed over the desert outside of Jerusalem until I spotted Him. Jesus was walking across the barren land. I landed hard right in front of Him.
    “Jesus,” I was breathless.
    He walked right on by, giving me no heed at all. I hurried to get in front of Him.
    “We don’t have much time, and I know You can hear me and see me if You want to.”
    He continued to walk, looking down at the desert