My hands are sweaty as I walk up the hard white marble steps. A magnificent castle expands in front of me, glowing with powerful beauty and grace. The steps are adorned with the faces of angels, their soft faces turned skyward, their arms raised to embrace heaven. Some blow small golden horns, announcing the arrival of Christ and the word of God.
I arrive at the door and place my palm against the warm, sun-kissed marble. It begins to glow, then slowly crumbles to the floor in a collection of golden orbs, the size of marbles. They begin to melt and pool around my ankles, then slowly seep into the cracks along the floor, disappearing as if nothing had ever happened. I walk into the holy castle, everything gleaming with a creamy white sheen, as if pearls were melted down in a great white fire, then painted along the walls with perfection. In the middle of the room is a simple white altar, with a golden lamb painted on top. Its legs are bound, and it looks content, as if it has been waiting all its short life to be sacrificed.
I hear his voice in my conscience suddenly. I can’t describe the sound of his voice in my head. It just feels like overwhelming peace, happiness, and power. It’s in every language ever spoken, yet no language at all. Lucifer. He says. I fall to my knees in worship, placing my hands atop the altar.
“My lord, you asked to see me?” I ask reverently. I do my best to keep my voice quiet and spiritual, so as to not disrupt the tranquil air around me, but it is difficult. It has been a long while since I have come into the house of my father, even longer since I’ve heard his powerful voice. I sense him smiling at my thoughts. Rise, Lucifer. I have a special task for you.
Eagerly I rise to my feet. I have to please him, I have to make him proud of me. Lucifer, the job I have for you will be incredibly difficult. As you know, you are my most compassionate, loyal, perfect angel. I smile at his words. Because of these traits you possess, I have chosen you to complete the most difficult task. I frown.
“Father, forgive me, but isn’t the crucifixion of Christ the most difficult task and sacrifice? Jesus has already taken that task, and has proven worthy of fulfilling it, in order to protect your children from the adversary… What more does there need to be done?” My father is washed over with sadness at the mention of his only begotten’s crucifixion, but he quickly recovers. No, you are correct. Jesus will be completing that task. Through his suffering, my imperfect children can be saved from the temptations of Satan. Lucifer, you are the only one capable of taking the burden I am about to reveal to you. You are the only one because of your devotion and love for me. It saddens me greatly to give you this cup, but I have no choice. Without it, my plan would never be finished, would never even start.
“What must I do, father? Whatever it is, I will do it. I swear I will do it to the best of my ability, never faltering from my duty,” I whisper, feeling my voice tremble with fear, but I feel great pride that he would choose me for this position. The only problem is, I don’t know what exactly the position is.
Finally my father speaks again, his bittersweet joy in me and his sadness for my sacrifice evident. Lucifer, my child… The great adversary, the worst evil, the devil, the tempter, the prince of darkness, the antichrist, the king of hell, Satan himself… I hold my breath, will I be a great white knight of justice to fight against this foe?
Shall be you.
ns 15.158.61.37da2
