Season 1, Episode 8: Wise as Serpents
Bill's POV
Bill Parker listened carefully as Paul Karoski explained what would occur during the Tribulation. Bill might have been willing to ignore God during his previous 42 years, but this was definitely cementing his attention. He had been so heartbroken over losing his wife in the Rapture. He might as well try to learn about what was supposed to happen next. Even if the events that was supposed to affect the world were as bad as Paul said they would be, he would at least attempt to be prepared for the foretold events that were supposed to take place.
"The Tribulation is a seven-year period that occurs between the Rapture, which just happened, and the Glorious Appearing, which is the second return of Jesus Christ to the Earth. During this period, twenty-one judgments from God are supposed to take place. This will happen in three sets of seven."
Bill looked at the other eight people that were in the room. Rohit Sharma seemed to be holding on to every word, clearly captivated. Kade Gordonhurst seemed nervous and transfixed. There was no doubt he would be worrying about what would occur during the Tribulation. Tony Cataldo…well, Tony certainly seemed to be showing little emotion.
Tony's story was definitely interesting and enthralling. Bill knew the mere sight of Sally Graves's dead body was revolting. But Tony was in a room where six other people had been killed. Out of the ten people in that room with a story to tell, his definitely seemed to be the most nightmarish. It was possible that Tony would be dealing with survivor's guilt. Bill hoped that Tony wouldn't hold himself accountable. It certainly wasn't his fault, but the memories of that awful incident would certainly not be erased from his mind anytime soon.
Bill knew that if everything that Paul was saying was true, daily life would be doleful and forlorn. Misery would be immense for all of them.
"I know that what I'm saying might frighten and astound all of you. But when millions of people disappear from all around the world and we've been left behind, there has to be some logical explanation behind it. Now that all ten of us have become believers in Jesus Christ, we should already be aware of the events that will take place and the great deceiver that will put the entire world under his spell."
"After seeing two dead bodies, I can only imagine things getting worse from this point on", Eddie Exton said.
"Unfortunately, that is true", Paul said. "I don't want to make this difficult to hear, but we got ourselves into a huge hole to climb out of. I'll start explaining with the Seal Judgments, which are the first of the three sets. This can be seen in Revelation 6. The first seal is a white horse, which Christians believe represent the Antichrist. The second seal is a red horse, which represents war. I spoke with Dale briefly about this before the Rapture. Before the first 18 months of the Tribulation are complete, the Antichrist, whoever he is, will face opposition and defiance from three rulers in the South. Millions of people will lose their lives. I think this will be World War III."
Paul looked at each one of them briefly. Bill didn't know what to think. Nothing positive seemed to be coming from that prophecy.
"The third seal is a black horse. This horse represents inflation and famine. Mass starvation will occur all around the world. Those who are affluent and wealthy will be able to preserve their wealth. Those who are impecunious and penniless will starve to death because of the insufficient amount of food and supplies in their possession."
"This changes everything", Sandy Comstock said.
"Indeed", Paul said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see the world much different from what it used to look like."
"Does this mean that we should gather food and crops and stash them away somewhere safe?", Sylvester Coddmyer asked.
"It would be recommended", Paul said. "The danger will only get more rampant. The Antichrist will not tolerate believers in Jesus speaking out against him. It will be a dangerous time period for all of us. I'm just letting all of you know this, right now. This will be far from easy. It was never promised to be easy."
Bill felt humbled. He was sure the others in that room felt the same way.
"Things get worse from here. Even more downhill, apparently. The fourth seal is a pale horse. This horse represents death. A plague will infect the entire world. The fifth seal judgment represents the numerous believers that will be martyred. This amount could reach millions. The sixth seal judgment will be God's wrath against the world. This will happen in the form of a worldwide earthquake. By this time, one-fourth of the world's population that was left behind at the Rapture will be dead. The seventh seal judgment introduces the seven Trumpet Judgments. That will start in the second quarter in this seven-year period."
Bill took a deep breath. "That's a lot of information to process."
"Indeed", Paul said. "As painful and complex as it might seem, it is the truth of what is to come. It's challenging, no doubt, but we should at least prepare ourselves. God's enemies will rise in prominence and power, and that certainly won't be pleasant."
Zoey Harper then asked, "What are the odds of someone living through all of these terrible events you are talking about?"
"Sadly, not that high", Paul said. "There's ten of us here. I don't want to scare all of you, but most of us might not even live to see the Trumpet Judgments."
"I thought I was going to die today", Tony said. "When I saw Tysens murdering those people, I thought it would be over. I'm just thankful that God allowed me to live."
"It shows we shouldn't take life for granted", Paul said. "Let us conclude our meeting with a prayer. I suspect we'll be doing a lot of that in the days to come."
"Who do you think the Antichrist could be?", Bill asked.
"I can't say for sure", Paul said. "At this point, it could be anyone. But we should keep our eyes and ears open. As they say, be wise as serpents but gentle as doves."
After prayer, Bill headed to the car and drove home. What was he going to tell Ben? This certainly seemed to be frightening. He didn't want to scare his son and the only family member he had left, but he knew that his son would have to know about the frightening details of the events and continuity they were forced to face.
Hiram
Hiram Calhoun was one of the senators representing the state of Illinois. He was the younger brother of Rudy Calhoun, the president of the United States. Hiram was stunned about the worldwide disappearances, like many across the world. So far, he hadn't given his opinion or perspective about the situation. He didn't want to talk about it. He especially wanted nothing to do with religion. It seemed so toxic.
Hiram then received a phone call.
"Hiram?", Rudy asked. "How are you feeling?"
"Not too well", Hiram said. "I've gotten so many phone calls from frightened people asking for my opinion about the disappearances. It's been blowing up all over social media sites. I just don't know what to do."
"Hiram, there's something I need to confess."
"What is it?", Hiram asked. "Go ahead, you can tell me."
Hiram heard Rudy take a deep breath.
"Hiram, I've heard about God and Jesus all of my life. But I've wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. But when all of those people disappeared, I knew that some of the things that the Christians had been saying had some relevance. Hiram, I became a Christian. I bent on my knees and asked Jesus to forgive me."
Hiram couldn't believe this. Now his brother was a Christian?
I could just vomit, Hiram thought.
"Hiram? Are you still there?"
"I'm here", Hiram said. "But don't think I'm going to suddenly beg Jesus for mercy, like some coward. Who was he, anyway? Just some poor carpenter who couldn't even save his own life or stop the Roman people from controlling Israel."
"I'm just trying to help", Rudy said.
"I appreciate that", Hiram said. "But I'm not going to beg God for forgiveness and become a Christian just like that. I'm not some religious nutcase. This stuff clearly isn't for me. In case you haven't noticed, we both have political matters to deal with, but you especially. Try to concentrate on comforting the public."
Hiram then hung up the phone. He didn't want to think about religion. It seemed too weird and too pathetic.
Hiram had been present at the press conference where Nicolae Carpathia had talked to Rudy. Hiram hoped to meet the Romanian president and speak to him personally. This man certainly seemed impressive and knew how to handle situations.
Perry's POV
Perry Warden was at home, still feeling displeased with his current situation. He had no interest in turning to religion. It was the last thing on his mind. The disappearances certainly had delayed his plans and irritated him to a vast extent. He certainly wasn't ecstatic or joyful about any of this. He didn't see anything funny or humorous about millions of people vanishing and everyone else left behind in a state of panic.
Perry would never want to bow in front of the Christian God. He would much rather spit in his face for putting him through all of this stress and chaos in the first place.
Perry decided to turn on the television. When he did, he noticed that the camera was showing live coverage of the President of the United States speaking with the President of Romania, Nicolae Carpathia.
"It is so wonderful and thoughtful of you to come to this country during this difficult time", Rudy Calhoun said. "What do you think of the United States so far?"
"This is a radiant and superlative nation", Carpathia said. "I feel blessed and privileged to be able to come here. When I was growing up in Romania, I had always had admiration and respect for the United States. I have to acknowledge, there is something that is indeed special about this country and the people here. Despite the recent tragedy that has afflicted our world and left so many heartbroken, I have a feeling that we will get through this. Together. We have to remember unity. How astonished I was when I studied about the history of the United Nations during my years in school. I was mesmerized. I wanted to know more. Study more about it. Politics became a passion if not an obsession. I was so captivated by it. The story of the official birth and establishment of The United Nations on October 24, 1945, still warms my heart to this day. To say that I care about The United Nations is quite an understatement."
Carpathia chuckled when he said that last part.
An older man and a woman rushed near Carpathia. The woman embraced Carpathia and they briefly kissed.
"May I ask who these two are?", President Calhoun asked. "Not trying to be discourteous."
"This is my childhood friend and closest comrade, Salvatore Corsetti. And this is my girlfriend, Aurora Pichler."
"Sorry to bother", Aurora said. "Please continue."
Corsetti and Pichler found their seats in the crowd.
"It is never bothersome, my love. Anyway, continuing where I left off. I am concerned with the well-being of the United Nations. I want to see all the countries that are part of this council to be able to cooperate in harmony. I think the human race has evolved in an immense measure in the last 100 years. Several countries that are part of the United Nations have had discord, conflicts, and bloodshed between each other. We were so eager to attack first and think later. Where was the compassion, the empathy? Where was the promise of peace, the symbol representing brotherhood? Many countries sadly have to acknowledge that they each have their own hostilities and butchery. While the past must remain the past, we can at least try to work together. At least try to have some measure of peace."
Perry never had a high opinion about many politicians. He often viewed them as hypocrites and phonies. He thought almost all of them were fraudulent and dishonest. They made promises, but could never seem to follow through with them for some reason.
However, Carpathia seemed different. What else did he have to say? He had to find out more.
Tony's POV
Tony Cataldo was watching the live coverage of President Calhoun speaking with Carpathia. The entire crowd, or at least most of them, seemed to be completely focused on the Romanian president.
Tony was impressed by the way Carpathia spoke and addressed the crowd. He seemed to have vast wisdom beyond his years. He seemed intelligent, astute, and insightful. He clearly seemed like a voice people needed to be able to hear during the worst days of the world.
But if he's so smart, how did he miss the Rapture? Tony thought to himself. Does he know the truth behind what happened? Is he willing to align with Christ or with God?
In any case, the man certainly seemed to have God-given talents and aptitude. How was he able to do it? For someone that had just arrived in America and had never personally been to the United Nations, he seemed to be aware of a lot of occurrences behind the scenes and the inner workings of the United Nations.
Tony didn't think that was a problem. What was wrong with being smart? They needed smart people. The entire world was going downhill. And if some Antichrist was supposed to terrorize the whole world, they needed someone to stand up to him. Carpathia seemed to be the perfect choice as a contender. He seemed to be proud of the numerous accomplishments of the United Nations.
Carpathia was currently talking about the history of the United Nations, which had been considered with care and dedication.
"51 nations were proudly represented at the meetings of the General Assembly in London on January 10, 1946. The facility for the current headquarters of the United Nations finished construction on October 9, 1952. A foreign minister from Norway was elected as the first UN secretary-general on February 1, 1946. On November 29, 1947, the General Assembly approved a resolution to partition Palestine, which led to the creation of the state of Israel. On November 7, 1956, the very first United Nations Peacekeeping Force was concocted to put an end to the Suez Crisis. In 1960, 16 new states from Africa joined the United Nations."
Tony was intrigued by the information Carpathia had learned about the United Nations. It was evident that he loved the United Nations. If he didn't care about it or had no interest, he would not have spent years studying about it.
He certainly seems to have good intentions, Tony thought. The Antichrist will be shaking when he meets him.
Bill's POV
Bill was drinking coffee in the dining room. Then he heard the television turn on and Ben shout, "Dad, you have to see this!"
Bill rushed into the living room. "What happened, Ben?"
"Dad, everyone's been talking about this live coverage of this guy from some European country, Romania I think, talking to the president. The Romanian guy seems impressive and smart. He's got the attention of that entire crowd."
Bill saw the name of the Romanian president on television, NICOLAE CARPATHIA, in bold letters.
Bill watched as Carpathia recited the history of the United Nations. Bill had to admit that was formidable and awe-inspiring.
Carpathia then said, "It is with a heavy heart that I have to express my sorrow over the absence over the many people that should be in this very room. I weep over the representatives of the United Nations who were taken in the disappearances. The United Nations is able to have common goals of peace, brotherhood, amiability, affability, and tranquility. From lands distant and near they will be at the UN headquarters. They will be from Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan…"
String's POV
String Becker was watching Carpathia on television, clearly thinking this was a man that deserved respect and attention. He seemed to know exactly what he was talking about. Even though String had never heard about Carpathia prior to that day, he already seemed to have respect for the man.
"The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi…"
Kade's POV
Kade Gordonhurst was watching the television, clearly blown away by Carpathia's intelligence. How was he doing this?
"Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, The Central African Republic, Chad, The Second Chapter of the United Nations Charter, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, The Czech Republic…"
Zoey's POV
Zoey Harper was watching the television, listening intently to Carpathia. Despite his youth and the fact that he had never visited the United Nations, he seemed to have extensive knowledge of each and every country that was involved with the UN. The man spoke clearly and distinctly, being heard by every person in that room and everyone watching him on television.
"Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, The Dominican Republic…"
Joyce's POV
Joyce Dancer was amazed by Carpathia's words on television. It was apparent that the Romanian president was garnering more respect from the United States citizens, especially from the people from Illinois that were in that room. Carpathia's voice rose when he reached the nations beginning with the letter 'E'.
"East Timor! Ecuador! Egypt! El Salvador! The Republic of Equatorial Guinea! Eritrea! Estonia! Eswatini! Ethiopia!"
Sylvester's POV
Sylvester Coddmyer still missed Jenna and Sal. But Carpathia's words seemed to temporarily comfort him.
"Fiji! Finland! France!"
Larry's POV
Larry Levine was moved by Carpathia's words.
"Gabon! The Gambia! Georgia! Germany! Ghana! Greece! Grenada! Guatemala! Guinea! Guinea-Bissau! Guyana!"
Josh's POV
Josh Grant was watching Carpathia with admiration. Finally, something positive seemed to be on the news for the first time since the disappearances.
"Haiti! Honduras! Hungary!"
Rohit's POV
Rohit Sharma was watching Carpathia, clearly filled with respect as Carpathia was naming countries in the United Nations.
"Iceland! India!"
Rohit raised his fist in the air, clearly glad that Carpathia had mentioned the name of his birth nation. It seemed Carpathia respected other nations and other cultures. This was a voice it seemed Rohit could trust.
"Indonesia! Iran! Iraq! The Republic of Ireland! Israel! Italy! Ivory Coast!"
Pete's POV
Pete Alessandra knew that it would take a while to get over the deaths of his family. Seeing Carpathia speak with seemingly such determination and passion seemed to be encouraging.
"Jamaica! Japan! Jordan! Kazakhstan! Kenya! Kiribati! Laos! Latvia! Lebanon! Lesotho! Liberia! Libya! Liechtenstein! Lithuania! Luxembourg!"
Sandy's POV
Sandy Comstock watched as Carpathia recited the names of the countries in the United Nations. The man never stuttered and never mispronounced the names of the countries. This was surprising. How was he able to do this? How was he gaining positive attention?
"Serbia! Seychelles! Sierra Leone! Singapore! Slovakia! Slovenia! Solomon Islands! Somalia! South Africa! South Korea! South Sudan! Spain! Sri Lanka! Sudan! Suriname! Sweden! Switzerland! Syria!"
Sandy waited until Carpathia reached the U's.
"Uganda! Ukraine! The United Arab Emirates! The United Kingdom! The United States of America!"
Even though Sandy was just watching on television, he stood up and clapped, along with many other people that were physically in that room.
Joyce's POV
Joyce knew she had to get an interview with Carpathia. Her magazine company would love it. Especially Nora Grimsby.
Hiram's POV
Hiram was in the building where his brother was talking to Carpathia. He knew he would have to talk to Carpathia face-to-face. How he would have loved to shake his hand!
Sandy's POV
Sandy watched as Carpathia said, "Zambia! Zimbabwe!"
Other than the disappearances, this had to be one of the most shocking events he had witnessed. He was filled with awe at how one man had this much knowledge and could gain this much respect in such a short amount of time.
Carpathia then went on to talk about every secretary-general in the history of the United Nations. He recited their respective histories and verbally listed the dates in which they served their tenures, not just the years. He mentioned all eighteen United Nations agencies. It wasn't really a surprise that he had become popular and loved by those who had seen him so far.
Sandy knew that if he could write about Carpathia for Global Weekly, it would draw in a lot of readers.
Sandy decided to call Paul.
"Have you heard about Carpathia? It's been going around social media."
"I have", Paul said.
"What do you think?"
"He seems impressive", Paul said. "I will have to look more into his history. We can't trust everyone we see. The world is an unpleasant place. As they say, we have to be wise as serpents but gentle as doves."