The Man in Pew Three

Ezekiel “Zeke” Jeremiah Prophet’s dad is everything he desires: God’s faithful servant and Mega Powerhouse Pastor of the family’s church, Grace Devine Church. A century-old, prominent, four-pillar white structure at the edge of town near the soul of Durham, North Carolina, overlooking the Durham Bulls Stadium. It was founded in 1922 by Zeke’s great-great-grandfather, Pastor Isaiah Daniel Prophet. As a child, Zeke envisioned the four pillars of the white stone building as a stairwell to God. But at age seven, when his mom died, the path to God closed off, becoming unclimbable. More so now, since God permits the Prince of Darkness to flatten Zeke like a bulldozer clearing away a land of debris after losing his father to Cancer. Zeke’s dad always told him his fondest dream is to see his son stand before God’s Throne of Grace as his successor. Zeke believed it to be true until his father’s lawyer read his dad’s Last Will & Testament with a clause that blew his theory out of the window. Engulfed by the vile, cold hands of death, it stipulates Zeke must marry a virtuous Christian woman within one year to be the heir to his late father’s estate. For a stuttering North Carolina country boy who has never even been kissed by a girl in his twenty-one years of life, it’s a death sentence. To make matters worse, Zeke has no say in the choice. However, the sassy young lady that’s chosen walks into his life with long, reddish-brown hair flowing in the wind like four fans embracing her body, tossing it excitedly about her head, igniting Zeke’s flame. Zeke’s untamed heart leaps within a hairless chest as if he has seen a goddess! It’s love at first sight for the bishop’s daughter. It’s unrequested love! Even forbidden fruit! When Aurora is the girl wearing the scorpion sting of the bishop’s vengeance for Zeke’s dad. Deception! Revenge! Envy! Finger-pointing! Grace Devine Church bears the sinful stains of its flock. In the midst of it all, Zeke gave the church all he had to give of himself and still fell short. Each Sunday, members drop like flies during a hot summer drought. Prejudiced and unforgiving hearts held Zeke’s speech disorder to blame for their loss of faith in God and lack of interest in the Sunday Services. Pastoring a church overpowered with dysfunction and hatred, all Zeke has to hold onto is a century-old covenant between God and his late great-great-grandfather, along with a father’s promise on his deathbed. However, the more he discovers his knees, the stronger Zeke grows in the Lord. Though remaining hopeful, watching the months go by. He doesn’t see nor hear a sign from God that Zeke will remain pastor of Grace Devine Church’s Throne, nor God’s Helper is on the way. God knows Zeke is not ready to take a step forward until he resolves the torment raging within his heart from his father’s demise. Following a vision where the Lord let Zeke see his parents were home, happy in His bosom. Zeke’s soul is at rest and ready to be the clay in the Potter’s hand. God replies to a distressed young pastor’s awaited cry for help. God’s initial answer comes as a red cardinal, drawing Zeke inward. His eyes dim as the heavens open, and the cardinal vanishes, leaving Zeke amazed, asking. “Is that Who I think I am seeing?” A silhouette descends like a dove, alighting over the wooden bench, Pew Three, Seat Three. The brightness shielded his eyes, inhibiting Zeke from seeing What or Who he saw. Yet, behold, God’s Helper sits in Pew Three, Seat Three, before Zeke in human flesh the following Sunday. The man before him is someone whom Zeke loves and admires. Yet still, he is a stranger and, at the same time, fills Zeke’s mind with curiosity. Staring closer, Zeke’s eyes are seized by shock, blurting out. “It can’t be you!”