THE INTERCESSOR

By Julie Onohomen

SAFACS 2023 ENTRY 27

The evening breeze gave its last caress as the black gate of her house loomed in front of her. It seemed even more dreary in the accompanying darkness. The memory of bright lights and good cheer from church exuded a sigh from her as she stepped into the compound.

Light from their rechargeable lantern shone dimly through the window but her mother was seated on a bench in the verandah, wearing a scowl that never seemed to leave her features.

“Why you tey?”

“Good evening, Ma. I go church.”

“Church ke?! You get problem? No be who get problem dey go church?”

The words “I’m now born-again” which she had been practiced over and over on her way home shoved itself roughly down her stomach. Instead, “Food dey?” stumbled out of her lips as she made a beeline for the kitchen.

“Daddy nko?” She inquired loudly while dishing concoction rice from the pot.

“E don go find Ehis and Ani. If you leave those ones, dem ready sleep outside,” she replied in a nonchalant tone followed by a lower “Hmmm”.

Her eyes clouded briefly but she fought tears back along with swallows of rice. Exhaustion from her worries and the day’s activities overpowered her as she shuffled to bed afterwards. Drifting off to sleep, she whispered, “Lord Jesus Christ, please help us. Let my family experience you just as I have.”

From the throes of deep sleep, she subtly realised she was no longer alone.

“Onosè.”

The voice was warm, rich, and yet unfamiliar. Her eyes snapped open.

Her room with fading paint was now bathed in bright and golden light. Somehow, the room slowly spinned. A large, muscular person over seven feet tall stood in the centre of the room. He was gilded in glinting golden armour, a type of gold that didn’t seem earthly. His face shone.

“I am Michael, an Archangel,” he responded to her unasked question.

Violent shivers seized her suddenly, and her teeth rattled uncontrollably. The angel came close and touched her shoulder. Rushing warmth, as though she were drinking hot chocolate on a cold, rainy day flooded her insides. Her shivering ceased.

“I came to personally deliver your ID.”

A bright, shining identity card lay on the bed, the words “INTERCESSOR” boldly embossed in gold.

She opened her mouth. Words flowed from her mind but ceased at her tongue.

Michael smiled and continued, Before Christ, you bore the burden of others naturally. How much more now that you are in Christ? You can intercede for others on your knees in prayer and share their burden.”

His lips tightened briefly.

“Heavenly Father knows we need more praying soldiers. Too many intercessors have fallen.”

Michael leaned towards her. “I hope you remember this night whenever the enemy comes knocking.”

He raised himself to full height. She didn’t want him to leave but awe filled her.

He smiled, and a warm, understanding sweetness radiated within her, “I’ll always be around, Onose.”

What a nice dream, she thought.