THE RUMBLES IN THE HEAVEN
(Originally titled Otunba Jesu and first published in 2002)
Copyright © 2020 by Wole Olarinde
ISBN: 978-052-981-0
Published in Nigeria by
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THERE WAS WAR IN HEAVEN
«”And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.'”»
— Revelation 12:7–10 (KJV)
PROLOGUE
The Rumbles in the Heaven is an imaginative allegorical novel that portrays a dramatic conflict in heaven between virtue and vice. Through humour, suspense, satire, and biblical symbolism, it explores some of the seemingly insignificant but spiritually destructive works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19–21—vices that believers must diligently guard against.
Written in dramatic form, the story revolves around three principal characters: His Majesty (God Almighty), Otunba Jesu (Jesus Christ), and Balogun Lucifer (Satan).
The conflict begins when Balogun Lucifer afflicts humanity with various vices, leading many people away from God’s righteous path.
Otunba Jesu, however, stands as mankind’s Advocate and Deliverer, confronting Lucifer and pleading the cause of humanity before His Majesty.
As the heavenly court examines one moral issue after another, profound spiritual lessons emerge on anger, lying, stubbornness, pride, greed, lust, and many other destructive traits that rob people of God’s blessings and ultimately endanger their eternal destiny.
Although fictional in presentation, the message of this novel is deeply rooted in biblical truth. Its purpose is to encourage believers to examine their lives, reject every work of darkness, embrace godly virtues, and remain steadfast in their journey toward eternal life—the glorious inheritance prepared for all who faithfully endure to the end.
CHAPTER ONE
TAMING ANGER
His Majesty sits majestically upon His throne, resplendent in splendour, presiding over the affairs of the day. Seated at His right hand is Otunba Jesu, His heir apparent and second-in-command. Whenever His Majesty holds court, Otunba Jesu is always at His side, deliberating with Him on matters affecting the community. Surrounding His Majesty is a great host of angels who continually sings His praises.
Also present in the royal court is another chief—Balogun Lucifer—whose very presence Otunba Jesu detests. Of the two chiefs, only Otunba Jesu enjoys the complete confidence of His Majesty. He constantly remains in His presence, pleading the cause of the people. Balogun Lucifer, on the other hand, roams about seeking every opportunity to sow confusion and wickedness among them.
The two represent opposite kingdoms—light and darkness, righteousness and evil—destined never to agree.
On this particular day, His Majesty sits deep in thought, His countenance reflecting concern over the state of the community. Observing His troubled expression, Angel Gabriel steps forward and, as is customary, begins to offer heartfelt praises.
«Angel Gabriel:»
His Majesty! His Majesty! His Majesty!
The Beginning and the End, it is You I greet.
The Only Mighty One who shakes the forests.
The One who was yesterday, is today, and shall remain forever, whose reign shall never end.
You open, and no one can shut;
You shut, and no one can open.
The Almighty who brought water out of the rock
And money from the mouth of the fish.
The Powerful Deliverer, who rescues the helpless.
The Mighty Hand that upholds the entire universe.
Kabiyesi!
The King of kings and Lord of lords,
Whose authority no one can challenge.
Who is like You, O Lord?
Who among all gods can be compared with You?
None is like You.
You alone are glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises,
And wonderful in all Your works.
You perform wonders every day.
Your glory burns like a consuming fire.
You are the Lord of all flesh;
Nothing is too difficult for You.
Your anger lasts only for a moment,
But Your mercy endures forever.
My Lord, why then does Your countenance appear troubled?
Are You not the One who orders the steps of the righteous?
The One who neither remains angry forever nor delights in punishment?
Holy! Holy! Holy!
There is none as holy as You.
You are the Everlasting Rock, the Rock of Ages.
Therefore, my Lord, let Your countenance be cheerful once again, for in Your presence there is fullness of joy.
His Majesty smiles gently as He listens to Gabriel’s praises.
“Hmm… Angel Gabriel,” He says,”I have heard you, and indeed your words are true. In My presence there is fullness of joy.”
Turning to Otunba Jesu, He continues,
“My Otunba, I am deeply troubled. Anger has taken hold of My people. Everywhere I look, I see bitterness, hostility and uncontrolled rage. Parents no longer listen patiently to their children, and children, in turn, have become increasingly disobedient to their parents, disregarding My commandment to honour them.
“Nations rise against nations in anger. Families are torn apart because people have forgotten that uncontrolled anger destroys rather than builds. Was it not anger that denied My faithful servant Moses entrance into the Promised Land? Was it not anger that drove Cain to murder his own brother Abel?
“And now another tragedy has occurred. Just yesterday, Mama Oninufufu lost her two only children because of anger.”
“O ti o!” Otunba Jesu exclaims sorrowfully.
“Yes,” His Majesty continues. “Mama Oninufufu left a pot of porridge on her cooking stove overnight. By morning, the food had disappeared. She went throughout the village demanding that whoever had stolen her porridge should return it. When no one responded, she became consumed with anger and went to Balogun Lucifer seeking help.
“To My great disappointment, Lucifer gave her a charm which, according to him, would expose the thief. She returned home and used the charm exactly as instructed. During the night, thunder struck and killed the supposed culprits.
“Sadly, those struck dead were none other than her own two sons. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, Mama Oninufufu lost her sanity.”
His Majesty lowers His head sorrowfully.
“Oh, My Otunba, My heart is deeply grieved.”
Otunba Jesu immediately rises in righteous indignation.
“Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty! I honour You! Have I not said repeatedly that it is time to restrain Balogun Lucifer before he causes even greater havoc in the community? Once again, he has deceived an innocent woman into using diabolical powers that led to the death of her own children and eventually to her own madness.
“What a tragedy!
“Anger… anger… anger! Had Mama Oninufufu exercised just a little patience, Lucifer would never have succeeded in manipulating her into committing such a dreadful act. I say again, Lucifer must be restrained!”
His Majesty calmly raises His hand.
“My Otunba, let us exercise a little more patience. I know the okra has grown taller than its harvester, but let us hear Lucifer’s own defence when next this court convenes.”
“My Lord,” Otunba Jesu replies, “Balogun Lucifer knows nothing but lies. He will never speak the truth.”
“We shall still hear him,” His Majesty answers. “Then everyone shall know whether truth or falsehood proceeds from his mouth.”
(The above excerpts from the book are just appetizers. Look forward to the full book, coming out soon on Amazon).