. all rights belong to Tanis Harms –
. refer to www.church-skits.com
ARE YOU READY? - written by Tanis Harms
PREMISE: While this is entertaining, it’s purpose
. is to be a teaching tool, bringing to light
. the entire Bible’s eschatological context.
. I’ve tried to take as few artistic liberties
. as possible, while only alluding to and
. downplaying the horrors of the Tribulation.
STYLE: drama (musical – optional)
TOPIC: Eschatology: Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium
SCRIPTURE: see this link for Biblical support
NOTES: for CAST, CHARACTERISTICS, COSTUMES,
. PROPS, SET, SOUND TRACK and SPECIAL EFFECTS
. (While reading script, open link to access
. music samples if you wish to listen as you go.)
SCRIPT: SCENE 1 - INTRODUCTION
PLAY OPENING VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO OF THE FOLLOWING
WITH BACKGROUND MUSIC: (Israeli music)
NARRATOR’S RECORDED VOICE SCENE BEHIND SCRIM (DCL)
In the beginning, LIGHT fades up.
mankind was created ADAM & EVE come together.
and given a free will... EVE holds up fruit to ADAM
They chose to disobey. ADAM takes bite from fruit.
So their sin -
brought to all people – ADAM & EVE suddenly pull
a spiritual death – away from each other,
a separation from God. heads hang in shame.
Because it was Adam and Eve ADAM & EVE look up
who brought sin into in “search” for God’s
the world, from their presence.
descendants would come the
Messiah - who would provide ADAM & EVE turn to each
salvation, reconciliation, other and hug tenderly.
and hope to all nations. LIGHTS dim.
The years that followed,
mankind was allowed to do as
they pleased, and they chose
evil; so all was destroyed –
except for Noah and his family,
descendants of Adam and Eve.
NARRATOR’S RECORDED VOICE SCENE BEHIND SCRIM 2
From Noah’s descendants LIGHTS fade up.
came Abraham, a God-fearing ABRAHAM steps in and
man. Abraham and his looks down in prayer,
descendants were chosen hands folded.
to be witnesses to the world
of God’s holiness and
lovingkindness. And God Hands still folded,
established an everlasting ABRAHAM looks up at God.
covenant with Abraham –
building on the promise
given to Adam and Eve –
(GOD’S/JESUS’ VOICE)
Go to the land which I will ABRAHAM looks up, prayerful
show you; and I will make hands raised to his chin.
you a great nation, and I ABRAHAM raises his arms
will bless you. In you, all in praise.
the earth will be blessed. LIGHTS dim.
(NARRATOR cont.)
With this covenant – came
the promise that WHEN they
were obedient, they would
enjoy blessings; but when
they strayed, there would be
consequences. Man’s heart
is easily distracted. So to LIGHTS fade up.
help them, God gave them MOSES holds out 2 tablets
commandments and laws to on either side.
reveal and set the standard. LIGHTS dim.
God sent judges to establish
order. And upon the people’s
constant requests, God
ordained kings to govern. MAN with crown appears.
When the kings obeyed and
followed God, the nation
enjoyed peace and blessings. MAN folds arms defiantly.
But still, they strayed. LIGHTS dim.
God sent prophets to expose
their sins and their need of
forgiveness, as well as to
offer encouragement that the
perfect King would one day
come. The Messiah – who would
fulfill all of God’s promises.
NARRATOR’S RECORDED VOICE SCENE BEHIND SCRIM 3
God sent word to the LIGHTS fade up.
prophet Daniel to bring DANIEL appears, praying.
insight and understanding –
of the designated timeline
called the Jewish Age.
(GABRIEL’S RECORDED VOICE) DANIEL writes on a tablet.
Four hundred and ninety
prophetic years have been
decreed for your people...
Then all promises will be
fulfilled. LIGHTS dim.
(NARRATOR cont.)
Nearing the end of the
Jewish Age, God sent His (If scrim action is live-
only Son to earth... then show slide of
Jesus – the Messiah. Old Jerusalem)
(GOD’S/JESUS’ VOICE) LIGHTS fade up.
Do you see all these things? JESUS steps out with
I tell you, not one stone DISCIPLE. JESUS holds
here will be left on a hand out at waist level.
another; every stone will
be thrown down.
(If scrim action is live, scrim is pulled to the side
to reveal JESUS and DISCIPLE.
If scrim action is recorded, JESUS and DISCIPLE step out
at down center left stage and resume pose as recording.)
LIGHT FADES UP at DCL.
SLIDE ON SCREEN: old Jerusalem
(This action happens quickly: JESUS sweeps his arm up
at the screen. DISCIPLE looks at JESUS, curiously.
JESUS looks knowingly at DISCIPLE and puts an arm
around DISCIPLE’S shoulder. DISCIPLE speaks as
they exit stage left. Easiest if this
is also pre-recorded, then DISCIPLE just mimes.)
DISCIPLE But when will this be? What are the signs
. of Your coming again, and of the end
. of the age?
LIGHTS DIM, DLC.
NARRATOR’S RECORDED VOICE 4
. The SIGNS for the end of the JEWISH age.
. This is all the Israelites knew of
. when this question was asked.
. If only they had accepted Jesus THEN
. as their King - they would have been spared
. the last seven years, but they didn’t.
. They rejected Jesus!
SLIDE ON SCREEN: Jesus on the cross
NARRATOR’S RECORDED VOICE
. And crucified Him. God in His infinite
. wisdom knew that this would take place,
. and HAD to take place, to bring about
. salvation, to keep His promise of blessing
. all nations. But as the Israelites
. denied Jesus as their King, as prophesied,
. the Jewish Age was interrupted.
END SLIDE ON SCREEN.
BLACK OUT.
NARRATOR’S RECORDED VOICE
. Seven years still remain. No one knows
. when these last seven years will begin –
. except for God – and it will only be –
. when they are saying - “peace and safety.”
SLOWLY FADE OUT BACKGROUND MUSIC
SOUND FADE IN: city noise, cars honking.
. SCENE 2
. THE CHURCH AGE
SLIDE ON SCREEN: thriving modern Jerusalem
LIGHTS UP on town square, center stage.
(ISRAELITE NATIONALS [I.N.EXTRAS] wander onto the stage
as if they are going about their daily routines.)
IF THIS IS NOT A MUSICAL, SKIP OVER THIS SONG.
SONG: “Ready to Go” by Randy Stonehill.
(For other options, see notes.)
(If a band/orchestra is playing this, play it more 5
in a foreboding tone. Soloist is NATIONAL 1 [Christian
who wears green pants with a white T-shirt to stand out
from I.N.EXTRAS [Israelite nonbelievers who wear brown]).
(When singing begins, the I.N.EXTRAS [which include ELI
and KEITH] fall into group choreography at CENTER STAGE.
WOMEN DANCERS fall into a Jewish style circle dance
at one side. It is all neither joyous nor too serious,
they are all complacent about life in general.)
(NATIONAL 1 steps out to other side to sing solo parts.
NATIONAL 1 is the only one with a hopeful look and tone,
yet is also concerned and pleading as he/she sings.)
I.N.EXTRAS (sing vs.1) Some people say that faith
. Is just the dream of desperate men
NATIONAL 1 (sing) I shake my head and say
. This life’s too short to play pretend
. I know that Jesus called my name
. He brought my heart to life again
. You can read the look upon my face
. And see my sights are set
. On a far, far better place
NATIONAL 1 (sing chorus) Oh get ready to go
. When the trumpet blows from the Eastern sky
. Oh get ready to go
. When they open the door to paradise
. That’s right, that’s right
. Don’t forget your destiny
. Sing the song
I.N.EXTRAS (sing) Carry on
NATIONAL 1 (sing) Know the best is yet to be
EXTRAS (sing vs.2 – optional not necessary)
. Some people say that love
. Will leave you lonely in the end
NATIONAL 1 (sing) I felt like that before
. I finally found a faithful friend
. Heaven works its holy plan
. By the mighty power of an unseen hand
. There’s a shining home for you and me
. And we’re just reaching out
. To the One who holds the key
NATIONAL 1 (sing chorus) Oh get ready to go 6
. When the trumpet blows from the Eastern sky
. Oh get ready to go
. When they open the door to paradise
. That’s right, that’s right
. Don’t forget your destiny - Sing the song
EXTRAS (sing) Carry on
NATIONAL 1 (sing) Know the best is yet to be
NATIONAL 1 (sing vs.3 or bridge?-ALSO optional)
. Leave your burdens at the door
. You won’t need them any more
. The Father’s promise will not fail
. Leave your tears - Leave your tears
. And don’t you bother to forward your mail
NATIONAL 1 (sing chorus) Oh get ready to go
. When the trumpet blows from the Eastern sky
. Oh get ready to go
. When they open the door to paradise
. That’s right, that’s right
. Don’t forget your destiny - Sing the song
EXTRAS (sing) Carry on
NATIONAL 1 (sing) Know the best is yet to be
EXTRAS (sing vs.3or4, necessary) Some people say
. that hope Is really just a fleeting thing
NATIONAL 1 (sing) Because they’ve never known
. The hope that only God can bring
. This might sound too good to be true
EXTRAS (sing) Just the way that miracles often do
NATIONAL 1 (sing) Amazing grace is close at hand
. And this song can’t change your life
. But I know that Jesus can
NATIONAL 1 (sing chorus) Oh get ready to go
. When the trumpet blows from the Eastern sky
. Oh get ready to go
. When they open the door to paradise
. That’s right, that’s right
. Don’t forget your destiny - Sing the song
EXTRAS (sing) Carry on
. 7
NATIONAL 1 (sing) Know the best is yet to be
. (repeat, but more pleading to the EXTRAS)
. (sing) Know the best is yet to be
. (repeat, sincerely to the congregation)
. (sing) Know the best is yet to be
(ISRAELITE NATIONALS [EXTRAS] wave off NATIONAL 1
as they do not believe what he/she is singing.)
CONTINUE HERE IF THIS IS NOT A MUSICAL
(ISRAELITE NATIONALS randomly scatter and leave the stage
as PASTOR MARK leads CHRIS, JODY, DAVID, SARAH, DERRICK,
BOBBY and AMERICAN EXTRAS (A.EXTRAS) from cemetery area
to CENTER STAGE of town’s square to form a half circle.)
MARK (to GROUP) As you can see, there are a few
. modern Christian grave sites here too,
. AS WELL as the old tombs and catacombs
. that we just saw.
(CHRIS accidentally bumps into KEITH as he and ELI
are one of the last Israelites to leave.)
CHRIS (to KEITH) Sorry. – Peace, man.
(KEITH comments to ELI, loud enough for CHRIS to hear.)
KEITH Tourists!
ELI Take it easy, Keith, tourism is a good sign.
. It’s a sign that our land is experiencing
. a little less war and a little more peace.
(KEITH and ELI exit through the graveyard.
The GROUP continues to talk amongst each other.)
DAVID Today was definitely the highlight of
. our trip. Thank you, Pastor Mark.
SARAH It certainly makes the history of the Bible
. come to life, that’s for sure.
. I’LL never forget this-
JODY You guys are all just a little creepy,
. if you ask me.
DAVID What??? Death is just a part of life,
. but it doesn’t mean it’s the end of life.
. 8
JODY (motions to cemetery) Looks pretty final
. to me.
MARK Anyway. Sadly, our tour of Israel has
. come to an end. I’ve really enjoyed this
. journey with all of you. So, well, take some
. time to relax a bit, just don’t forget to -
. get ready to go. We’re leaving for the
. airport at 4:30 a.m. – sharp.
EXTRAS Thanks again, Pastor Mark.
(DERRICK nudges BOBBY and points to a restaurant on
the other side of the stage. They both walk over to enter
[or exit stage if you are using simpler stage settings].)
LIGHTS DIM on town square, center stage.
LIGHTS FADE UP on hotel lounge, stage left.
(PASTOR MARK, CHRIS, JODY, DAVID, SARAH, and A.EXTRAS
walk over to the Living Quarters [now the Hotel Lounge].)
MARK I’m going to pack now. See you kids later.
. Remember - we need to go – at 4:30 a.m. –
. so be ready!
(MARK exits STAGE LEFT door. A few A.EXTRAS can follow,
a few stay behind. DAVID laughs.)
DAVID Hey, check this out.
OPTION 1: DAVID turns on iTUNES [or other electronics]
. playing “I Wish We’d All Been Ready”
. [by Larry Norman or DC Talk’s rendition].)
OPTION 2: (if it is a musical...)
(DAVID sings Larry Norman’s “I Wish We’d All Been Ready”
[maybe there’s a guitar on set that he plays, and/or
the band / orchestra accompanies him]. SARAH joins in,
then the rest of the A.EXTRAS. CHRIS and JODY shuffle
awkward on the outskirts of the group and shrug.)
DAVID (sing) “Life was filled with guns and war
. And everyone got trampled on the floor
SARAH (joins in) I wish we’d all been ready
A.EXTRAS (join in) Children died, 9
. The days grew cold
. A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold
. I wish we’d all been ready
. There’s no time to change your mind
. The Son has come
. And you’ve been left behind”
(When the song ends, DAVID and the group laughs.
CHRIS and JODY are confused.)
CHRIS I don’t get it.
SARAH The Pastor said we should be ready - to go,
. the song is about being ready - to “GO.”
DAVID It’s talking about becoming a Christian
. BEFORE the rapture so you don’t have to
. go through the Tribulation.
JODY Nowhere in the Bible does it actually
. use the word “Rapture,” right?
DAVID It does in the original Greek. “Rapture” is
. the Greek word for “taken up.” When the Lord
. calls and the trumpet blows – all Christians
. will meet Jesus in the air and be taken
. up to heaven.
JODY If you say so.
CHRIS I’ve never studied that stuff.
DAVID Well, Christians from all time will be taken
. up and then judged at the Bema Seat-
JODY Bema Seat? Is that another Greek word?
DAVID It is. It is the judgment seat of Christ,
. where only our good works will be judged-
. to see if we did them with the right motives.
JODY Isn’t doing something good – always good?
SARAH You could do something “good” in order
. to manipulate, or – to show off.
JODY (dubiously) Eh, yeah, true. I guess.
CHRIS (to DAVID) Continue. (then balks)
. 10
DAVID Well, after the Christians are “raptured” –
. the Tribulation will take place down here
. on earth – for seven years.
. These are the last set of years
. left in the Jewish Age. Remember?...
CHRIS Pretty much ALLLL new to me.
DAVID (excited to teach) In the book of Daniel,
. it tells us there are 490 years – prophetic
. years - which have 360 days in them –
JODY (pleads for it to end) Daaaaavid!
DAVID Information overload?
JODY Definitely.
CHRIS Well, I’m kind of curious in this timing
. stuff. Aren’t there signs, or something?
DAVID For the end of the Jewish Age – but -
. not for the rapture.
JODY So there are NO signs then at all - for us?
DAVID Right, we’re just supposed to be ready –
. like - it could happen right now –
SARAH And we should be ready – because who knows
. when any of us are going to die.
DAVID Exactly. Anyway, so once the rapture
. happens... HELL - ON – EARTH!
CHRIS (nonchalantly) Ohhh, sure, okay.
JODY Wait-wait-wait, “hell” - on earth?
DAVID Kind of, yeah. But if you’re ready,
. you don’t have to worry about it.
CHRIS That just doesn’t make any sense. So if you
. can’t answer the “when,” then answer
. the “why.” Just WHY would God do that
. “hell-on-earth” stuff? Huh?
DAVID To judge the nations, and to make Israel see
. the signs that their Messiah is coming soon.
. 11
CHRIS So there ARE signs? This is so confusing!
DAVID No-no-no – AhhhhhhhhHHHH. (moans, then
. takes a moment to compose himself)
SARAH This is why most people don’t even bother
. to study any of this.
DAVID It’s actually not that difficult.
CHRIS But WHY is Israel God’s CHOSEN people?
. Huh? THAT doesn’t seem fair.
DAVID Abraham was one of the few who were faithful
. to God back then, so his descendants were
. chosen to be God’s missionaries, if you will.
CHRIS Oh, okay then – never mind. I’m fine with
. God NOT choosing me then.
JODY So these signs are NOT for the rapture.
DAVID No. The disciples asked Jesus for the signs
. of His second coming? For the end of the
. Jewish Age. They wanted to know when all
. their covenants would be fulfilled.
. The Church Age hadn’t even started yet-
CHRIS -David! stay on topic!
DAVID THOSE SIGNS described in Matthew and Luke are
. the same JUDGMENTS described in Revelation.
. At the end, Jesus comes, wins the battle of
. Armageddon. All living believers go into
. the Millennium - The Kingdom of Heaven!
JODY So it goes from “hell” on earth,
. to “heaven” on earth?
DAVID YES! The Millennium will be kind of like
. the Garden of Eden. The people entering
. will be all Christians, but THEY will have
. children, who will need to choose salvation.
. At the end, is the Last Battle-
JODY (sighs) So this is the end of the story?
DAVID Unbelievers of all time face the White Throne
. Judgment, then go to the Lake of Fire.
, 12
JODY That’s a horrible ending.
DAVID Believers go to heaven!
JODY Still.
DAVID Well, to avoid all that future bad stuff,
. and in order to get into heaven, you HAVE
. to be ready – no matter what comes first.
CHRIS (flippantly) Oh, yeah, sure, of course.
SARAH (laughing) Nice sermon, “Pastor” Dave!
JODY All that just because you tried to
. make a joke.
DAVID Sorry! I get carried away. Well, I might
. as well get ready to go – as in - PACK.
SARAH Me too.
(EVERYONE exits STAGE LEFT door, except for CHRIS.)
JODY (looks back at Chris) Coming?
CHRIS Naw, I’m going to watch some TV.
JODY Are you all right?
CHRIS Oh yeah. It’s cas’. (slang for “casual”)
. Hah! That David – hanging out with him
. can be like the Twilight Zone, (sing theme)
. doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo...
JODY I know what you mean. Well, see you later.
(JODY exits at STAGE LEFT door. CHRIS turns on TV.
Not getting good reception, he fiddles with some buttons,
then pounds on the TV set a few times. When he does...)
LIGHTS FADE UP at podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER stands at podium in front of office set.)
ANNOUNCER -as peace talks continue here in Jerusalem,
. the people become excited for the possibility
. of obtaining their rightful land, and for
. worldwide unity-
. 13
LIGHTS TURNS OFF at podium, DR.
(CHRIS hits the TV set again. He steps back to
channel surf using the remote control without success.
As he paces, CHRIS pauses to watch the lights dim.
LIGHTS DIM SLOWLY at Hotel Lounge, stage left.
(Once dark, CHRIS discreetly and quickly hides in H.P.2.)
. SCENE 3
. THE RAPTURE & BEMA SEAT
SLIDE ON SCREEN: black, with a growing bright light
JESUS (shouting loudly from back)
. All of my followers come forth!
(ANGELS stand ready at every possible entrance,
all around the congregation.)
ANGELS (shouting) “Give glory to God!”
SOUND: Thunder, loud trumpet blast.
SLIDE ON SCREEN: smears of sky blue and gold alternate
. which can fade between the 3
(JESUS walks down center aisle and up STAGE LEFT,
to the stand in front of the throne with his arms out...
Meanwhile ANGELS trickle in from every door possible,
from the back and sides of congregation and stage.
They seemingly float alongside aisles toward the stage,
onto the stage and surround the heavenly scene.)
LIGHTS UP at graveyard, UL.
(BILL rises from the tarp in the cemetery with a shout,
subtly knocking over the gravestone.)
LIGHTS FADE at graveyard, UL.
LIGHTS UP at heaven scene, DL, and down center stage.
(BILL approaches Jesus and kneels, followed by biblical
characters: MOSES, DISCIPLE, etc. and: NATIONAL 1, DAVID,
SARAH, A.EXTRAS and MARK who enter discreetly from
STAGE LEFT door. ALL form a group behind MOSES, BILL and
DAVID at CENTER STAGE, looking toward the THRONE.)
. 14
(As CHRISTIANS walk to their spots, ANGELS go swiftly
but smoothly over to ALL with white sashes and belts
so ALL are “changed” in a twinkling of an eye. Seeing
JESUS arrive on stage and stand in front of throne,
ALL kneel before JESUS, who CAN have his back to the
congregation and mime to a recorded voice.)
JESUS My bride, welcome home! Enter My eternal joy,
. here where there is no more sorrow, pain,
. or sickness; here where there is no more
. death. It is time to reward you for your
. service to Me on earth. In My Word
. I promised you, that when I forgave you
. of all your sins, I chose to remember them
. no more. And so all works that were done
. with impure motives have been burned away.
. Whichever works are left, whichever works
. glorified Me, these will be rewarded.
(JESUS motions for MOSES to rise and approach.
[When the time comes for Jesus to hand out crowns,
an ANGEL gets them from behind the thrown and hands them
discretely to JESUS as JESUS reaches behind].)
JESUS Moses, you eventually submitted to My calling
. to approach Pharaoh, and lead My people out
. of Egypt. Here is the crown of righteousness
. for receiving My guidance and placing your
. trust in Me. (places crown on MOSES’S head)
. Here is the crown of glory for shepherding My
. flock and being a faithful example to them.
. (places crown in MOSES’S hand) For your
. tireless efforts in managing the people’s
. issues, and for your patience as you dealt
. with all the inconveniences in the
. wilderness, here also is the crown of life.
(JESUS hands MOSES another crown, then hugs MOSES.
MOSES bows and backs away. JESUS motions for BILL.)
JESUS Bill, my faithful one, in your life you
. served me with a joyful spirit. As an Elder,
. you selflessly guided the church and led
. several souls to Christ. Here is your crown
. of rejoicing. (puts crown on BILL’s head)
. And as a missionary, severe persecution came
. to you, eventually leading to your martyrdom.
. This is the crown of life, for enduring
. such trials with faith and meekness.
. 15
(JESUS puts crown in Bill’s hand, then hugs BILL.
BILL bows and backs away. JESUS motions for DAVID.)
JESUS David, you were one of those young people
. willing to outwardly live as a Christian.
. You showed a great dedication to devotions
. and prayer – and leaned upon My wisdom.
. You were not afraid to take a stand for what
. was right. Because of your self-control,
. your reward is the incorruptible crown.
. (places crown on DAVID’S head, DAVID bows)
OPTION 1: Play “We Exalt Thee” by Petra.
OPTION 2: (if this is a musical...
. CHRISTIANS and ANGELS sing recommended song:
. “We Exalt Thee” by Petra.)
(During song: each CHRISTIAN approaches JESUS, who gives
most people either one or two crowns. Not everyone gets
a crown but ALL get a hug. CHRISTIANS then bow slightly
to JESUS as they back away and another approaches. Most
ANGELS form a big semi-circle, encompassing entire scene.
You can have DANCERS dressed as angels, begin a slow
ballet-like patterned-step. As CHRISTIANS finish meeting
Jesus, they join the DANCERS to form a bigger pattern.
Need to time this carefully with the song.)
ALL (sing) “We exalt Thee, We exalt Thee
. We exalt Thee, O Lord” (repeat)
(Repeat until ALL have joined the dance. Throughout,
change song’s arrangement to include soaring descants,
etc. Last round, all CHRISTIANS approach JESUS.
Kneeling in front of JESUS, they place their crowns at
JESUS’ feet and remain bowed until the end of the song.)
NARRATOR’S RECORDED VOICE
. “And round the throne were 4 and 20 seats;
. and upon the seats I saw 4 and 20 elders
. sitting, clothed in white rainment;
. and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
. And when those beasts gave glory and honor
. and thanks to Him that sat on the throne,
. who liveth for ever and ever. The 4 and 20
. elders fall down before Him that sat on
. the throne, and worship Him that liveth
. for ever and ever, and cast their crowns
. before the throne saying...”
RECORDED VOICES OF ALL 16
Thou art worthy, O Lord,
. to receive glory and honor and power:
. for Thou hast created all things, and
. for Thy pleasure they are and were created.
BLACK OUT.
(JESUS, ANGELS and ALL BELIEVERS quickly exit.)
. SCENE 4
. THE DAY OF THE RAPTURE
SLIDE ON SCREEN: a slightly darker Jerusalem
LIGHTS FADE UP in hotel lounge, at stage left.
(As if no time has elapsed, CHRIS stands, still looking
up at lights. When lights come back on, he continues
to pace and try the remote control. JODY bursts back
into the room from STAGE LEFT door. She is terrified.)
JODY CHRIS! Oh, Chris! I’m so glad you’re here!
. I – I can’t – I can’t believe it!
CHRIS What’s up? - Jody, calm down.
JODY They’re gone! Didn’t you hear that noise?
. Sounded like a trumpet.
CHRIS There’s a lot of noise in this country.
JODY Chris-they’re GONE! They just all –
. I don’t know – disappeared. Like, wow,
. it was just – it was freaky, Chris –
. so-very-freaky -
CHRIS Calm down. Calm down. It’s cas’.
JODY No, no it isn’t cas’, Chris! It’s – it could
. have been-the rapture! Remember, we were JUST
. talking about it. And - now it has really
. happened! I think it really just happened.
CHRIS Maybe, everyone went out for a bite to eat.
JODY Right before my eyes, Chris.
. They disappeared! Vanished! Sarah – just -
. went – poof.
. 17
CHRIS (angry) Poof? Well, Ugh! How COULD they!
. I don’t understand. Why am I still here then?
JODY Weren’t you listening to what David was
. saying? We have to be Christians.
CHRIS I thought I WAS a Christian. (thinking)
. Ohhhhhh! It must be some kind of joke.
. (yelling) Okay guys, I know what’s going on.
. (to JODY) You were good, Jody. REALLY good!
. You really had me going. I’m going to have to
. figure out a way to get you back. Just wait
. and see, one day when you least expect it.
(Chris begins to plot while JODY remains serious and
just shakes her head. CHRIS is now confused.)
CHRIS Well, they must have just gone out for
. supper. Come on. You can’t be serious.
LIGHTS DIM in hotel lounge, stage left.
LIGHTS FADE UP on the town square, center stage.
SOUND FADE UP: sirens, cars honking, whistles blowing,
. people shouting.
(Still serious, JODY follows CHRIS out into the square.
CHRIS looks around while JODY stands her ground.
WOMAN runs from STAGE RIGHT, across the square crying.
CHRIS returns to JODY’s side.)
WOMAN (desperately) Joel?! Rebecca?!
. (to CHRIS & JODY) Have you seen my children?
. There were-were just here, a minute ago!
(JODY shakes her head and WOMAN continues into graveyard.
CHRIS wonders, then thinks of something.)
CHRIS (to JODY) Your parents! We’ll just call
. your parents. They’re Christians, right?
(CHRIS takes out a cell phone and hands it to JODY,
who punches in the numbers.)
JODY This will be a very expensive phone call.
CHRIS Hey, it’s cas’. Whatever it takes to put
. your mind at ease.
(Waiting while it rings, CHRIS nods his head with 18
confidence that it’ll be okay. Not getting any answer,
JODY hands phone back to CHRIS like, “I told you so.”)
CHRIS (matter-of-factly) So they’re out.
JODY (looking at watch) It’s Saturday and it’s
. lunch time over there. My parents
. ALWAYS enjoy a leisurely morning and -
CHRIS They could have stepped out – to – shop?
(JODY sighs, shaking her head at CHRIS’ attitude
of denial. A group of MEN run past from the graveyard
and through the square to the STAGE RIGHT’S “street”.
DERRICK and BOBBY step out of restaurant, laughing and
reeling, and briefly balking at the MEN running past.
CHRIS and JODY show relief at the sight of them.)
DERRICK Hah! That is so fine –
. (to the MEN) Hey, watch it!
. (sees CHRIS & JODY) There’s Chris and Jody.
JODY (still serious, but confused)
. There’s Derrick and Bobby.
CHRIS This WAS a joke!?
JODY (still concerned) They’re Christians, right?
(JODY grabs CHRIS’s cell phone that is still in his hands
and dials out, as DERRICK and BOBBY approach.)
CHRIS (laughs) You guys! Were you in on this too?
DERRICK In on what?
CHRIS This “rapture” joke?
BOBBY What are you talking about?
DERRICK (excited & changes the subject)
. Hey, so while we were eating, we had this
. awesome view of the street below –
BOBBY Oh yeah, so all of a sudden, there’s all this
. noise, and all these cars are driving into
. each other, all over the place. Like,
. some of them don’t have any drivers in them.
DERRICK SOMEbody forgot to put the emergency 19
. brakes on. Duh!
(DERRICK and BOBBY laugh and brace each other up. CHRIS
now looks confused. JODY meanwhile yells into the phone.)
JODY (to phone) Mom? Ah, come on Mom, if you’re
. there please pick up. (starts to cry)
CHRIS (still trying to justify) Like I said,
. maybe they went out, and forgot to bring
. their cell phone. Or if they went to
. a matinee, they shut off their cell phones.
. Jody, there’s got to be some explanation.
. Because – I’m - a Christian. I’ve gone to
. church all my life, prayed, read the Bible –
. sometimes. A bit.
JODY Yeah? What about that born-again stuff? Huh?
. And that whole THING about putting God first?
(CHRIS thinks about this.)
DERRICK What? Are you going to start with all that
. Jesus-stuff now, too?
JODY So you’re not a Christian?
DERRICK WHAT’S a Christian?! It’s what you MAKE of
. it. There are many roads and paths, right?
JODY (to BOBBY) What about you? Aren’t YOU
. a Christian?
BOBBY (looks for wood and sees crate pile)
. Yes-I-am. (knocking 3 times)
JODY Really? I mean, how do you really know?
BOBBY (shrugs) Well – uh - I’m an American.
JODY That’s it?
BOBBY What? You’re not going to get all “bible-y”
. on me, are you? Come on. I mean, some
. stories in it are interesting. But really,
. most of it is just - so off the wall.
DERRICK I like the stories with all the wicked
. cities. Like, I want to party there!
. 20
(DERRICK and BOBBY laugh and knuckle-punch.)
JODY So... while you were having supper –
CHRIS And obviously a few drinks –
DERRICK Yeah, so what? Will Pastor Mark send us HOME
. now? (mocks) Oh no, I don’t want to go HOME.
(DERRICK and BOBBY laugh and knuckle-punch again.)
JODY What is up with you guys?
DERRICK I don’t know, but I like it.
JODY Whatever. So you’re bad. (firmly now)
. Did YOU see – anyone – disappear?
BOBBY Disappear?
DERRICK Only that crabby waitress! Probably had
. to run and take care of some personal
. business, if you know what I mean.
BOBBY Is THAT why our last round never came?
. I hope you didn’t leave her a tip.
DERRICK Are you kidding!
(MEN from the street come back into the square,
pushing each other and begging each other on to fight.
KEITH is among them. ELI beckons to KEITH.)
ELI Keith, forget them. It’s not worth it.
KEITH (seeing CHRIS) YOU again!
(ELI steps up, ready to break up any possible fight.)
JODY Did – any of you –notice anything weird
. just happen?
DERRICK (aside to JUDY) Jody, you’re too trusting.
ELI (to JODY) Why? What did YOU see?
KEITH (pulls ELI away) Come on, they may be in
. on it. Some kind of terrorist conspiracy.
DERRICK Psh. Lunatics. THEY’RE the terrorists! 21
KEITH (overhears) What did you say? What did you–
(ELI continues to push KEITH toward the street.)
JODY Come on, let’s get back to the hotel.
DERRICK Do what you want. I want to party somewhere.
BOBBY I’m in. (to CHRIS) Coming?
CHRIS Nooo, ahhhh, I still gotta pack.
BOBBY Dude. See you chumps later.
(DERRICK and BOBBY saunter up the street [& discreetly
hide in H.P.1]. CHRIS turns to JODY.)
CHRIS Okay-okay. I guess I’m NOT a Christian.
JODY I’m really scared, you know.
CHRIS Come on, let’s get back to the hotel.
LIGHTS DIM on town square, center stage.
LIGHTS FADE UP in hotel lounge, stage left.
(JODY and CHRIS step back into the hotel.)
CHRIS Maybe there’s something on TV about all this.
. I mean, it still could be some kind of joke.
. You know David. Even though he’s very serious
. about being a Christian, he still knows how
. to have fun. And just before going up, he
. did go into all that “end time” stuff. Right?
. We’re just – reading into everything, here.
(While speaking, CHRIS picks up the remote and presses
a button. CHRIS and JODY sit down on the sofa, waiting.)
CHRIS This stupid TV.
(CHRIS gets up to hit the TV, then sits to watch.
As soon as CHRIS hits the TV-)
LIGHTS GO UP at podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER stands at the podium.)
ANNOUNCER As reports keep flowing in about 22
. thousands, and perhaps millions of people,
. just vanishing into thin air, we will do
. our very best to bring you the latest
. developments on this strange phenomena.
LIGHTS GO UP in office area, stage right.
(While ANNOUNCER still speaks, PRESIDENT [PRES.] and
VICE PRESIDENT [V.P.] enter office with briefcases.
PRES. puts laptop on desk and opens it. Taking out
a piece of paper, he hands it to V.P.)
ANNOUNCER (continuing) We are taking this incident
. very seriously. The station will continue
. to bring you full coverage as they are
. determined to get to the bottom of
. WHO is behind this worldwide debacle.
(V.P. goes through the door and hands paper to ANNOUNCER
and returns to office. PRESIDENT and V.P. then leave.
LIGHTS DIM in office area, stage right.
ANNOUNCER (continuing) We now know that experts
. have stepped up to take control and assess
. the situation. They suspect an alien
. invasion is responsible for the mysterious
. disappearances. But we will keep you posted
. as further details become available.
LIGHTS DIM at podium, DR.
(At hotel, as CHRIS turns off TV, JODY turns to CHRIS.)
JODY Pretty extravagant joke, wouldn’t you say?
CHRIS So – aliens? That’s what they are saying?
JODY Well, we know better. It WAS the rapture.
CHRIS Don’t the experts know?
JODY Maybe the experts just don’t want any of us
. to know the truth. And the other experts
. who knew – are all gone.
(CHRIS and JODY sit very still, thinking of all
the implications as DERRICK and BOBBY sneak in.
CHRIS and JODY come out of their revere.)
. 23
CHRIS (sarcastically) Couldn’t find a party?
DERRICK It’s kind of weird out there.
BOBBY Extreme weirdness. Eerie, in fact.
JODY That’s because the RAPTURE just happened.
DERRICK Ah! Get off this rapture kick, already!
. There must be a better explanation. I mean,
. come on – the rapture? Let’s be realistic.
CHRIS The news said it was an alien invasion.
BOBBY There you go! Of course! It’s obviously
. an alien invasion. Like in the movie
. “Independence Day.”
CHRIS And THAT’S more realistic?
BOBBY Ah, yeah! Didn’t you ever watch Star Trek,
. or Star Wars?
JODY Those are all sci-fi – science fiction!
BOBBY (eerily) Based on what? Writers always
. draw from life’s truths, you know.
DERRICK In any case, we should probably try to get
. to the airport NOW already. Catching a taxi
. might be a challenge.
JODY I’m certainly up for that.
DERRICK Where are the others?
JODY I told you, they’re GONE! They disappeared.
DERRICK (thinking) I don’t like that. At all. So –
. I say, we just worry about ourselves then.
(CHRIS, JODY, BOBBY and DERRICK exit through the door.)
LIGHTS DIM in hotel lounge, stage left.
LIGHTS FADE UP in the office area, stage right.
(PRES. and ANNOUNCER enter office. PRES. sits down
at desk to do paperwork. ANNOUNCER sits in another chair
to primp and touch up makeup.)
. 24
ANNOUNCER So, (smiling sweetly) Mr. President,
. do you think the people will follow you,
. despite the fact that you took control
. in the most unconventional manner?
. (PRES. glares at her questioningly)
. I mean, this is totally off the record.
. just shooting the breeze. I’m just saying,
. this will be GREAT for ratings. Just the
. fact that you chose to give me exclusive
. rights for all stories and insights –
. gives me–gives us - a leg up on things.
PRESIDENT (intensely) As long as you report
. everything exactly as I determine.
ANNOUNCER Oh, yes, of course, Mr. President.
(ANNOUNCER coyly crosses her legs and strikes a pose.
PRESIDENT stares at her with intensity.)
PRESIDENT Then you must understand what I am
. expecting next?
ANNOUNCER Of course, Mr. President. You’re the boss.
LIGHTS DIM in the office area, stage right.
LIGHTS FADE UP in the graveyard, UL, town square, center,
and hotel lounge, stage left.
(CHRIS, JODY, DERRICK and BOBBY drag their luggage from
the graveyard area, through the square, and back into
the hotel lounge. While they do so, people scuffle and
rush through the town square, looting and snooping.)
CHRIS I can’t believe ALL flights are cancelled.
JODY (trying not to cry) I just want to go home.
DERRICK I’m so hungry. Hey, let’s raid the place.
. I mean, if they’re all gone anyway, they
. won’t be needing their things anymore.
BOBBY Awesome idea.
(DERRICK and BOBBY knuckle-punch then run out the door.)
JODY What are we going to do, Chris?
CHRIS Well, I’ve decided, I’m becoming a 25
. Christian. Right now. What about you?
JODY Oh, I decided that hours ago.
. But I’m still scared!
CHRIS Me too.
JODY No, Chris, I mean, I’m really scared.
. Remember David said the Tribulation was
. going to be – “hell” on earth?
CHRIS I wasn’t really listening the whole time.
JODY I think I remember some things from our
. Youth Group studies on Revelation.
CHRIS Sure-sure, war, famine - bugs.
. (JODY studies CHRIS with disbelief) Yeah,
. SOMEtimes I listen. At the time, that part
. sounded really cool, like some horror movie.
JODY Exactly! A HORROR movie! And isn’t there
. a part where it says... the people who become
. Christians during this time - are tortured
. and – KILLED? Like, wow, I just want to die.
CHRIS Yeah, okay, but one - MIGHT AS WELL DIE -
. as a Christian, and go to heaven.
JODY But they’ll TORTURE us.
CHRIS I’m sure it’ll be torture for everyone, Jody.
. One just has to choose: become a Christian
. and go through a BIT of torture now,
. or not become a Christian and go through
. ETERNAL torture... (sighs) So how long is
. this Tribulation thing supposed to be?
JODY (softly) Seven years.
CHRIS Okay-wow, that IS a long time.
JODY I wish we WOULD have been ready.
. Do you think–
(DERRICK and BOBBY rush back in angrily.)
DERRICK Man! I could just spit. We checked all
. the rooms. Someone beat us to it!
. 26
BOBBY Hey, let’s just get out of here.
. (aside to DERRICK) I noticed at the
. restaurant, behind the counter, there was
. a back door which they just left open.
. Let’s sneak back there and grab what we can.
DERRICK (looks at CHRIS and JODY with a cool swagger)
. Okay, well, Bobby and I are taking off. See
. you around, when and if this all blows over.
CHRIS You’re not coming back?
DERRICK If we ever get coverage on our cellphones,
. we’ll be taking the first flight out of here.
BOBBY I guess we’ll just have to play it by ear!
CHRIS Be careful out there. (to JODY) We can see
. if there’s anything in the hotel’s kitchen.
DERRICK (back at CHRIS) YOU be careful. I saw
. the hotel manager walking around with a gun.
LIGHTS DIM at hotel lounge, stage left.
LIGHTS FADE UP at town square, center.
(As CHRIS and JODY exit STAGE LEFT, DERRICK and BOBBY
walk out into the square toward the restaurant.
As they near it, V.P. and KEITH step out from street
and accost them, but KEITH is more concerned.)
KEITH You’re not going to ask THEM?
. They're just tourists.
(V.P. politely ignores KEITH and remains professional
and in control, like he knows what is actually going on.)
V.P.. You guys want a job? We are recruiting
. right now for government positions.
DERRICK Why would we want to work for you?
BOBBY (laughs and nudges DERRICK)
. Yeah, who wants to WORK?!
V.P. Serve – and you’ll be fed.
BOBBY We don’t need you!
V.P. When you do, our offer still stands. 27
. Things will only get worse – as we try
. to make things better, of course.
DERRICK (laughing) Okay, thanks.
(DERRICK and BOBBY enter restaurant, while V.P. and
KEITH walk back into street.)
LIGHTS DIM at town square, center stage.
. SCENE 5
. THE FIRST HALF OF THE TRIBULATION
LIGHTS FADE UP on the heaven set, DL, and down center.
OPTION 1: play “Praise Hymn” by Mylon Lefevre
. & Broken Heart, miming along with the words.
OPTION 2: (if this is a musical...
. NATIONAL 1 stands more toward center stage
. and sings the recommended song:
. “Praise Hymn” by Mylon Lefevre & Broken Heart:
SLIDE ON SCREEN: smears of darker blue and gold alternate
NATIONAL 1 (sings vs.1) Praise Him in the morning,
. praise Him in the evening
. Praise Him, let all the people
. praise the Lord of glory
ALL XIANS (sing) Praise Him, He is worthy, praise Him,
. He is coming
NATIONAL 1 (sings) Praise Him let all the people
. praise the Lord forever, and ever
NATIONAL 1 (spoken with music: Revelation 5, adaptation)
. - Now John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem,
. coming down from God out of heaven.
. Then in my vision, I saw the throne
. of the Holy One - the Almighty One who lives
. forever. And lightning and thunder
. issued forth from the throne
. And there were voices in the thunder.
. - Then I saw a scroll in the right hand
. of the One sitting on the throne,
. and it was sealed with seven seals.
. And a mighty angel with a loud voice
. was shouting out this question
. 28
BIG ANGEL Who is worthy to break the seals?
NATIONAL 1 And no one in all of heaven and earth
. was permitted to open and read it
. Then I wept with disappointment,
. because no one was worthy
. - Then one of the 24 elders said to me,
OLDER XIAN Stop crying, for look!
NATIONAL 1 The Lion of the tribe of Judea was coming
. So I looked and saw a Lamb standing there
. before the 24 elders in front of the throne
. and the living beings
(JESUS enters and stands beside the throne.)
NATIONAL 1 And on the Lamb were wounds
. that once had caused His death
(JESUS holds out his arms, spread at 45 degree angles,
to show his wrists.)
NATIONAL 1 And He stepped forward and took the scroll
. from the right hand of the One sitting
. on the throne. And as He took the scroll
. the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb,
. each with a harp and a golden bowl filled
. with incense, the prayers of God’s people,
. - And they were singing Him a new song
. with these words,
(JESUS pulls a scroll from just behind the throne.
CHRISTIANS bow down.)
CHRISTIANS You are worthy to take the scroll
. and break its seals and open it,
. for You were slain and it was Your blood
. that bought people from every nation
. its guilt for God,
. and You have gathered them into a kingdom
. and made them priests of our God,
. and they shall reign upon the earth forever.
NATIONAL 1 - then in my vision, I heard the singing
. of millions of angels surrounding the throne.
ALL HEAVEN The Lamb is worthy,
NATIONAL 1 Loudly they sing it 29
ALL HEAVEN The Lamb who was slain is worthy
. to be praised
SOUND: Thunder.
LIGHTS DIM at heaven scene, DL, and down center.
(ALL exit.)
. SCENE 6
. THE JUDGEMENTS BEGIN
SOUND: Thunder blends to the sounds of war, guns
. and explosions.
LIGHT EFFECTS: orange flashes of light in the sky
SLIDE ON SCREEN: barren Jerusalem with less foliage
LIGHT FADES UP on town square, center stage.
(Carrying a bag, CHRIS sneaks from street to restaurant.
He quickly ducks behind crates to hide from 2 soldiers
rushing past, then CHRIS continues on to hotel.)
LIGHT DIMS on town square, center stage.
LIGHT FADES UP in hotel lounge, stage left.
(CHRIS looks around, and calls out quietly.)
CHRIS Jody! Jody?
JODY (comes from behind the sofa)
. I’m here-I’m here. Find anything?
(CHRIS holds out a bag. JODY grabs it quickly and
sits down to see what it holds.)
CHRIS It’s not much.
. (JODY holds out a piece of bread to CHRIS.)
. No-no, go ahead, I already had some. Really.
. (JODY quickly gobbles at the bread.)
. Except, you should really eat slower.
. (JODY looks then tries to be more lady-like.)
. I don’t mean that you have to be more –
. lady-like. I just don’t want you to get
. a stomachache.
. 30
(JODY picks up her eating-speed slightly with a nod
and talks with her mouth full.)
JODY How is it out there?
CHRIS Not good. Soldiers are everywhere. And
. trust me, if they see you – they will shoot.
JODY At least they got the crime under control.
CHRIS You mean, if it’s the soldiers and
. authority committing the crimes,
. then it’s not – crime?
JODY Huh? Ah, whatever, I don’t think I want
. to know anymore.
SOUND: creaking and door closing
(At the sound, CHRIS and JODY freeze. More creaking.
JODY moves closer to CHRIS. More creaking, then a door
is heard closing. JODY sighs, then starts to shake and
cry so hard she cannot continue eating.)
SOUND: gunshots in the distance.
(DERRICK and BOBBY run across square and into the hotel.
CHRIS and JODY jump in fear. DERRICK and BOBBY see
the bread in JODY’s hands and grin.)
DERRICK Hi, guys. You still here? You don’t happen
. to have any extra food, do you?
BOBBY We’re starving.
JODY You can have some –
(JODY holds out a bread piece, but DERRICK grabs it all.)
DERRICK Thank YOU!
(DERRICK and BOBBY gobble it down while CHRIS and JODY
stand by helpless and watch.)
BOBBY Do you have anything else?
CHRIS No, you pretty much - took it all.
DERRICK Where’d you get this?
. 31
CHRIS B – begged it off some guy.
DERRICK Where is he?
CHRIS Gone by now.
DERRICK Okay... Okay. I guess we know what we have
. to do then.
(CHRIS and JODY wait in fear as DERRICK and BOBBY look
around suspiciously. DERRICK studies the TV.)
DERRICK How much do you think that TV is worth?
CHRIS Absolutely nothing! Couldn’t give it away.
JODY It works maybe 10 percent of the time.
CHRIS Notice – nobody has stolen it yet.
BOBBY Yeah, I remember now.
(BOBBY starts to pull DERRICK away, but DERRICK stops
to eye CHRIS.)
DERRICK So when it DOES work, are you catching
. all the news?
CHRIS I think we’re catching MOST of what they’re
. saying. That President is making some
. very bold statements.
DERRICK But what do you think of him?
CHRIS I don’t know. Why? What do YOU think?
DERRICK I think he’s right on. If he can make
. world peace happen, then I’m FOR him.
BOBBY Yeah, he seems to know what he’s talking
. about. And he’s offering some solutions
. to the immediate problems.
CHRIS Are you so sure?
DERRICK Are you sure you don’t have any more food?
CHRIS Quite sure.
DERRICK Then, we’re out of here. 32
BOBBY Yeah, I think we’re going to join the troops.
. If you work for the government, you get
. free food. See? - Good guys.
DERRICK I guess if we ever have to find you,
. we KNOW where to find you!
BOBBY Yeah, good one.
(DERRICK and BOBBY laugh and knuckle-punch as they
leave toward square and exit via street.)
JODY What do you think that was all about?
CHRIS I can only imagine.
(CHRIS collapses on the sofa with head hanging.)
JODY What’s wrong?
CHRIS I feel guilty.
JODY For what?
CHRIS For – ah, (smacking his dry mouth)
. For lying and – stealing.
JODY What?
CHRIS I stole, okay. Remember? That first day
. before we left for the airport? Iiii was
. the one who went into everyone’s rooms
. and took whatever money I could find.
JODY That’s – well - I’m sure that’s okay. I mean,
. it’s not like they needed it. I mean –
. they would have wanted us to have it. Right?
. Besides... I took David’s Bible. I KNOW
. he would have wanted us to have THAT.
CHRIS You’ve been reading it?
JODY When you go out. Mostly the book
. of Revelation, though.
CHRIS So you know exactly what’s coming?
. (JODY collapses onto the sofa.)
. Do I WANT to know?
. 33
JODY (smiles, tries to sound hopeful & upbeat)
. SOME good things will happen. Like, 144,000
. Jews will be sealed, or protected by God, so
. they’ll live through the entire Tribulation.
. They’ll preach the gospel to the whole world,
. and MANY people will become Christians.
CHRIS Sure would be nice to find some of them, huh?
JODY Then, there are these - two witnesses -
. that the Bible talks about?
CHRIS What about them?
JODY THEY’LL be out warning the world about
. the Beast.
CHRIS (thinking) Do you think the ‘Beast’
. could be the President?
JODY That would make total sense since he is
. talking about world government. But,
. he’s so handsome.
CHRIS Don’t people tend to trust a beautiful person
. sooner than anyone else?
JODY Well, the Beast is going to want everyone on
. his side. Like, half way through the Trib.,
. he’ll want everyone to take some kind of mark
. and worship him, and the False Prophet -
. that’s the Beast’s partner. Both will be
. possessed by Satan so they’ll be very good at
. lying. They’ll even perform fake miracles...
. We’ll have to stay alert, and very strong.
CHRIS Can I see?
(JODY pulls Bible from sofa cushion and hands it to CHRIS
who studies it. JODY turns TV on and goes to hit it.)
LIGHTS GO ON at the podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER stands at the podium.)
ANNOUNCER And here, via world satellite, is the speech
. from the President of NEW Europe, the
. UNITED Europe.
(ANNOUNCER steps back proudly, allowing PRES. 34
to approach the podium.)
PRESIDENT Dear people of United Europe. Today, I have
. accomplished what many men have been trying
. to accomplish for centuries. I have united
. Europe, with New Babylon as its capital.
. I will not stop here, I will unite the world.
. Under my regime, I will be committed to
. making this nation prosperous and peaceful.
. There will be complete freedom and equality,
. for all races, ages, and sexual orientations.
. Each and every one of your rights is
. important. People will never be better until
. they make society better. I - will make our
. society better. And once the entire world
. witnesses the benefits of my leadership,
. we will finally have a WORLD that is united.
(While the PRES. gives his speech...)
LIGHTS FADE UP on town square, center stage.
(Meanwhile, V.P. and KEITH walk out from street to square
to mime a conversation. KEITH looks hopeful, even happy.
ELI enters from street and lingers around crates trying
to eavesdrop. At the end of PRES’S speech, KEITH and
V.P. shake hands in some sort of agreement.)
LIGHTS DIM at podium, DR.
LIGHTS FADE UP in office, stage right.
(PRES. enters office and sits down at desk. V.P. enters
and spreads out some paperwork to display and refer to
for the PRES.’S benefit.)
(In the square, as KEITH starts to walk to graveyard,
DERRICK comes from street and gets his attention.)
DERRICK (to KEITH) Hey, you. Wanna buy a TV?
KEITH Fool. Even if I had money for that,
. I don’t need one.
(DERRICK waves KEITH off and exits back into street area.
As KEITH turns around, he almost runs into ELI.)
ELI Keith! (wondering) What you doing, Keith?
KEITH Eli. I’m going now to prepare my sacrifice.
. 35
ELI What? Sacrifice? Us Israelites haven’t done
. that for ages! I mean, it’s been thousands
. of years.
KEITH The PRESIDENT is making it possible for us
. to get back to what we SHOULD have been doing
. all these years, and in Jerusalem – no less!
ELI But, you don’t HAVE to do that.
. (KEITH stops to study ELI with suspicion.)
. I’ve heard a message, the gospel. From these
. two men... called the Witnesses. Anyway,
. it all makes sense now. The Jesus who we
. crucified years ago, WAS and IS our Messiah.
KEITH (with deep sense of betrayal) How could you
. say that? After all that has happened here?
ELI WHAT has HAPPENED here?! Some man - called
. the President, who’s from Babylon, the city
. of immorality - has made some promises.
. So what?! Are you just going to buy that?
KEITH THAT makes much more sense. It was
. THE PRESIDENT and the VICE PRESIDENT
. who helped us set up our sacrificial system
. again. The PRESIDENT promises to fulfill
. the covenant. He promises us prosperity
. and BLESSINGS, AND he promises a WORLD
. kingdom. He just could be our Messiah.
ELI But they’re just promises. He hasn’t DONE
. these things. And he won’t be able to -
KEITH He’s WORKING on them. LOOK how LONG we’ve
. had peace.
ELI It hasn’t been all THAT long. AND,
. so we haven’t been at war with the usual
. countries, but we’ve been at war with each
. other. How is THAT peace?
KEITH Well, THAT JESUS from the New Testament
. that you talk about, He let Himself die!
. SOME so-called-King-wanna-be!
ELI But He rose again. HE became the Savior of
. our souls, the final sacrifice for all our
. sins. ALL we have to do is believe in this.
. 36
KEITH THAT is not the Messiah we were TAUGHT about.
ELI Because we were not taught the complete Word
. of God. And THAT message is even in the
. Old Testament, which we refused to look at it
. too closely. Instead, we TRIED living by
. the Law, but we know that’s impossible.
KEITH Suddenly you think we’re WRONG? We are
. the chosen ones, remember? I pity you.
. The President will take us right into the
. Millennium, WITH our covenants fulfilled,
. and YOU will miss it.
ELI You will miss it, my friend. The Bible
. is clear about Jesus coming AGAIN at the
. end of the Jewish Age. According to the book
. of Daniel, there are only seven years left.
. Then - He will come back AGAIN and set up
. His kingdom IN JERUSALEM. These last seven
. years will be anything BUT peaceful.
KEITH Eli, buddy, I wish you well. We’ll see
. how far you get with your renegade ways.
. I don’t think it so wise to oppose the
. ruling forces. Especially when they
. are giving us what we want.
(KEITH now exits through the graveyard. ELI shakes
his head and turns to exit through the street.)
LIGHTS DIM at town square, center stage.
LIGHTS FADES UP at podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER stands beside podium, twiddling her thumbs.)
LIGHT FADES UP in office, stage right.
(PRES. sits at desk, where he hands V.P. a paper. V.P.
exits through door. PRES. goes to stands by podium to
make speech. ANNOUNCER sees him and quickly gets ready.)
LIGHTS BECOME BRIGHTER on the podium, DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium, puts on a big smile)
. A news update. The warring continues, but
. the President of the United Europe is here
. with us now, to offer us hope and peace.
. 37
PRESIDENT (steps up to podium, speaking with power)
. All of the nation’s reserves are suffering,
. except for the United Europe which falls
. under my authority. We are heading
. the battle and surely gaining ground.
. (softer voice, confiding) I, the President
. of the United Europe, am not only willing
. to make peace with the nations that declare
. war on my domain, but I am willing to
. make peace and unite ALL nations.
. (getting stronger) I was able to fulfill
. my promise among the Europeans - I can
. fulfill this promise of peace to everyone.
. But, make no mistake, I will continue
. the fight until all nations submit.
LIGHT DIMS at podium, DR.
LIGHT FADES UP in office area, stage right.
(PRES. returns to office desk and calmly does paperwork.
Throughout all the noise and effects, he remains calm.)
SOUND: siren howls.
LIGHT DIMS on office, stage right.
SLIDES ON SCREEN: dark scenes of famine flash
DIM LIGHTS flicker on town square, center stage.
(Some people run across the dimly lit stage. As they go,
someone can shift a shutter on one of the storefronts
as if it is part of the set. Someone screams offstage.)
LIGHTS FADE OUT on town square, center stage.
LIGHT FADES UP on podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER at podium is startled, then collects herself.)
BACKGROUND SOUND: heavy bass drum slowly builds
ANNOUNCER A news update. The latest death toll
. has been calculated. In almost three
. and a half years, a quarter of the earth’s
. population has been killed: through famine,
. diseases and war. Our crops have been
. neglected and our supplies have been looted.
LIGHT DIMS at podium, DR.
. 38
SOUND: gunshots being fired, explosions
SLIDES ON SCREEN: war scenes flash
DIM LIGHTS FLICER at town square, center stage.
(SOLDIERS scatter across stage. As they go, someone can
pull half an awning down from one of the storefronts if.)
LIGHT GOES ON at podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER at the podium.)
ANNOUNCER Germ warfare is suspect for many of the new
. diseases that have emerged. There is not
. enough medication or penicillin to even touch
. a small percentage of the victims in this
. mass genocide. Many more people will die
. UNLESS the world will look to the President
. of the United Europe for its answers.
LIGHTS DIM at podium, DR.
SOUND: sirens and only a few gunshots ring out
SLIDES OF SCREEN: war scenes flash
DIM LIGHTS FLICKER at town square, center stage.
(SOME PEOPLE huddle together suspiciously, then scatter
as SOLDIERS run towards them shaking swords and clubs
at them. A woman screams as she is dragged off stage.)
LIGHT GOES ON at podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER at podium.)
ANNOUNCER Productivity is down, crime and mayhem
. continue to rise. We find that even
. our bullets are in short supply. And still
. in this desperate hour, the President
. is willing and ready to take full control
. and relieve the world of its afflictions
. and its senseless killings - if ONLY
. the nations would trust him.
LIGHTS DIM at podium, DR.
. SCENE 7 39
. THE HALF-WAY POINT OF THE TRIBULATION
SLIDE ON SCREEN: darker Jerusalem
LIGHTS FADE UP at town square, center stage.
(DERRICK and BOBBY tentatively stagger in from street.
BOBBY collapses on the crates.)
DERRICK Déjà vu.
BOBBY Whaaaat?!
DERRICK (angrily) This place looks familiar.
BOBBY Don’t make me learn another language. I’m so
. hungry, I can’t think. At all! I thought
. I knew the meaning of starvation. How can
. restaurants and grocery stores be completely
. out of food? Isn’t that the hotel where
. we stayed?
DERRICK What?-When?
BOBBY Like, over three years ago!
DERRICK Has it been that long?
(DERRICK pulls out a liquor bottle in a bag from
his pocket and tries to sip it without BOBBY seeing.)
BOBBY (angry) You – you have something, and
. you’re keeping it from me?!
DERRICK You – said you were hungry – not thirsty.
BOBBY Hey, at least that would help me forget
. the gnawing pain in my gut.
(BOBBY grabs the bottle and takes a quick swig. DERRICK
winds up to punch BOBBY, but is distracted when CHRIS and
JODY sneak out of the hotel. DERRICK now only nudges
BOBBY, while BOBBY quickly hides the bottle.)
CHRIS (sigh) It IS you. You’re still alive.
BOBBY Barely.
JODY Do YOU have any food?
. 40
(DERRICK rips bottle from BOBBY and puts it into
his pocket.)
DERRICK No! Do you?
BOBBY I think it’s time to join.
CHRIS What, join the President’s army?
JUDY I–I don’t know. I think the President
is an evil man.
DERRICK (suspiciously) Oh yeah?
BOBBY At least we’ll be fed.
DERRICK (rethinking) We’ll have to work, though.
BOBBY (stronger) At least we’ll be fed.
CHRIS I – I don’t know. If I get desperate,
. I might at least, maybe check it out.
DERRICK You’re right. It’s not like it’s OUR
. country. Right? Why get killed fighting
. a war that’s not even ours.
BOBBY I want to eat, Derrick.
DERRICK (shrugs) I guess it’s time to hunt down
. another little animal. Huh?
CHRIS (curiously) Where do you find little animals?
BOBBY Do you REALLY want to know?
(JODY gasps and puts a hand to her mouth to stop a gag.)
CHRIS Are you talking – like – a pet -
BOBBY We’re talking mostly rats, things like that.
DERRICK Pets are hard to find. You going to join us?
CHRIS (seeing JODY’S horrified expression)
. Ah, no, thanks, I think we’ll pass this time.
(DERRICK and BOBBY exit by street. CHRIS and JODY
go back to hotel.)
. 41
LIGHTS DIM on town square, center stage.
LIGHTS FADE UP on office, stage right.
(ANNOUNCER sits in chair working on her nails.
V.P. enters office and stops to watch PRES. working.)
PRESIDENT (finally looks up) It is time.
(V.P. nods. ANNOUNCER stops preening and gathers notes.)
PRESIDENT Time to carry out the next step.
LIGHTS UP at podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER approaches podium. During ANNOUNCER’S speech,
PRES. packs up his briefcase and exits SR.)
LIGHTS DIM at office, stage right.
ANNOUNCER Sad news today. The world weeps at the
. President’s passing. We all mourn his loss,
. and with that, the hope of any future
. for all our nations.
LIGHT DIMS at podium, DR.
LIGHT FADES UP at town square, center stage.
(KEITH joins a group of PEOPLE in a huddled discussion.
Upset, KEITH steps away from the group and paces back
and forth in the square as the rest of the group slowly
disperse. ELI comes from graveyard and looks around.
Seeing KEITH, ELI approaches.)
ELI What’s the commotion?
KEITH Haven’t you heard? The President has been
. fatally wounded.
ELI I guess, there goes the coming of Israel’s
. kingdom –
KEITH Oh, we will be entering the Millennium!
. We all have faith that the President
. will rise again.
ELI What!?
KEITH Both the President and the Vice President 42
. had a great ministry, which included
. healing and working miracles. But you’ve
. been too busy with that dumb Jesus story from
. way back when! When you should be concerned
. with what’s happening right now!
(KEITH sees MAN walk by and catches up to him to exit
via street.)
ELI (to himself) I am, Keith. Trust me, I am.
LIGHTS DIM at town square, center stage.
LIGHTS FADE UP at podium, DR.
(V.P. enters podium area and whispers to ANNOUNCER, who
has been waiting. She smiles and approaches podium.)
ANNOUNCER (happily) This is an update. We have
. an exciting piece of news to broadcast.
. Here to report on this amazing turn of events
. is our Vice President.
(During speech, PRES. enters and waits in background.)
V.P. Good news, and glad tidings. The President
. is alive. The President who was mortally
. wounded does live. He lives to bring peace
. to the world and continue his reign, stronger
. than ever. Among you, an image of our
. President will be made, a special image will
. be placed in the Temple of Jerusalem, for us
. to remember the great affliction that he has
. suffered–for us all–to bring us hope and give
. us leadership. I give you now-the President!
SLIDE ON SCREEN: photo of the PRESIDENT with golden tint
LIGHTS FADE UP in town square, center stage.
(PEOPLE and SOLDIERS come out to cheer. Among these are
KEITH, DERRICK and BOBBY. ELI stands off to one side of the square.
CHRIS and JODY stand off, at other side.)
(PRES. steps up to podium grandly, arms outstretched.)
PRES. I love you all. Love everyone you can. Enjoy.
. I live again, for you, for world government,
. for world religion, and for world economy.
. 43
(PRES. now gets down to business.)
PRES. As the world’s President, I now have in place
. a universal code which will clearly identify
. whether you are part of our brotherhood.
. Having this mark will demonstrate, and be
. proof of your complete support, as well as
. enable you to partake in the benefits that
. I will so generously bestow to all those
. who are part of my family...
FADE OUT PRESIDENT’S SPEECH.
OPTION 1: play “Six Sixty Six” by Larry Norman
. and mime along with song...
OPTION 2: either CHRIS, JODY and/or ELI sings
. “Six Sixty Six” by Larry Norman while...
(During song: off to side, you can have DANCERS perform
a dance of death and shame. PRES. mimes the rest of
his speech, while PEOPLE mime cheering.)
CHRIS (sings v.1) In the midst of the war,
. he offered us peace, He came like a lover
. from out of the East. With a face of
. an angel, and the heart of a beast.
. His intentions were six sixty six.
LIGHTS FADE UP in office, stage right.
(During second verse, PRES. and V.P. enter office and
pretend to give each other a mark on their foreheads.)
(In the square, while singing [or not}, ELI walks around
front of CROWD, watching, but avoiding to be seen.)
ELI (sings v.2) He walked up to the temple
. with gold in his hand, and he bought off
. the priests, and propositioned the land.
. And the world was his harlot and laid in the
. sand. While the band played six sixty six.
(During third verse, PRES. and V.P. arrange some papers
for distributing the mark to others. ANNOUNCER gets her
mark then returns to her post. PRES. and V.P. step out
into the square.)
LIGHTS DIM in office, stage right.
(In the square, KEITH, DERRICK and BOBBY line up 44
with most of the crowd. As PRES. puts [pretend] mark on
each persons’ forehead, V.P. checks off their names in a
file. He then waves them on to exit through the street.
JODY (sings v.3) We served at his table
. and slept on the floor
. While he starved us and beat us,
. and nailed us to the door.
. Well I’m ready to die, I can’t take anymore
. And I’m sick of his lies and his tricks,
(ELI walks to stage left toward CHRIS and JODY, but not
all the way. He stops to watch the scene with sadness.)
JODY (sings v.4) He told us he loved us
. but that was a lie.
CHRIS (sings) There was blood in his pockets
. and death in his eyes.
ELI (sings) Well my number is up and
. I’m willing to die.
ALL 3 (sings) If the band will play six sixty six
(DERRICK and BOBBY are the last to get their marks.
After getting them, PRES. looks at DERRICK.)
PRESIDENT How come you have not joined my forces yet?
. Are you not willing to serve?
DERRICK Ah, I – we – figured – you know, we’re not
. really from this country. We were here
. as tourists when all this war broke out.
PRESIDENT We are all one nation now. Wouldn’t you
. want to be part of the solution that maybe
. helps get you back home? Or perhaps,
. make your home here?
BOBBY I’d be happy with food.
PRESIDENT We could supply you food. We have stores
. of food.
BOBBY Sign us up!
V.P. Men of action. That’s what we like to see.
PRESIDENT Yes, indeed. (to V.P.) Please, see 45
. that you equip these men and assign them
. their tasks.
V.P. This way, men.
(V.P. motions for DERRICK and BOBBY to follow him through
street exit. PRES. smiles and enters office to work.)
(In the square, ELI notices CHRIS and JODY standing
and watching the scene also. They speak very guardedly
through the entire conversation.)
ELI I notice things.
CHRIS (suspiciously) Yeah?
ELI Are you not buying into that?
CHRIS That’s an interesting way to put it...
ELI Well, are you?
CHRIS I’m not - really sure yet. Maybe I’m
. too hungry to think clearly.
ELI I think it will be very important
. to think clearly.
CHRIS You may be right.
ELI (looks at JODY) This is not a safe place
. for a young lady.
JODY Where would I be safe?
ELI You have a good point there.
JODY We’ve been fine just staying –
(CHRIS shushes her with a look. ELI looks suspiciously
at the two before slowly leaving through the graveyard.)
JODY Why’d you shush me – with that – look–thing
. that you did?! That face was scary.
CHRIS Jody, we can’t trust anyone. I just have –
. a very bad feeling.
JODY Duh! How much worse can things get?
. 46
(SOLDIERS are heard yelling as they make their way
from the street. CHRIS pushes JODY to run. Seeing the
crates right there, CHRIS dives behind those, while
frantic JODY runs into hotel and hides behind the sofa.)
LIGHTS FADE UP in hotel lounge, stage left.
(Entering square with the SOLDIERS, DERRICK and BOBBY now
wear red armbands too and each have a sword between their
belts and pants at their backs. DERRICK carries a small
pad of paper and stops to check it. Looking up, DERRICK
remembers the hotel and him and BOBBY march toward it.)
DERRICK Chris! Jody!
BOBBY (nicely) It’s us, Derrick and Bobby.
(JODY jumps out with relief, then seeing their armbands,
terror. DERRICK looks around suspiciously.)
DERRICK Where’s Chris?
JODY I – I don’t know.
DERRICK (skeptical) Really? Are you sure?
JODY Very – I’m very sure.
BOBBY If we find him here, you’re in big trouble.
JODY Go ahead, look for yourself.
(BOBBY looks around the room, exits, then reenters
a few seconds later.)
BOBBY No sign of him.
(BOBBY stands behind JODY to intimidate her further.)
JODY You–you – took the mark –and joined –them.
DERRICK Yes. And we can see that you did not.
JODY And, I’m not going to, I don’t think I’m
. going to.
DERRICK What’s the matter, Jody? It’s just a little
. mark.
JODY I’m - not - going to take the mark. 47
DERRICK Not taking the mark is rebellion against the
. President. You do understand what this means?
(JODY stands there not knowing what to do or say.)
DERRICK If you do not take the mark, you must die.
(JODY looks around and fidgets like she’s going to bolt.)
BOBBY There’s no where to run, Jody. Even if
. you try, we’ll get you.
JODY (incredibly) How - could - you do this?
DERRICK This is your last chance, Jody. Are you
. going to come with us to get the mark?
JODY ...I, I can’t.
BOBBY It’s just a mark, Jody.
JODY No, Bobby, it isn’t. It isn’t JUST a mark.
DERRICK You’re willing to die for fear of a little
. mark?
JODY I am willing to die – because I love God.
DERRICK (matter-of-factly) Then, you must die.
LIGHTS DIM in hotel lounge, stage left.
(DERRICK and BOBBY grab JODY by the upper arms and
drag her out into the square.)
JODY (yelling) Nooo! I didn’t do anything wrong-
. Our Father, who Art in heaven, hallowed
. be Thy name, Thy kingdom come -
(DERRICK and BOBBY keep JODY’s back to congregation.
DERRIC takes out his knife and slits her throat, just as
she finishes saying ‘Thy kingdom come.’ JODY slumps to
floor and remains there. DERRICK and BOBBY march off
through street exit. Then CHRIS jumps out from crates.
Seeing JODY lying there, CHRIS rushes over to JODY’s
body. Seeing that she is dead, CHRIS becomes angered
and begins to chase after DERRICK and BOBBY.)
CHRIS NOOOOO! 48
(ELI jumps out from graveyard area and catches CHRIS to
clamp a hand over his mouth. As KEITH enters from the
street area, ELI pulls CHRIS behind the crates again.
SOLDIERS come from graveyard and look into hotel, then
move on through square. Seeing the SOLDIERS,
KEITH calls after them.)
KEITH Hey, hey you!
(SOLDIERS turn and stare at KEITH who points up at screen
with the PRESIDENT’S golden photo.)
KEITH You tell that President that he has
. desecrated our temple by putting that,
. that idol in here. He wasn’t supposed
. to do that. It doesn’t belong there!
. (SOLDIERS march up to KEITH and grab him.)
. Hey, what do you think you’re doing?
SOLDIER Cleansing the temple.
KEITH But, we had a covenant.
(SOLDIER slits KEITH’s throat, keeping KEITH’S back to
congregation. KEITH falls to ground, remaining there.)
SOLDIER Now you don’t.
(SOLDIERS walk off through street. CHRIS emerges from
behind crate and watches ELI as he slowly approaches
and examines KEITH’s body.)
CHRIS What is going on here?! What’s happening?!
ELI (puts calming hand toward CHRIS) No point in
. going off. You can’t stop the Beast or the
. False Prophet. No one can, except Jesus.
CHRIS But, I – can’t take any more. I don’t know
. if I can hang on much longer.
ELI (an ah-ha moment) You ARE a Christian!
. (CHRIS nods carefully.)
. Don’t be afraid. I’m also a Christian.
CHRIS (still too afraid to show much relief)
. What are we going to d -
SOUND: (18 second) EARTHQUAKE 49
LIGHTS FLICKER, then stay DIM.
(EVERYONE on stage tries to hang to things to keep their
balance. When earthquake is done, ELI looks around.)
ELI Let’s join the others in the wilderness.
. Things are about to get much worse.
CHRIS (motions to the two bodies)
. We can’t just leave them lying here.
ELI We don’t have any time.
CHRIS If we don’t do anything, no one will.
. Haven’t you noticed all the dead bodies
. laying everywhere?
ELI (looks around) We can at least get them
. into this graveyard here, then we can make
. our way to the city gate.
(ELI and CHRIS quickly drag their friends into graveyard
and out of sight. Exiting for only a few seconds,
ELI and CHRIS run back into the square.)
ELI They must have JUST blocked that entrance.
CHRIS This way! In here!
LIGHTS DIM in town square, center stage.
LIGHTS FADE UP in hotel lounge, stage left.
(CHRIS leads ELI into the hotel.)
ELI God’s mercy be upon us.
CHRIS So what are we going to do? Just sit and
. wait here until it’s our turn to die?
ELI We can pray. We can pray for God’s judgement
. to fall onto the sinners, and pray –
. that our Messiah will come soon.
(ELI encourages CHRIS to kneel in prayer.)
LIGHTS DIM in hotel lounge, stage left.
. SCENE 8 50
. THE SECOND-HALF OF THE TRIBULATION
SLIDE ON SCREEN: very dark, bleak, barren Jerusalem
LIGHTS FADE UP in office, stage right.
(V.P. enters side door to report to PRES.)
V.P. (pacing, worried) The sun has become black.
. The moon is blood red. Stars have shifted.
. Entire islands and mountains have shifted.
PRESIDENT (controlled anger) I am aware of that!
V.P. A lot of our men in leadership have run
. for the hills to hide, or escape.
PRESIDENT There are more men we can use.
V.P. There are lots of people following OTHER
. false prophets.
PRESIDENT Fine! As long as they’re not following God!
V.P. Then... there’s news. Many people ARE
. turning to God.
PRESIDENT (struggles to hide his fury) We’ll just
. work harder to change their minds. Or we
. will find them and put them all to death.
. But we need to do something about those
. two witnesses! They are warning the entire
. world about us. They must be destroyed!
V.P. But, people have tried killing them.
. They’re indestructible. Not only that,
. but they turn around and destroy our men
. with fire and plagues.
PRESIDENT Regardless, they must be destroyed. Put out
. a reward for their death, or something.
. Next...
V.P. (clears throat, afraid, under his breath)
. The Jews have fled into the wilderness.
PRESIDENT What!?! Send out a large army! We cannot
. allow any of them to live. We cannot
. give God any reason to come back to earth!
. 51
V.P. Well, that’s sort of inevitable-
PRESIDENT (interrupts with fierce anger)
. NOT - one more word about that!!!
LIGHTS DIM in office, stage right.
LIGHTS BARELY FADE UP in hotel, stage left.
(CHRIS and ELI peer cautiously outside.)
CHRIS Listen, no wind. Not even a breeze.
ELI Like the calm before the storm. The calm
. before the terrible judgments. I met these
. two – men – if you can call them that.
. The two witnesses–that’s what they’re called.
. THEY were warning us about this.
LIGHTS FADE UP A LITTLE MORE.
CHRIS Oh! Some of the power is back on.
LIGHTS FADE UP at podium, DR.
ANNOUNCER (steps up to podium) We are back on the air.
. Due to causes beyond our control, our
. satellite system had been down. As we have
. intermittent power, we will broadcast
. whatever we can – whenever we can -
BLACK OUT.
SLIDES ON SCREEN: hail, lightning and fire flashes
SOUND: pounding hail and thunder
Someone screams.
LIGHTS FADE UP at podium, DR.
ANNOUNCER (clings to podium, then gathers herself)
. We have experienced international disasters
. of extreme proportions where hail and
. fire storms have damaged and destroyed
. one third of the world’s trees and land.
BLACK OUT.
SLIDES ON SCREEN: red rivers and seas flash 52
Someone moans, others cry and wail.
LIGHTS FADE UP at podium, at DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium) It was reported that a large
. mass of fire hit the Great Ocean. One third
. of the seas became blood, destroying sea life
. and every ship in the area.
BLACK OUT.
SLIDES ON SCREEN: dead sea creatures on the shore flash
LIGHTS FADE UP at podium, DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium) A-a great star, which scientists
. have named “Wormwood,” has just crashed onto
. the earth, causing one third of our fresh
. water system to become bitter.
BLACK OUT.
SLIDES ON SCREEN: falling stars to starless Jerusalem
LIGHTS FADE UP at podium, DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium) Scientists are telling us that
. our solar system appears to be losing its
. source of power. The sun and stars are
. only generating one third of their light
. and heat. Now, more than ever, we must
. look to the President for improving our
. quality of life for our society-
. (gasps just before LIGHT turns off)
BLACK OUT.
LIGHTS FADE UP at podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER hugs podium as a terrible voice roars out.)
SOUND OF EAGLE VOICE:
. O horror! Horror! How horrible
. it will be for all who live on earth
. when the sound comes from the trumpets
. that the other three angels must blow!
VERY DIM LIGHTS FLICKER on entire stage.
. 53
SOUND: (30 seconds of) flying LOCUST
(EVERYONE except CHRIS and ELI wipe away insects.)
DRY ICE FOG creeps across stage.
(EVERYONE coughs and chokes as the earth is covered
in smog/smoke. Even in the hotel, CHRIS and ELI
start coughing and wiping their eyes.)
CHRIS (coughing) Where’s the smoke coming from?
. It sure, is hellish! Hey!... What is
. that sound? Are we actually getting rain?
ELI L-look, over there. A cloud of some sort.
LIGHTING EFFECT giving impression of locusts flying.
(CHRIS raises himself to look out [pretend] window,
then jumps back from a scare as a [pretend] locust
lands right in front of him.)
CHRIS Ugh!-Ugh!-Ugh! What, is that? Ugh–get away.
(CHRIS jumps then shoos another away. ELI peeks outside.)
ELI I’ve never seen locust like that. But why
. aren’t they eating the grass or leaves?
. They usually eat everything in sight!
CHRIS I remember! The plague of locust, although,
. they’re more like – armor-plated monster
. locust. They’re going to torment those
. people with the mark of the Beast.
. (sees ELI’S horrified expression)
. Lucky for us! They sting like scorpions!
(ELI moves further inside with respectful fear.)
(Entering from street area, DERRICK and BOBBY pretend
to hit and grab the biting locust from their bodies
and throw them off as they run to doorway of restaurant,
groaning and crying out in pain.)
DERRICK (groans) We can’t get away from these things.
BOBBY (freaking) Get it off of me-get it off of me!
(BOBBY dances in circles trying to get locust off.)
. 54
(In office, PRES. tries to keep his cool despite the
locust. V.P. has a bigger problem keeping his composure.
Squealing in terror, ANNOUNCER tries to duck and hide.)
V.P. Because of these - locust, men are trying
. to commit suicide.
PRESIDENT With the help of Satan, they won’t.
. We need every man available in case
. of a supreme battle.
V.P. It’s been five months of this. How will
. we keep the people happy and on our side?
PRESIDENT Begin a vast distribution of amphetamines for
. their troubles, on the house, for one week-
. And then tell them to meditate on my image.
. That’ll keep their feeble minds occupied.
(DERRICK and BOBBY step outside the restaurant, rigid,
itchy and paranoid of everything.)
BOBBY Are they gone?-Please tell me they’re gone.
DERRICK Evolution must have gone haywire! First,
. that nasty swarm of freaked-out locust.
. Now an invasion of some, sick, deformed army!
BOBBY You saw it too? Ehhh, I thought I was
. hallucinating. Were those even men?
DERRICK They didn’t look like men to me.
BOBBY What about those horse-things they ride on?
. Derrick, tell me what you saw... I don’t know
. if I’m seeing right.
DERRICK I’d rather think they were hallucinations.
BOBBY Derrick – what did you see?
DERRICK The horse-things - had heads - like lions.
. And they were breathing some kind of
. sulfuric smoke and fire, like a dragon.
BOBBY I saw them kill a few people with that.
DERRICK And what about their tails?
BOBBY Those looked like snakes to me. 55
DERRICK Yeah. Their tails look like snakes, and they
. bite. I saw their tails bite. That’s so sick!
BOBBY Do you think it’s another alien invasion?
DERRICK I’m beginning to see what the President
. has been talking about.
BOBBY What you mean?
DERRICK God! God is behind all of this. I hate Him.
BOBBY The President? You CAN’T hate the President.
DERRICK No! I hate God.
BOBBY Yeah, I hate Him, too. The nerve, huh?
LIGHTS FADE UP at podium, DR.
(ANNOUNCER steps up to podium. PRES. watches to make
sure she reads the report exactly how it’s written.)
ANNOUNCER It was a dark time for us all, but
. the President - was able to keep his kingdom
. intact against the alien army of two hundred-
. million. One third of the world’s men
. have been killed by these strange creatures.
. Many more are suffering the wounds of
. the bitter, vicious battle. But,
. (looks at President doubtfully)
. the President managed to communicate with
. their leader and draw up a truce.
. (PRES. nods approval with a slimy smile.)
. Now on a much lighter note... Not only has
. the President, once again, put an end
. to our kingdom’s fighting, but he has put
. an end to the two witnesses from Israel,
. and their senseless killings.
. In speculation, we have reason to believe
. that not only were the two witnesses trying
. to divide our government, but they were
. in cahoots with the forces of the now
. conquered alien army. The President has
. declared the next few days - an international
. holiday - to FEAST our eyes on the two
. deceased bodies; the two witnesses,
. who will torment us - no more.
. 56
EXTREMELY BRIGHT SPOTLIGHT SHINES FROM ABOVE.
(EVERYONE on stage shields their eyes at the light.)
STRONG VOICE:
. There will be no more delay! But when
. the seventh angel blows his trumpet, then
. God will accomplish His secret plan, as He
. announced to his servants, the prophets!
EXTREMELY BRIGHT SPOTLIGHT DIMS.
(DERRICK and BOBBY are camped out in restaurant doorway,
both drinking from a liquor bottle wrapped in a bag.)
BOBBY What was THAT voice all about?
DERRICK Ha-ha-ha–duh! Just another hallucination.
. Ignore it, it’s just God trying to trick us.
(DERRICK and BOBBY clink bottles as in a toast.)
DERRICK Besht wishes.
BOBBY Thanhk you.
DERRICK Thish ish GREAT! A hholiday! chelebration!
. They finally killed the two witnesses, after
. three and a half yearsh of shlaughtering
. innocent people.
BOBBY Thankhs to the Preshident. (lifts his bottle)
DERRICK They got what they deserved! And we get what
. we deserve, another holiday to get gifts,
. in celebration of their death.
BOBBY Thansh to the Prshident. (lifts his bottle)
(In hotel, CHRIS and ELI watch TV.)
CHRIS (sickened by what he sees) I can’t believe
. they’re televising this-three and a half days
. of the two witnesses just lying there
. in the street, dead. How morbid!
ELI I met them. They were the ones who told me
. about salvation through, Jesus, our Messiah
CHRIS Hey, one of them just moved! 57
(ELI and CHRIS both watch the TV closer.)
(In square, DERRICK and BOBBY stare off into distance.)
BOBBY (wary) Deeerrick. Look down the street,
. there. The two witnesses – they’re moving.
DERRICK Impossible. They promised us they were dead.
. They made sure of it. Maybe it’s just-
BOBBY Look, hey! Hey, look! Their getting away!
. They’re flying up into the shky
DERRICK Pfh, good riddanch, I say. At least
. they’re gone -
SOUND: (8 second) EARTHQUAKE
DIM LIGHTS FLICKER across entire stage.
(EVERYONE on stage shakes and holds onto things to keep
their balance. EVERYONE is afraid.)
(In office, PRES. hangs onto desk until the earthquake
is over. Slightly irritated at the interruption,
he continues to write a note while V.P. begins to pace.
Looking in her pocket mirror, ANNOUNCER fixes herself.)
V.P. Those two witnesses have made us look
. like fools!
PRESIDENT It’s not over yet!
LIGHT FADES UP at podium, DR.
(PRES. finishes the note and hands it to ANNOUNCER.
She reads the note on the way to her podium and she
throws on a smile. PRES. follows her warily.)
ANNOUNCER A news update. We have a bulletin regarding
. the two witnesses. Please, do not panic.
. What you saw was only an apparition.
. I repeat, only an apparition. A visual trick
. due to the tampering of our transmitting
. services. We HAVE the Israel guerillas
. who hacked into and vandalized the
. international satellite system in our custody
. and are now under interrogation.
. 58
(ANNOUNCER looks at PRES. questioningly, then continues.)
ANNOUNCER There was also at this time... a SMALL
. earthquake, that destroyed only one tenth
. of Jerusalem. 7,000 men were found dead.
. The rest of the city panicked and turned
. their backs on the President. Those people
. will be severely, and justly punished.
. There will certainly be -
SOUND: (8 second) EARTHQUAKE, HAIL and THUNDER
DIM STAGE LIGHTS FLICKER over entire stage.
(ALL shake with earthquake and hang on in fear. Then ALL
react to voices, MOST cower in fear, SOME are angered.)
ANGEL 1’S VOICE:
. Honor God and praise His greatness!
. For the time has come for Him
. to judge mankind. Worship Him who made
. the heaven, earth, sea and springs of water.
ANGEL 2’S VOICE:
. She has fallen! Great Babylon has fallen!
. She made all people drink her wine –
. the strong wine of her immoral lust!
ANGEL 3’S VOICE:
. Whoever worships the Beast and its image,
. and receives the mark on his forehead
. or on his hand will himself drink the wine
. of his fury, which He has poured
. at full strength into the cup of His anger!
(ANNOUNCER finds a “boil” on her arm. She tries
to maintain composure despite her pain and discomfort.
PRES. rudely prompts her to continue.)
ANNOUNCER News update. On the, I, ah,
. (clears throat, gains composure)
. There appears to be an unknown germ warfare
. being aimed against our kingdom.
. Those with the mark, over the entire world,
. have developed, terrible, painful boils.
. We believe Israel’s underground terrorists
. to be the instigators of this evil attack.
BLACK OUT.
. 59
SLIDES ON SCREEN: red seas and dead sea creatures flash
LIGHT FADES UP on podium, at DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium) The sea has become contaminated
. with vile blood, which has killed all
. sea life in it. The President suggests
. saving as much water as you possibly can,
. in case of further contamination.
BLACK OUT.
SLIDES ON SCREEN: red rivers and fountains flash
LIGHT FADES UP on podium, at DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium) All rivers and fountains have
. become blood. We hope you have listened to
. the President’s wise advice in the storage of
. water. An international search for a fresh
. water source has begun. Meanwhile, extreme
. water rationing is in effect. Israel’s
. network is suspect. The President has the
. correct authorities working on a tunnel
. sabotage, in search of Israel’s main station.
BLACK OUT.
SLIDES ON SCREEN: solar flares and burned up land flash
LIGHT FADES UP on podium, at DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium) News update. (wipes forehead)
. Scientists now say that our Earth’s ozone
. layer has been annialated. They suspect the
. Earth’s orbit has shifted and continues to
. move closer to the sun, which would cause
. the sun to appear darker, albeit hotter.
. In some areas, solar flares have destroyed
. pockets of the earth’s population.
. The President is employing researchers
. to find another livable planet.
BLACK OUT.
SLIDES ON SCREEN: sick and dying people flash
LIGHT FADES UP on podium, at DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium) News update. Disease of 60
. epidemic proporations has struck like never
. seen before. The President has his top
. medical researchers looking into a cure.
. Israel’s network is responsible. We have
. managed to tap into the station’s
. communication transmissions which has
. given us access to their terrorist plots.
BLACK OUT.
SLIDE ON SCREEN: desert-like river basins flash
LIGHT FADES UP on podium, at DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium) News update. The Great Euphrates
. River - has completely dried up.
LIGHT DIMS at podium, DR.
LIGHT FADES UP at office, stage right.
(PRES. marches angrilly into office and up to V.P.)
PRESIDENT This is it! Call all troops to Armageddon!
(V.P. exits via side door. PRES. stays to organize.)
SOUND: Huge EARTHQUAKE and enormous HAIL POUNDING
DIM LIGHTS FLICKER across the stage.
(EVERYONE on the stage reacts. As it dies down,
back at the hotel, ELI looks at CHRIS.)
CHRIS Could the end actually be near?
ELI Messiah! Please! Messiah, come now!
(ELI and CHRIS kneel and pray with fervor.)
LIGHT FADES UP on podium, at DR.
ANNOUNCER (at podium) News update. The worst earthquake
. of all times has just occurred. Jerusalem
. has been split in three. Every major city
. of every nation has been destroyed.
. Every island and mountain has disappeared.
. Storms with hailstones weighing as much as
. 100 pounds have killed countless people-
(PRES. approaches podium, pushing ANNOUNCER aside.) 61
PRESIDENT The time has come. I have summoned all
. nations to descend upon Israel and destroy
. them. They have deceived the world long
. enough... (continues to mime a fiery speech)
FADE OUT THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH.
OPTION 1: play “Messiah” by Larry Norman
. and mime along with the song.
OPTION 2: (if musical... CHRIS and ELI sing “Messiah,”
. kneeling in prayer, arms raised slightly)
ELI (sings v.1) Messiah took this world by force
. Messiah took the world by force
. I could hear children crying
. I could see people dying
. I could see the cities falling
. I could hear the Savior calling
(During song: V.P. enters office via side door. PRES.
and V.P. look over notes and maps, discussing strategy.
In the square, SOLDIERS along with DERRICK and BOBBY
sharpen their knives, getting ready for battle.)
ELI & CHRIS (sing chorus) Messiah, Messiah,
. He took this world by force
. Messiah, Messiah, He took this world by force
(During song: SOLDIERS emerge from the street area and
graveyard area and meet beside office. DERRICK and BOBBY
join. PRESIDENT and V.P. step out into the square.
PRESIDENT steps back with authority as overseer,
as V.P. points out their strategy to the SOLDIERS.)
CHRIS (sings v.2) Red clouds blotted out the sun
. Darkness fell on everyone
. Rivers of blood were running
. I could see the armies coming
. I could see their weapons falling
. I could hear the angels calling
(During song: PRES. lifts his sword, motioning to begin
the battle. V.P. seconds motion by raising his sword.)
ELI & CHRIS (sing chorus) Messiah, Messiah,
. He took this world by force
. Messiah, Messiah, He took this world by force
STROBE LIGHTS flicker over center stage. 62
(During song: SOLDIERS, including DERRICK and BOBBY,
move slowly to center stage, swinging swords, miming the
slaughtering of people in photograph-like poses.
PRES. and V.P. bring up rear, only once in a while
killing “someone” who has slipped passed through.)
ELI (v.2 is speaking the description)
. The bear from the North
CHRIS and the dragon from the East
ELI descended upon the armies of Israel
. and slaughtered them
CHRIS and in that moment
. the chosen of Israel cried out for Messiah
. -and Messiah came
EXTREME BRIGHT LIGHTS COME UP.
(During song: JESUS strides forward from the back
of congregation, followed by all ANGELS. Flowing up from
stage left, they move across stage toward SOLDIERS.
Jesus approaches battle line with His arm outstretched,
his hand in a fist with palm side facing out signifying
His strength, His word, His sword and His victory.)
ELI & CHRIS (sing chorus, ELI sings “Messiah” part)
. Messiah, Messiah,
. He took this world by force
. Messiah, Messiah, He took this world by force
. (repeat as often as needed to finish mime)
(During song: when SOLDIERS, DERRICK and BOBBY meet up
with JESUS at center stage, they collapse to the ground.
JESUS meets up with PRES. and V.P. and with both arms
outstretched symbolically motions them back toward the
stage right door which now represents the Lake of Fire.
The door opens as if by itself.)
EFFECT: SMOKE pours out of stage left door.
(ANNOUNCER hides behind office desk, sobbing.)
STRONG VOICE:
. She has fallen! Great Babylon has fallen!
. SCENE 9 63
. THE JUDGMENT OF NATIONS
(Suddenly quiet, EXTRAS, including SAMUAL and SHELLY
enter from street and graveyard area to watch and wait.
JESUS walks toward throne, 2 ANGELS stand on either side.
With powerful arm movements, JESUS first “pushes” all
living and dead NONBELIEVERS to the left of him, so they
are standing beside office area and podium. The dead
SOLDIERS sweep themselves up from the floor, and KEITH
and other EXTRAS come from graveyard or from their seats
to join. They all cower in shame and silent rebellion.
JESUS then “pulls” all living believers toward him so
they all stand to his right, beside hotel area. CHRIS,
ELI, SAMUAL and SHELLY are part of these people. Can be
pre-recorded, so JESUS would have back to congregation.)
JESUS The seven years of Tribulation are over.
. The battle of Armageddon has been won.
. God’s almighty power prevails and I hold
. the authority to judge the nations.
. (to Christians) Come, you that are blessed
. by my Father! Come and possess the kingdom
. which has been prepared for you ever since
. the creation of the world. I was hungry
. and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me
. a drink, I was a stranger and you received me
. into your home, naked and you clothed me.
. I was sick and you took care of me, in prison
. and you visited me. Whenever you did this
. for anyone of these brothers of mine,
. you did it for Me.
. (turns to the nonbelievers firmly)
. Whenever you refused to help one of these
. least important ones, you refused to help me.
. You are sent off to eternal punishment.
(Two ANGELS walk towards NONBELIEVERS with arms held out
as if to herd them down, off the stage to the front row.)
. SCENE 10
. THE MILLENNIUM
SLIDE ON SCREEN: sunrise over Jerusalem
(Two ANGELS return and ALL ANGELS surround the BELIEVERS.
JESUS turns to BELIEVERS. This can be prerecorded and
JESUS would then have back to congregation and mime.)
JESUS Enter with me, my beloved, into the 64
. Millennium. The Beast and the False Prophet,
. have been thrown into the Lake of Fire, and
. Satan has been bound for a thousand years.
. During this time, I, the King of kings and
. Lord of lords, will reside here in Jerusalem.
. All Saints who have died before now have been
. risen and have received glorified bodies.
. YOU, who lived through the Tribulation,
. still with earthly bodies, will marry,
. have long life, and have many children.
(CHRIS and SHELLY smile shyly at each other.)
JESUS YOU are all believers. But continue to seek
. God’s will in everything that you do, and
. pray and be witnesses to your children
. so that they also will become believers.
. These thousand years are man’s final test
. under perfect conditions. Remember,
. God’s power and holy wisdom is available
. to everyone through the guidance of
. the Holy Spirit and my perfect judgment.
. Now, all of you - will assist me in
. my reign and judgment here on earth. Your
. covenant has been fulfilled, my chosen ones.
. (ALL cheer) And during this last 7 years,
. my Bride, which is the Church, and I have
. celebrated our marriage. A lavish banquet
. has been prepared on the Holy Mountain at
. Jerusalem. Come, meet my Bride and celebrate
. the thousand year wedding feast with us.
BACKGROUND MUSIC plays joyously.
LIGHTS DIM as everyone exits.
(JESUS walks into the CROWD to lead the way off stage.
Quietly fix up set [ie. Shutters, awnings, gravestone].
ALL exit, except for ELI and SAMUAL who enter office
and go through some papers from a briefcase.)
LIGHTS FADE UP in office area, stage right.
ELI Praise our Messiah! All promises of Israel’s
. covenant are fulfilled at last.
SAMUAL All twelve tribes have been settled?
(ELI refers to a map on the desk.)
. 65
ELI Yes. The ABRAHAMIC covenant designates all
. the land from the Nile to the Euphrates
. to the nation of Israel. We have divided
. the land appropriately among the tribes.
. (pointing on map) The Levites over here –
. (as if to continue down the line) and-
SAMUAL It’s incredible that it’s the same land!
. Jesus has helped us turn a desert wilderness
. into a green, fruitful country.
ELI Unbelievable to think... before
. the Millennium we fought so hard, without
. the help of God, for a mostly barren piece
. of land. If ONLY we had accepted Jesus
. as our Messiah when He FIRST came, we would
. have had all THIS without any effort.
SAMUAL At least now, no more oppression or health
. issues, the economy remains stable...
. For all of these blessings to take place,
. we just needed the perfect King who would
. do God’s will.
ELI So the crops and vineyards are underway?
SAMUAL I’ve never seen anything so productive. I’ve
. never seen people so eager and happy to work.
ELI Speaking of work - I must seek Jesus’ council
. on a certain matter.
SAMUAL A problem?
ELI With administration. Well, it’s not
. a problem yet, but I’d like to clear this up
. before it becomes one.
LIGHTS DIM at office, stage right.
LIGHTS FADE UP at throne area, DL.
(ELI goes to JESUS who sits on His throne. ELI is very
timid in approaching JESUS and stops as if hesitating.)
JESUS Welcome, Eli. Enter.
ELI You knew my name. (embarrassed)
. Of course you know my name.
JESUS Talk to me about your problems with 66
. administration.
ELI H – how did you – right.
JESUS You have nothing to fear.
ELI Right. Of course. (sighs and gathers himself)
. I’m so grateful you’re right here to listen
. to my problems and help me. So, here’s
. the thing I’d like to run past you...
LIGHTS DIM at throne area, DL.
SLIDES ON SCREEN: lush crops, children playing flash
(ELI and SAMUAL exit discretely.)
LIGHT FADES UP at center stage.
(JODY enters from center aisle, walking onto the stage.
DAVID walks in from the street area and sees JODY.)
JODY David! Great to see you again!
DAVID I still can’t express how awesome it is
. that you made it here.
JODY Well, your testimony sure had an impact,
. that’s for sure. Where are you off to?
DAVID I’m checking in on Chris.
JODY Mind if I tag along?
(DAVID motions for JODY to join him to living quarters
where they find CHRIS and SHELLY sitting on the sofa.
CHRIS reads a newspaper and SHELLY holds a baby.)
SOUND: of baby cooing and gurgling
DAVID Hi, Chris!
CHRIS (looking up) David, come in. Jody!
(CHRIS puts down his newspaper and stands up.)
JODY Yeah, ‘Bro’, it’s been, like, a couple
. of decades.
CHRIS You’ve met my wife, Shelly. Shelly, 67
. you remember David, a friend of mine from
. before the rapture. And Jody. We went
. through some of the Tribulation together.
SHELLY Hi. Please, come in.
JODY (notices the baby) You’ve just had a baby!
. Girl or boy?
SHELLY This one’s a boy... Daryl.
JODY How many do you have by now?
CHRIS Hmmmm. (thinks, looks at Shelly) 16? So far?
DAVID Times are good!
JODY (giggling) Who’d have thought. Well,
. I pray all your children are believers?
(CHRIS motions for all to get comfortable. CHRIS sits in
his chair. JODY sits down on floor. DAVID grabs a chair.)
CHRIS Yes, we’re happy to say so. Though,
. despite our Eden-like existence now,
. and even though Jesus is right here on earth
. to guide us – we know of some children from
. other families who are already growing up
. thinking THEIR own way is better.
SHELLY I always thought it would make a difference
. if people could only SEE Jesus face to face.
. That’s not so. I mean, how much more
. evidence does one need?
JODY I suppose, when times are easy, it’s easy to
. think that you don’t need God in your life.
LIGHTS DIM in living quarters, stage left.
(ALL exit.)
SLIDES ON SCREEN: luscious forests with lakes, rivers,
. fountains, flower gardens, orchards and
. pastures flash, ending with a green Jerusalem
LIGHTS FADE UP at throne area, DL.
(JON approaches JESUS and kneels on the floor.)
. 68
JON My Lord.
JESUS Jonathan. You’re sad. Tell me about your
. problems with the missionaries on your staff.
JON You know, my Lord, some missionaries under my
. administration are discouraged. We have come
. upon some stubborn, proud people who think
. that they don’t need You. And with the
. Millennium almost over, time is running out.
. They need salvation before it is too late.
JESUS It saddens me more than you know. But they
. have the freedom to choose. We cannot choose
. for them. We can only love them. Through my
. work, and other people’s testimonies, they
. know the way, and they know the consequences
. of not seeking salvation. Jonathan, you and
. the missionaries are doing a great job. Keep
. your motives pure and keep doing your best
. through God’s abundant strength.
LIGHTS DIM at throne area, DL.
LIGHTS FADE UP at town square, center stage.
(ANGIE walks in from street, and stops to look back.)
ANGIE Come on, Mike. What’s your problem?
(MIKE saunters out from street. ANGIE walks on
while MIKE talks.)
MIKE This Highway of Holiness stuff is really
. starting to get to me.
ANGIE (stops short) Pardon me? Mike, I’ve been
. wondering about your attitude lately.
MIKE Lighten up, will you? The last thing
. I want is a sermon from my sister.
ANGIE Well, you need one!
(MIKE looks for a diversion. As JON has gotten up and
is leaving JESUS, MIKE points to JON.)
MIKE Oh no, there’s your friend, Jonathan.
JON Angie, Mike. Great to see you. 69
(While ANGIE and JON chat, MIKE stands, irritated.)
ANGIE How’s missions going?
JON You wouldn’t believe the amount of people
. becoming Christians, and how excited
. all believers are becoming. My staff has
. more than tripled in the last month.
. It’s largely due to, well, what with
. the inevitable coming.
MIKE (arrogantly) What inevitable?
(ANGIE looks helplessly at JON. Both try to stay calm.)
ANGIE You know full well that Jesus’ thousand year
. reign here on earth is coming to a close.
MIKE (mumbling) Finally.
ANGIE That’s not funny. You know Satan will
. be released and he will deceive the nations.
MIKE Maaaaybe-the ending will be different.
ANGIE It will not end differently, and you know it.
JON There’s no reason to argue.
ANGIE There is too! He’s my brother–and I love -
JON (calmly) I know, but it’s not your job to
. change his heart and mind. It’s completely
. his choice. (to MIKE) Sorry, Mike.
MIKE Forget it.
JON I know that Jesus can explain things
. a lot better than I can.
ANGIE We were just on our way to worship before
. the Lord.
JON Well don’t let me stop you. Take care, Mike.
MIKE Yeah-yeah. (mumbling) Why do we have to
. keep in touch with HIM? And I certainly
. don’t need Jesus explaining anything to me.
. 70
ANGIE (stopping again) Life is all about
. being more like Jesus.
MIKE Well, clearly, you need a lot more help
. with THAT, yourself. You kind of lack
. the patience-thing. And WHY exactly
. do we want to be more like HIM?
ANGIE My question to you is – why not?
(MIKE shakes his head and rolls his eyes as he follows
ANGIE to kneel before JESUS at the throne.)
OPTION 1: play “More of Jesus” by Mylon Lefevre &
. Broken Heart while miming along with song.
OPTION 2: (if this is a musical... ANGIE sings
. “More of Jesus” while Jesus mimes talking
. with MIKE. Could be duet with JON who can
. sing from the other side of the stage.)
ANGIE (sings v.1) More of Jesus
. Break my heart and change my way
. Cut me loose when times been bad
. Lead me as I follow You
. Give me strength to follow through
. (sings chorus) Oh Lord, Oh Lord
. I want to be more like Jesus
. More of Jesus, less of me
. By His power, I will be
. Like a flower in the spring
. Brand new life in everything
. (sings v.2) Holy Spirit fill me up
. Gently overflow my cup
. Touch my eyes and let me see
. Me and You, and you in me
. (sings chorus) Oh Lord, Oh Lord
. I want to be more like Jesus
. More of Jesus, less of me
. By His power, I will be
. Like a flower in the spring
. Brand new life in everything
. (sings tag) I want to be more,
. I need to be more like Jesus
(JON can exit into what was once the restaurant.)
LIGHTS DIM in throne area, DL.
LIGHTS FADE UP in town square, center stage.
(ANGIE and MIKE leave the throne after speaking 71
with JESUS and enter the square.)
MIKE Who does Jesus think He is anyway!?!
. My thoughts, my life - it’s my business.
(Group of REBELS enter from street area and stand around
the entrance to mime a conversation. MIKE glances over
at them and waves coolly. DAVID and JODY come from
the once-graveyard area and run into ANGIE and MIKE.)
JODY Angie! Mike! It’s good to see you again.
DAVID I don’t know if you remember us, we were
. friends with Chris, your –
. (counts on his fingers) great, great, great,
. great... great – ah, well, 10 greats
. of a grandfather – from before the Rapture.
MIKE (rolls eyes) Whatever.
ANGIE How are things?
DAVID (looks at MIKE) I know that Chris
. would have appreciated us –
MIKE What?! Checking up on us?
DAVID On his entire family, yes. He lived such
. a long, purpose-filled life with the Lord,
. and wanted that for his entire family.
MIKE It IS my choice! Why don’t you all just
. leave me alone!
DAVID Only that the thousand years is up, Mike.
. You still have a bit of time, but –
MIKE Save it.
(Stage right door opens seemingly by itself.)
EFFECT: SMOKE pours out of stage right door
(representing SATAN being released).
(REBELS all look in that direction. MIKE starts
walking toward the group of REBELS.)
DAVID (calls after MIKE) Do not be deceived,
. Mike. You still have time to change-
. 72
MIKE Go warn some other loser!
(DAVID, JODY and ANGIE exit by the once-graveyard set.)
. SCENE 11
. THE LAST BATTLE
(MIKE joins REBELS where they hand out swords.)
REBEL 1 We’ll finally be free of this dictatorship
. once and for all!
MIKE Alright! My kind of talk!
REBEL 1 Grab a sword. We have a new leader, and
. we’re going to war. We’ve gathered
. a great army from around the world,
. and we’re ready. We will not have God
. telling us what to do anymore. Satan has
. promised us that we will win this battle.
. And then we can do what we want –
(MIKE and RANDOM REBELS cheer.)
MIKE Yeah! Who needs God anyway! –
REBEL 2 We’re sick of Jesus being in control! –
REBEL 1 Let’s go!
STROBE LIGHT FLICKERS.
SMOKE FILLS THE STAGE.
(REBELS follow REBEL 1, waving their swords.
Meanwhile, all ANGELS enter from the stage left door,
ready to follow JESUS. JESUS stands up and walks toward
the REBELS holding up his arm with his hand in a fist,
with the palm side facing out. All the ANGELS follow.
The REBELS and MIKE simply collapse to the ground.)
. SCENE 12
. THE WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT
LIGHTS DIM on entire stage.
SLIDE ON SCREEN: smears of very dark colors alternate
LIGHT FADES UP at podium area, DR. 73
(JESUS goes to the podium where he opens a big book.
SOME ANGELS stand by.)
JESUS The White Throne Judgement is upon you.
(REBELS and MIKE slowly get up to join all other
NONBELIEVERS from entire drama. They form a long line
along the front of the stage, all with solemn but
shameful expressions. This group should include:
“ANDREW”, DERRICK, BOBBY, ANNOUNCER, SOLDIERS, KEITH,
MIKE, all REBELS. Can be pre-recorded.)
JESUS I have before me, all sinners from
. all times past, from the Old Testament times,
. the Church Age, the Tribulation, and from
. the Millennium. You are all to be judged;
. and I am the Judge, fair and just. I will
. also judge your so-called good works, but
. they will look pathetic next to all of your
. countless sins.
(When called, ANGEL motions for “ANDREW” to step forward
to stand before Jesus. When standing in front of JESUS,
they should all stand at an angle so congregation cannot
see their faces. Can be pre-recorded with quiet music.)
JESUS I call upon Andrew Thomas Manning. ANDREW,
. your name is not found in the Book of Life.
. And as I look through your records I am
. saddened at this waste, and your countless
. sins. Yes, you did once offer a girl a ride
. home because it was raining, but for ulterior
. motives. You rebelled against your parents
. and caused them many sleepless nights.
. You cheated on multiple tests and exams.
. You thought no one saw that, but I did.
. I see everything. You gave to charity
. a few times, but only to impress your peers
. and to use that as a tax break. You had a
. sickening and perverted thought life, and
. so many times you lusted. In your mind
. you committed adultery against your wife.
. You made your children frustrated and angry.
. And you lied and played mind games with
. anyone who associated with you, coyly
. manipulating people to your advantage.
(ANDREW goes to motion with his hands.)
. 74
JESUS (continues) Many times you heard the
. Word of God, and even went to church,
. but you used my name as a curse word and
. mocked what I represented. Many times
. you saw My character of love, truth and power
. in and through My creation, but you closed
. your eyes. You chose not to be saved.
. You chose not to accept me as your personal
. Savior. You did not want to be part of
. God’s family. So Andrew Thomas Manning,
. you are sentenced to eternal death in the
. Lake of Fire, where there is no goodness,
. an eternity in the complete absence of God –
. as you have chosen. Go then -
. to your punishment.
OPTION 1: play “Hymn” by Randy Stonehill (while
. Jesus mimes judging all NONBELIEVERS)
OPTION 2: a soloist or a group of BELIEVERS can sing
. “Hymn” from the throne area)
(During song: ANGELS usher ANDREW out stage right door.
Then ANGELS usher all sinners one at a time, first to
face JESUS who mimes judging each with just one motion.
Then ANGELS usher SINNERS to door. Each SINNER shows
shame or mild resistance. Actions should be very subtle
so as not to make this scene comical.)
BELIEVER (sings) In this land of the walking wounded
. In this desert of countless sorrows
. I will cling to His hand today
. and fear not for tomorrow
. (sings) In my heart I have made
. this promise, With this song I declare
. my choice. I will walk where the Shepherd
. leads, and heed no other voices
. (sings) In the chill of my darkest hour
. I am saved from my deep despair
. For the Father who loves His children
. hears my trusting prayer
. (sings) In my soul there is one light
. shining, From the flame of my true belief
. And its embers cannot be quenched
. or robbed by any thief
. (sings) In the end we are not forgotten
. And our journey is not in vain
. For the Master who brought us here will
. lead us home. Lead us home again
(Time it so there are a few seconds leftover at end 75
of song. JESUS puts his head in his hands, elbows
resting on podium, as in great distress and sorrow.)
BLACK OUT.
. SCENE 13
. ENTERING HEAVEN
SLIDES ON SCREEN: smears of light blues alternate
(JESUS goes to his throne, with ANGELS following.)
LIGHTS FADE UP at throne area and center stage.
(ALL CHRISTIANS from entire drama are gathered, waiting.
All wear white sash, belt and crowns. This should include
OLD TESTAMENT CHARACTERS, NATIONAL 1, MARK, SARAH, DAVID,
CHRIS, JODY, EXTRA YOUTH, BILL, ELI, SHELLY, SAMUAL,
JON, ANGIE... ANGELS stand around entire scene
while JESUS addresses everyone.)
JESUS Welcome to eternal life, my brothers and
. sisters. The old earth and old heaven have
. passed away. I present to you a new earth
. and new heaven. Now, all of you have eternal
. mansions here, and all of you have glorified
. bodies, so there is no more sin because there
. is no more flesh of the human nature.
. With every goodness available from God,
. as God is our light, we will live with Him
. for eternity in perfect joy.
OPTION 1: play song “Immanuel” by Stuart Townend
. (as ALL walk up the aisles to exit)
OPTION 2: SOLOIST, or ANGELS can sing “Immanuel”
(During song: All Christians, angels and Jesus
fellowship first. After a point, ALL slowly walk up
the center aisle to the back, arm in arm, shaking hands,
hugging, smiling, etc.. DANCERS fill the stage and
then follow everyone up the aisles. Time it so everyone
has exited by the time the song has ended.)
SCREEN: photos of light blues getting whiter,
. ending in white
(ANGEL can stay behind to sing.)
ANGEL (sings verse 1) 76
. From the squalor of a borrowed stable
. By the Spirit and a virgin's faith
. To the anguish and the shame of scandal
. Came the Savior of the human race
. But the skies were filled
. With the praise of heav'n
. Shepherds listen as the angels tell
. Of the gift of God come down to man
. At the dawning of Immanuel
. (sings verse 2)
. King of heaven now the friend of sinners
. Humble servant in the Father's hands
. Filled with power and the Holy Spirit
. Filled with mercy for the broken man
. Yes He walked my road and He felt my pain
. Joys and sorrows that I know so well
. Yet His righteous steps give me hope again
. I will follow my Immanuel
. (sings verse 3)
. Through the kisses of a friend's betrayal
. He was lifted on a cruel cross
. He was punished for a world's transgressions
. He was suffering to save the lost
. He fights for breath He fights for me
. Loosing sinners from the claims of hell
. And with a shout our souls are free
. Death defeated by Immanuel
. (sings verse 4)
. Now He's standing in the place of honor
. Crowned with glory on the highest throne
. Interceding for His own beloved
. 'Til His Father calls to bring them home
. Then the skies will part
. as the trumpet sounds
. Hope of heaven or the fear of hell
. But the bride will run to her lover's arms
. Giving glory to Immanuel
(Just before EVERYONE has walked off stage,
the very bright spot light acts as a beacon to them.
As the DANCERS are the last to leave.)
BRIGHT POSSIBLE AMOUNT OF LIGHT.
BLACK OUT
SLIDE: “Are you ready? (white wording on black)