Do you remember the first time you held a baby? Who was it, and what made that moment memorable?
Everyone is on high alert. Larus explains “the invasion“ is imminent, and the “Operative“ almost here. He believes it to clearly be a “military maneuver,“ and that the Prince will present himself to an “interloper,“ although they don’t know which “fickle“ aboriginal will be chosen. They have killed several possibilities. Cadan and his angels are preparing as well, as they have been charged with fulfilling the oracles, ensuring everything happens according to plan. They have found the perfect candidate, but she lives in the wrong town. They prepare for a census to be called, where everyone must return to their own city of birth. But the Prince is already being hunted by angels and humans before He is even born, and “confusion“ is the General’s best defense. Travelling is difficult, and hiding expensive, so Cadan and his angels add to the wealth of scientists from the East, who study the stars for the proper signs. Cadan has difficulty aligning a star in the proper place at the proper time, and having “not been approved to build,“ Atlan proposes the angels allow their own light to shine in the sky; to the humans it will look like a star. The angels from each side begin to battle, but Cadan’s angels launch into the sky, their brightness fulfilling the prophecies. When the baby’s cries are first heard, Larus seizes his window to attack, but Cadan and his angels are ready.
1. What is a scepter? What is the significance of the opening quote, “And a scepter shall rise“?
2. Why is everyone on high alert?
3. How is Larus different in this episode compared to the previous ones? Why does he insist this is an “invasion“?
4. Why is Cadan planning everything so carefully? What are the “oracles“?
5. How were both the scientists and Cadan and his angels used in all this planning? Does this give you any insight into how God might use you?
6. What were the “scientists’“ function in the plans?
7. What is the General’s best defense?
8. What has Larus been waiting for?
9. When one of the evil angels says “I will eat your joy,“ Raina responds by reciting, “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face to shine upon you.“ What effect does this have? Why?
1. What does it mean for us to have “open eyes“? What are some practical things we can do to “keep our eyes open“?
2. How do your beliefs influence your actions? Is this always the case?
3. Is ignorance an excuse for doing wrong? Why or why not?
We live our lives moving from one temptation to the next. Doing the right thing most often means not doing the easiest thing. We often struggle with sins, public and secret, even if we long to live a good life. Take some time to pray for each other, that you would be able to remain strong in the face of temptation, committed to God and His ways of love, allowing His light to shine through you.