The Almighty Mr. Megan | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Almighty Mr. Megan | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gerald Shuler
02/02/17
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The entire town knew Almighty Mr. Megan... or at least knew about him. In fact, most who said they knew him had actually only heard rumors. They stayed away, fearful that Mr. Megan would open his mouth and say something. And everyone knew that if Mr. Megan were to say anything at all then nothing would prevent it from becoming a reality. That much about Almighty Mr. Megan was certain.

John Allen Megan had come to Harrisburg years ago to pastor a small non-denominational church. At first the little preacher seemed extremely average, except that he liked to teach a lot about faith and living the full depth of the Christian life. Week after week he expounded on Bible scriptures that were filled with all sorts of “I can”, “you will” and “it is given unto you” types of statements. No matter what scripture he referenced, though, the conclusion was always the same. Once, he even dared to tell his congregation “You fear the authority God has given us. Why?”

Of course, to the congregation it was only words. As everyone knew, preachers simply rattle words around because that is their job. Most of the people couldn't even tell you what the message was about as they were walking out the door of the church, thoughts more on dinner at Ralph's Cafe than how we should be living our lives as Christians.

That changed, though, on the fifth anniversary of Pastor Megan's arrival, when the church was invaded by two gun toting, drugged up thugs who barged in and stood defiantly before the pastor's pulpit as he preached. Pastor Megan simply paused and politely asked the two men if there was anything he could do for them.

“We need you to leave.” It was the bigger of the two who said it, almost like an old western warning to get out of town by sundown. The pastor's response was immediate and firm.

“This is the house of God, gentlemen. Be careful. He is mightier than your guns. You two don't have a leg to stand on against him.”

Those who were in that service swear what has been told is true. Before the two thugs could even utter another word, their legs went weak and they both fell to the floor... totally powerless to stand and unmindful of their guns. They screamed, they cursed, and then they both accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

As for the congregation's reaction, most didn't even piece anything together until later that day when they were gathered at Ralph's Cafe trying to figure out what had just happened. Finally, a child at the table pointed out that the pastor had said they didn't have a leg to stand on. That is when they realized that their pastor had a dangerous and frightening power. After that day they started listening to every word the preacher spoke and it became clear that the man did indeed possess an inhuman ability. At first the church growth was tremendous, curiosity pilgrims who wanted to journal the strange man's unique ability. But then, as they saw the truth of his power, the congregation, one family at a time, found valid reasons to start going to some other church. Within six months the church was empty and Mr. Megan stopped being referred to as “Pastor”.

Now Mr. Megan spends nearly all his time in his house on the hill. He is an accomplished writer but, in every sense of the word, a secluded hermit, tucked safely away from those who fear him. Of course, there are a few... very few, who have actually gotten to know the man. I am one of those few. Mr. Megan told me years ago that he understands all this happened because of unfortunate words spoken in hast during one of his messages. After all, he had said with his own mouth the words that became a reality in this town. He had said “You fear the authority God has given us.” Unfortunately, the people accepted those words and simply revealed what they already were... spiritually blind and afraid.

I understand and empathize entirely. Of course, I've had first hand experience at the Word power Mr. Megan has mastered. You see, I was the bigger of the two thugs who was brought to his knees by the Word of God coming from the mouth of a humble servant. I thank God for those life-changing words.

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