Word of God

The tiny people lined every surface.  Toby tugged his robe closed.  They watched him expectantly.

"Would you like coffee?" he asked them.

"A prophecy!" one said.  "Truly, in final days, we WILL desire stimulation!"

"Nonsense!" said another.  "Notice the word 'like.'  We are akin to coffee, for we grow in the soil of our faith and are roasted by the fires of temptation-"

"Heresy!"

"Stop it," Toby snapped.  "All of you!"

"Ah, truly we WILL eventually cease to be!"

"Gibberish!  The commandment was clear..."

The argument resumed.  Toby gritted his teeth and said nothing for as long as he could.

Foreknowledge

"I am cursed," said the drunk man. He lifted his gray head, blinking muzzily. "I have visions; I see the future."

"Did no one believe your prophecies?" said the other... man? Woman?

"Bah!" The drunk sneered. "I made no prophecies. They wouldn't have listened. Why would anyone believe me? No, it has been my lot to drown my sorrows and suffer my visions alone."

"I have the gift of hindsight," said the other. "Let me show you." A single, pale finger touched the drunk's sweaty forehead. His eyes widened.

"Oh, God," he said. "I... I didn't know."

"You could have."

To Walk the Path Before Him, All Unknowing

I have always tried to do what is right. I united the world. One people, one language, one voice. I fed the hungry and silenced the dogs of war. Compromises were made. Principles were bent. The ends have more than justified the means, have they not?

And now, as I prepare to give my final speech, I have had… an epiphany. I understand now my drive, my focus, my uncanny success. Seven heads, ten horns, trumpets and fire. Prophecy. No one ever really comprehends until afterward, do they?

But I am my father’s son, and I will do his bidding.