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Written by Fred Passmore Copyright
1994
STORY SYNOPSIS
The interaction between a believer and a non-believer at a bus stop is influenced by unseen (to them) spiritual beings representing both sides.
MAIN THEME
The actions and influences of forces in the spiritual world (both angelic and demonic) are very real. Yet believers have the advantage when they stay spiritually sensitive and obey the Lord.
CHARACTERS
PROPS
COSTUMES
STAGE
The setting is a street corner bus stop; if possible, use a bench and a bus stop sign. Or simply letter a bus stop sign and place on the back of the bench. Place in the center of the stage.
CHARACTER NOTES
NOTE: Your actors deliver the dialog and you play the background music and effects tracks as listed in the script to enhance your performance. Soundtrack: As always, the specially-recorded soundtrack will make your performance of this skit script much funnier, professional, and effective. The soundtrack CD for this skit is on the Combo Package #1 Soundtrack CD, along with the tracks to "Live From the Battlefield." You can order it now for $20 plus shipping on the Soundtracks Page or add it to your shopping cart by clicking here. All orders are mailed by First Class the next day after getting them, if not the same day! Getting started late? Like with all the soundtrack CDs, you can get an MP3 download for free when ordering the physical CD. OR, you can get the "Download Only Option" and buy just the MP3 files to download. Got a question about using a soundtrack? Go here and found out why you should! |
City park sounds mixed with occasional street sounds in the background. (If using our CD, these sounds are on Cut #16. Dub to cassette for simultaneous use with the CD.)
(MUSIC INTRO: Cut #12 on CD.)
(Enter ANGEL. He is walking with an attitude of determination. He reaches the center of the stage, stops, looks around, then reaches into his shirt or robe to take out a cell phone. He punches a button and waits for the ring.)
VOICE: (Offstage on mike.) Angel Assignments Headquarters.
ANGEL: Good morning, Chief! Angel Marcus checking in. No occurrences to report, all quiet on my watch.
VOICE: Excellent! And you'll be happy to know, Marcus, that the Most High has chosen you for a very important assignment today.
ANGEL: (Excitedly.) His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven!
VOICE: I knew you'd be happy! At precisely 8:21 AM today, you and your charge Mark will come into brief contact with one Joe Smith. Joe has been the subject of prayer by a believing friend and he is targeted for salvation. But his life is also scheduled to end today at 2:53 PM! Your assignment is to get your man Mark to witness to him at the bus stop. It will be his last chance to hear the gospel before he dies, so needless to say, a lot is riding on you and your man. Of course, the Holy Spirit will be there to convict Joe but your man Mark is responsible for getting the Word to him. How spiritually receptive is Mark, by the way?
ANGEL: Mark started out the day with prayer and Bible reading, so he seems ready for service. But he still has a fear of witnessing that might slow down the process.
VOICE: That's not good... Joe doesn't have much time left and the contact will be brief. It's urgent that your man respond and act quickly!
ANGEL: I'll be on him like ugly on a demon.
VOICE: Speaking of which, remember that the enemy is aware of the prayers going up for Joe, too. They'll be on the defensive against any attempts to rob them of their prize. So keep your guard up!
ANGEL: Will do. I have to go, here comes my charge.
VOICE: Understood. Holiness unto the Lord!
ANGEL: And victory in His name!
(The ANGEL puts the phone back into his shirt. Enter MARK. He walks across the stage to the bus stop where he sits down on one end of the bench. The ANGEL follows him and stands slightly behind him to one side. The ANGEL checks his watch, then looks toward the opposite side of the stage. From that direction enters JOE, who has a folded newspaper under his arm. He walks up to the bench and sits down on the other end.)
MARK: (Nodding.) 'Morning.
JOE: (Nodding back.) 'Morning.
MARK: Looks like it might rain later.
JOE: (Glances at the sky.) Yeah, it does. (He opens the newspaper and reads.)
(The ANGEL moves closer to MARK and bends over to speak in his ear. MARK does not look at him, because he cannot see him. But the ANGEL's words act as suggestions that MARK can choose to act upon.)
ANGEL: Listen to me, Mark. That guy needs to hear the Good News that Jesus saves!
(As the ANGEL speaks, MARK looks up as if listening to an inner voice. MARK glances sideways at JOE.)
ANGEL: You've met him here several times before and you've never said anything about Jesus to him. Don't you think it's about time you did?
(MARK shakes his head slightly as if dismissing a thought, and looks down the street as if to see if the bus is coming yet. The ANGEL frowns and begins to pace back and forth behind the bench, his hands clasped behind his back and a worried expression on his face. Then he stops, brightening visibly. He goes back to MARK's side with a sly smile.)
ANGEL: (To himself.) We'll see if this hits a nerve. (To MARK) So, you're not even going to speak a word for the Lord. This could be this guy's last chance to hear the Gospel. Do you want it on your conscience if he dies lost?
(MARK looks worried and is fidgeting.)
ANGEL: What's so hard about sharing the Good News? (He examines his fingernails and speak nonchalantly.) Could it be that you're... (He pauses, then whirls toward MARK and delivers the coup de grace.) ...ashamed of Jesus?
(MARK has a stricken look on his face at the thought. He then gets a determined look and speaks to JOE, who is still reading the paper.)
MARK: Any good news?
JOE: (Slightly surprised.) Huh?
MARK: In the newspaper.
JOE: Oh. Same as always. Nothing but bad.
MARK: Yeah, the world does seem to be getting worse all the time. Makes you wonder what it's coming to, doesn't it?
JOE: You know, you're right. I worry about it sometimes.
MARK: By the way, my name is Mark. (Reaches over his hand to shake.)
JOE: (Lowering paper, he reaches to shake hands.) I'm Joe. (He returns to reading the newspaper.)
(Just then, a rapid patter of footsteps can be heard offstage, getting louder and closer.)
(SOUND NOTE: Begin Cut #13 on
CD to herald and accompany the DEMON's entrance.)
(Finally a DEMON runs on-stage and skids to a stop to stand behind and to the side of JOE. Neither JOE nor MARK react to the DEMON's presence. The DEMON is out of breath and leans over with his hands on his knees as he pants.)
ANGEL: Well, well, well! If it isn't the "jogger from hell."
DEMON: (Taking breaths in between every few words.) So! My source was right! Trying to steal what’s mine, huh?
ANGEL: Hey, it's still open season! And this guy has been claimed in prayer by a friend!
DEMON: Well, whoop-de-doo! (He holds up his hands and shakes them.) Look, I'm shakin'!
ANGEL: You'll shake and bake soon...because when you lose this one you're really gonna be in deep sulphur!
DEMON: (Standing upright, he has regained his breath.) Oh, yeah? Well, here's news-flash, babyface... (He jabs a finger at the ANGEL.) He's mine, and he's gonna stay that way! So just make like a cigarette and butt out! (As he says the last two words, he pantomimes defiantly flicking a cigarette butt at the ANGEL.)
ANGEL: Fat chance, wormwood! (He acts as if reeling in a big fish with an imaginary fishing pole.) We've already got him hooked!
DEMON: We'll see about that!
(The DEMON stands beside JOE and assumes a defensive posture, crossing his arms. JOE frowns and turns the pages of the newspaper. The ANGEL speaks once more to MARK.)
ANGEL: You had a good beginning. Now keep the door open.
MARK: (Looking back over at JOE.) How was your weekend?
JOE: (Glancing back up.) Oh, it was rotten. I'd planned to take the old boat out Sunday but it rained all day. Plus I had a headache...must have been the pressure from the atmosphere.
(The DEMON brightens and flicks JOE in the head with his finger. JOE rubs his temple and grimaces.)
JOE: In fact, it's starting up again. It probably will rain soon. How was your weekend?
DEMON: (To JOE, with a frown.) Don't ask that, you moron! That's just what he wants!
MARK: Oh, actually pretty good. I went to church and the pastor talked about dealing with discouragement. Do you go to church anywhere?
JOE: Nah, I was never very religious. My momma was, but I just never got into it. Never had the time, really.
MARK: I'm pretty busy, too...but if I didn't take time out with the Lord I just couldn't make it.
JOE: You sound like one of my friends. He's all the time trying to get me in church, but I just can't find the time.
MARK: Well, you know our days are numbered. If we don't take the time to meet God now we won't be ready to meet Him when we leave this world.
(The ANGEL is smiling and bouncing on his toes. The DEMON is biting a nail and looking worried. The ANGEL licks his finger and draws an imaginary score mark in the air.)
DEMON: (Savagely biting the nail a last time, he loudly blows it out of his mouth in the direction of the ANGEL.) Hate to rain on your parade, pal! (He leans over and speaks to JOE.) Hey, man...this guy's some kind of fanatic, like you see on TV. Don't listen to him. And, hey...what about the paper? Remember all that bad stuff you read about? How could God let that happen if He really cared?
JOE: (Speaking to MARK.) I don't know...I mean, who says He cares anyway? Every day I read about disasters like earthquakes and stuff, with thousands dying, plane crashes and bombings...if God could do anything why doesn't He?
(The DEMON is smiling once more and struts over toward the ANGEL.)
DEMON: Top that, twinkletoes! (He turns and does a "we bad" strut back to stand beside JOE.)
ANGEL: (Speaking to MARK.) Don't forget what you learned this morning in devotions. What causes death and sadness?
MARK: Well, first, you have to consider where all these problems came from. When Man first sinned against God, the penalty was death. So actually the whole world is under the death sentence, and the consequences of sin.
JOE: But why doesn't God do something about it?
MARK: He did! He sent His own Son to take human form and suffer the penalty on the cross for all our sins. When someone asks forgiveness in His name, he becomes a new creation with God's Spirit in him.
JOE: You're talking about Jesus, aren't you?
MARK: That's right. He was God, who took on humanity by being born of a virgin. And being the only man who ever lived who was sinless, only He could take our sin--and it's consequences--upon Himself and pay for it.
(The ANGEL grins and does a little "we bad" strut of his own. The DEMON smacks his fist into his palm and then shakes it at the ANGEL.)
DEMON: All right, that does it...no more "Mr. Nice Guy!" (He puts his face next to JOE's and snarls.) This freak is just trying to make you look stupid, man! Besides, you can't get all tied down with this religious stuff! You gotta be free!
JOE: I've got too much going to get religious now. I have a job, friends, and my freedom! Church would only tie me down to a bunch of rules and stuff.
(The DEMON sticks his thumbs in his ears and wiggles his fingers at the ANGEL, while making a face and sticking out his tongue.)
MARK: I'm not talking about getting religion... I'm talking about a real relationship with Jesus...your creator! He loves you and wants to give you joy and peace. Someday your job and friends will be gone...but Jesus said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." And, "Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!" He'll free you from the bondage of sin and habit...those things that control your life now!
DEMON: (Rubbing his head.) Now I've got a headache!
JOE: I do feel trapped sometimes. But there are things I just can't give up!
MARK: The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life." Joe, the pleasures of sin only last for a season, but it's punishment lasts forever.
JOE: (This gets JOE's attention.) Forever? You mean as in...hell?
MARK: That's right, Jesus taught that if we reject his love and continue in our sin, we will be thrown into the lake of fire with the devil and his angels.
DEMON: (Speaking to JOE.) You don't believe in all that superstitious devil stuff, do you? (He puts his index fingers up to his head like horns and wiggles them mockingly.) There's no such thing!
JOE: But how could a loving God send someone to hell?
MARK: Because God is also perfectly just. When God gave us His laws for living, there had to be a punishment for breaking them. If God allowed us to break His laws without receiving the punishment, He would be a liar! But by coming to Him through His Son, who paid the penalty, we can be reconciled to Him.
(As MARK talks, JOE is looking concerned. The DEMON puts his hands over JOE's ears so that he can't hear MARK finish. JOE sighs and crosses his arms as if becoming bored.)
ANGEL: (Speaking to MARK.) Pray for the Holy Spirit to open his ears and convict his heart.
(At these words, the DEMON bares his teeth and shakes his head back and forth.)
DEMON: No, don't pray! No!
(MARK bows his head slightly for a few seconds.)
DEMON: No, not the Holy Spirit!
(The DEMON's hands are one after the other slowly forced away from JOE's ears as if by strong invisible hands. The DEMON strains, but his hands are spread apart and pushed away. The DEMON stands with his hands raised in front of him as if they are still being gripped tightly.)
DEMON: Hey, let go! He's mine, he's mine, I've deceived him since he was a kid!
(His hands begins to shake as if he is struggling with an invisible force. His right hand is drawn back and the DEMON is made to slap himself with it, then again with the left hand.)
DEMON: Ooow! I'll quit, I'll quit, just please let me go! (The DEMON falls backward as he is released and flung aside, hitting the ground and rolling to a stop.)
DEMON: (On the ground with his chin in his hand.) I hate it when that happens!
JOE: (Looking at MARK with a new awareness.) I wish I could have peace inside. Lately I've been so lonely and depressed over my life. It seems so empty even with all the stuff I do.
(The DEMON pounds the ground in frustration.)
MARK: Until you have Jesus in your heart, you'll never know fulfillment or peace. He's the only one that can make your life have real meaning.
(The DEMON leaps up and looks off in the distance. He jumps up and down and gets in the ANGEL's face.)
DEMON: Too little, too late! The bus is just one stop away! Once I get him away from you guys, I'll rip out every one of those stupid seeds you planted! He's mine, and by the end of the day I'll feast on his soul! (He leans over the back of the bench and speaks to JOE.) You've got plenty of time for church stuff later! You've got to go in a minute and you can't make a decision like this in a hurry! Tell this loser you'll see him later!
(JOE looks at his watch. The ANGEL whips out the cell phone and presses a button. He steps to the side and speaks urgently into it.)
ANGEL: Hello, Headquarters? This is angel Marcus. We have an emergency situation here! Joe is under strong conviction but the bus is due any second. We need more time!
VOICE: Understood. Stand by!
(The DEMON is almost dancing with nervous anticipation, chewing his fingernails.)
JOE: The bus will be here any second...I'll have to think more about this.
VOICE: An angel in your vicinity is stopping the bus now with an engine problem. You've got your extra minutes!
ANGEL: (Spins with his fists raised in excitement.) YES!
DEMON: (Slapping his forehead.) NO!
MARK: Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Don't turn Him away, because you could be like the foolish rich man that God told, "Tonight thy soul shall be required of thee." Today is the day of salvation. Now is the acceptable time!
(The ANGEL is leaning forward in breathless anticipation. He urges JOE on even though he cannot hear him.)
ANGEL: Just do it!
(The DEMON runs up and screams at JOE.)
DEMON: Don't do it!
JOE: (Putting his head in his hands.) I want to do it but I don't know how! I don't know if I could live it!
MARK: (Taking JOE by the arm.) Jesus said that as many come unto him, to them he gave the power to become sons of God. He gives you a new heart!
JOE: (Earnestly.) Man, I'd love to have that! What must I do to be saved?
DEMON: (Speaking to JOE.) You idiot! What will people think? What about me?
MARK: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved! Confess your sinfulness to God and ask Jesus to come live inside. Would you like to pray that with me now?
DEMON: NO!
JOE: Yes!
(The DEMON falls to the ground and pitches a fit, crying and kicking his legs like a spoiled child. MARK and JOE bow their heads in prayer. The ANGEL stands behind them with his hands spread out over them in blessing and protection.)
(SOUND NOTE: Begin Cut #14 on
CD: music to accompany the salvation scene.)
JOE: Dear Jesus, I don't know much about you. But I've heard enough to know that I need you. I've been a sinner, and I'm sorry. I believe that you died for me, and rose again, and I want you to come into my heart and forgive me of my sins. Help me to be what I should be and live for you in the time I have left on this earth. Amen.
(The DEMON is up and running around the stage in terror.)
DEMON: Oh, no! My hide is fried!
(The ANGEL is rejoicing and leaping up and down with his arms raised in victory. He takes out the cell phone and hits the buttons.)
ANGEL: Mission accomplished! Joe accepted Jesus! Praise the Lord!
VOICE: We know, it's crazy up here! Congratulations, you guys!
(JOE and MARK grin and pound each other on the back in a manly fashion. The DEMON recovers a little and comes back to JOE.)
DEMON: I'm not leaving yet, you...you...Judas! You'll be sorry...oh, yeah, I'll see to that! Oh, the things I'm going to do to you...I'll make your life a living hell!
ANGEL: (With arms crossed on his chest.) I don't think so.
DEMON: (Walking over to stand defiantly in front of the ANGEL with his hands on his hips.) Oh, yeah? Well, what's to stop me?
(The ANGEL simply smiles and lifts one hand from his chest, pointing a finger with confidence over the DEMON's shoulder.)
ANGEL: That!
(The DEMON looks around. ANGEL #2, who could have been a linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, comes in from the side and approaches the now trembling DEMON, towering over him and intimidating him.)
ANGEL #2: (Standing with crossed arms.) So, lost another one, huh?
(ANGEL #2 slowly reaches out and removes the DEMON'S sunglasses, folding them and hanging them on the DEMON'S T-shirt collar. The DEMON is squinting as if unable to look at the ANGEL directly.)
ANGEL #2: How's it feel to have joined the losing side? Makes you kind of sick, doesn't it?
DEMON: (Dejectedly.) Sometimes I could kick myself for that.
ANGEL #2: Allow me!
(ANGEL #2 grabs the DEMON'S shoulders and spins him around toward the opposite direction. He then grabs the DEMON by the back of his collar and propels him toward the side of the stage.)
ANGEL #2: I'm Joe's guardian now till he enters Heaven...so don't let me catch your ugly face around him again!
(ANGEL #2 pushes the sniveling DEMON ahead of him and proceeds to kick him in the seat of the pants the rest of the way off the stage. ANGEL #2 then comes back to center stage, and he and ANGEL #1 "high five" each other. They then turn and watch MARK and JOE who are still talking, having been oblivious to all the spiritual activity.)
JOE: I can't thank you enough, Mark. I feel like a different man. It's like a huge load has been lifted from my shoulders!
MARK: Sin is a much heavier burden to bear than the cross of Christ!
JOE: (Clasping MARK'S hand.) Thanks again.
MARK: (Looking down the street.) It looks like the bus isn't coming this morning. I guess we'll have to catch a cab.
JOE: I don't mind, this is one time I'm glad the bus was late See you around!
(They walk off in opposite directions.)
(SOUND NOTE: Begin Cut #15
on CD: End theme begins and plays under the remaining dialogue at
a low volume.)
(Their ANGELS say their good-byes, also shaking, but gripping each other's wrists in the manner of the ancient Roman handshake.)
ANGEL #1: You've got the easy job...taking Joe to heaven in a few hours!
ANGEL #2: (Turning to leave, he gives the thumbs up sign.) Yeah...thanks to you guys! Bless your man real good today!
ANGEL #1: Hey...he's so blessed right now he's about to fly!
(They leave the stage also, following their respective charges.)
MUSIC UP AND OUT.
THE END
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