How can you stay positive and hopeful when your world is flying off a cliff? The answer today is the same as in the days of Noah.
In this classic tale from the Last Days of the Antediluvian World—a time of impending catastrophe much like our own--the aged patriarch Japheth relates his thrilling adventures, including encounters with monstrous behemoths and actual giants, battles with wicked Cainites and traitorous politicians, enslavement to an evil political system, and narrow escapes from disaster. In sharing his exciting tales, the patriarch reveals that an accurate view of the world—one that includes the God of Creation—is the key to a fulfilling, hopeful life, even when your world is racing for God’s cataclysmic judgment.
A budding young inventor, young Japheth dreams of peace and prosperity, but when calamities strike, his life is suddenly filled with dangerous new challenges. Bolstered by his solid upbringing at the feet of the patriarchs, a healthy sense of humor, and the support of his faithful brothers Shem and Ham, Japheth survives sudden disasters, resists seductive beauties, and narrowly escapes death from monstrous behemoths. When corrupt politicians betray their homeland, the sturdy brothers are taken as hostages to the powerful but doomed City of Mother Earth. Determined to do what is right, the brothers turn the deceitful propaganda of their captors against them, save a beautiful Adamite girl from savage Cainites, and chase assassins through the fabled Zoo. Despite their successes, dangers continue to mount, and the brothers must finally choose between embracing the deceptions of Mother Earth’s evil system and trusting the patriarchal faith of their father Noah.
Join Noah’s boys as they live confidently and purposefully, and even have fun--despite the impending destruction of the world.
This is a lighthearted, entertaining and thoroughly satisfying book that takes a scientific creationist view of the Bible to inspire and encourage Christian boys and young men that all of life is an adventure. It is unique in being set in the Antediluvian World among the patriarchs of Genesis 5, and it deals in a positive way with many basic youth conflicts, including maintaining a positive attitude despite the challenges of a fallen world, valuing the advice of elders, the adventure of discovery, how to face the deceptive teachings from a corrupt society, and finding true love. The 22 illustrations by the author are unique, and add much to the pleasure of the story, while the happy ending points to the ultimate happy ending for every Christian.
I liked the actual inventions of the story, and thought the editor’s remarks were helpful, while the exciting rescues and escapes from both dinosaurs (behemoths) and wicked adversaries were always my grandsons’ favorites. Now that they are going to college, however, I am hopeful that the scenes showing how the brothers resist the temptations and destructive propaganda of the culture around them will be of practical help.
Page 397-398
The deep voice of the king quieted the audience.
“We gave the water god many sacrifices today,” he announced, “in return for giving us the power of this Great Dam. We have now come to the exciting climax of this festival. Now we present Mother Earth’s greatest achievement--Nezzar Powder! As you shall see, it is the most destructive weapon on earth!”
The king pointed to a fenced-off area near the stage. In the center of the area was a tall stake, and next to it was a large black barrel. Four or five more black barrels and a dozen long black tubes were stacked next to the fence.
“These tubes and barrels,” the king cried, “hold a power so great that the mere threat of their use will make nations submit to us!”
The great crowd roared its approval.
King Nezzar laughed. “I ordered extra powder today, for I want a good demonstration! Shall we test this mighty powder on the religious fanatics who refuse to submit to Mother Earth—those stubborn Adamites? Let us begin with their patriarch! Send down the old hypocrite—the patriarch Demas!”
Everyone looked to the top of Lookout Rock and cheered as the old man was pushed down the steep ramp. Shrieking in fear, he flew by the audience and finally tumbled onto the platform. Two guards picked up his limp form and carried it through the crowd to the fenced area. After tying him to the stake, they fastened a long gray cord to the middle of the barrel and then unwound it all the way up the stage to the king.
“Behold the awesome power of Nezzar powder!” the king shouted, extending a torch down to the cord.
The cord instantly caught fire, and it sputtered and fizzled as it rapidly burned a trail through the crowd to the fenced-off area. The powder was certainly flammable, I thought. I wondered what would happen when it got to the barrel.
There was a bright flash and a thunderous concussion, and a tremendous blast of hot air knocked us off the pole and onto the ground. A great cloud of smoke followed, and dust, rocks, and debris began to shower upon us. It was stunning, like nothing we had ever experienced. The smoke and dust finally began to clear, and we raised our heads. The barrel, the victim, and a wide swath of the audience had completely disappeared.
“I don’t think the king expected that much of an explosion!” Shem said, coughing. His face and clothing were white with dust.
“They need to work on their calibration,” I added.
Once we could breathe again, we climbed back up the pole to survey the damage. The circle of complete destruction extended from the stage to the amphitheater, and scores of people lay injured or dead. On the stage, the king’s giant body lay very still, for his head had been crushed by a paving stone. My ears were ringing, but I still thought I heard water, and I looked up.