📖First Chapter: Hope Renewal (Stele Prophecy Pentalogy Book 3) by Randy C. Dockens #FirstChapter

Title: Hope Renewed
Author: Randy C. Dockens
Publisher: Carpenter’s Son Publishing
Publication Date: September 17, 2019
Pages: 265
Genre: Christian Fiction

After Ya’akov gets approval for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, he gets caught in a nightmare of manipulation and deceit, ultimately leaving him abandoned at sea not remembering who he is or how he got there.

Ya’akov has forgotten he is the first person born into this once future home, now called the King’s Promised Kingdom, and is destined to become the first priest of the kingdom. His dissatisfaction and disillusionment with his prescribed destiny are what puts him on this adventure encouraged by the King for him to gain perspective. He is rescued by a family who takes care of him while he recovers. As he rediscovers himself, he gains a new perspective on his life and on what true love means. Yet, if his memory returns, will he remember his bitter outlook on life, or keep his renewed perspective and the hope he has gained? Will he now embrace his destiny or abandon it all together?

Hope Renewed, the second prequel to Mercy of the Iron Scepter, is the third book of a new biblical end times prophecy series entitled Stele Prophecy Pentalogy by futuristic fiction author Randy C Dockens. This is not your typical speculative fiction in a biblical end times novel as it combines prophecy of biblical future worship practices with advances in science to describe a future home that is technologically advanced providing a science fiction feel to the story. Plus, it presents a romantic read as it shows how love needs truth to make it grow and have purpose.

Hope Renewed is available at Amazon.

 First Chapter:

Jubilee Calendar 00:4:0

Destiny and heritage are sometimes intertwined.

Ya’akov groaned. Was this his life? Did he have any other choice?

“Hold him down, Ya’akov. I need to immobilize him.”

Ya’akov pressed his hands into the soft fleece until he felt the warm body underneath. He could feel the animal’s heart beating rapidly, its muscles flinching in fear.

Ya’akov watched his grandfather take the rope and tie the four hooves of the lamb to each other.

“Shhh . . . shhh,” Ya’akov whispered as he stroked the lamb’s head and rubbed its side to calm the animal as it twitched while trying to kick. Ya’akov had done this many times before. But, should he? Was it necessary?

“Is this really that important, grandfather?”

His grandfather cocked his head as he looked at Ya’akov. “This has been done ever since the first Avraham.” He handed Ya’akov a silver bowl. “Is something wrong?”

Ya’akov shrugged. “I guess not.” 

Avraham took out his knife. Ya’akov saw him feel for the lamb’s carotid artery. “Ready?”

Instinctively, Ya’akov placed the bowl approximately three-quarters of a meter from where Avraham had the knife and slightly lower than the lamb’s neck. Should it be normal for him to know exactly how far he needed to place the bowl? Should he have to know?

Avraham made a quick slice in the lamb’s neck. The lamb kicked a couple more times as its blood flowed in a slight arc into the bowl Ya’akov held. The kicks decreased in intensity and stilled. Ya’akov held the bowl closer and closer to the lamb as the arc’s length decreased with the force of blood flow. He could feel the bowl’s temperature increase from the heat of the blood as it filled the bowl. The cool morning air caused a wisp of steam to be seen rising from the bowl until the blood and bowl equalized in temperature. Not a drop missed the bowl.

Did that mean he had done this too many times? How many times had he done this?

Avraham took the bowl from his hand and, as if reading his thoughts, said, “You’ve been helping me since you were thirteen. In just two years, you will be thirty, and I will be the one helping you.”

Only two more years. Could he see himself doing this for the rest of his life? To what purpose?

“Grandfather, do I have to follow in the footsteps prescribed for me?”

Avraham whipped around, almost spilling the bowl of blood, but he recovered quickly. He sighed. “Ya’akov, what a question. Why wouldn’t you want to follow your destiny? You’re special.”

“I don’t feel special.”

“Wh . . . ” Avraham gave an exasperated sigh. He stopped, held the bowl in his left hand, and put his right hand on Ya’akov’s shoulder.

“Ya’akov, the Master himself named you. He, himself, stated your destiny. I was standing right here in front of the temple when he did so. Of course you’re special. Everyone knows you’re special. You’re a descendant of Levi, from the family of Zadok, the firstborn of the Refreshing. No one else can claim such a heritage. You’re as special as they come, Ya’akov.” He patted his shoulder and smiled. 

Ya’akov didn’t look at his grandfather. Hearing such words only made it seem like a burden rather than a blessing. Finally, he looked up at his grandfather and gave a weak smile. “You’re right, grandfather. You always are.”

Avraham again patted him on his shoulder. “That’s my boy. Now come. Let’s anoint the altar and prepare the sacrifice.”

Ya’akov followed Avraham and stood in the doorway of the Inner North Gate, holding the bowl as Avraham dipped his fingers into the blood and sprinkled it at the base of each side of the altar. Ya’akov could not yet enter the Inner Court. Only priests could do that. Avraham poured the remainder of the blood on the ground at the altar’s base. They both went back and prepared the lamb for sacrifice. Ya’akov carried the lamb on his shoulder, again through the Inner North Gate, and transferred the animal to his grandfather’s shoulder. Ya’akov stood there as he watched Avraham slowly ascend the altar’s steps and then fling the animal’s lifeless body, the morning sacrifice, toward the center of the large altar. 

Ya’akov sighed. That would be him soon. Did he really want that?

Ya’akov went to the priests’ quarters and washed the remaining blood from his hands. He paused and looked in the mirror. Looking back was a twenty-eight-year-old man with a neatly trimmed pinstriped beard and mustache. He sighed. I don’t think I can do this. Not for the rest of my life. No. He couldn’t be a butcher of animals for the remainder of his days. Life should mean more.

He looked back into the mirror and saw Joel approaching. Joel was five years younger than he and enthusiastic about becoming a priest. Maybe their births should have been reversed.

“Hi, Ya’akov.” He stopped and gave Ya’akov a second look. “Are you OK? Is something wrong?”

Ya’akov shook his head. “Nothing, really.” Ya’akov turned to walk away.

Joel grabbed his arm. “Ya’akov, we’re friends. You can tell me anything. You know that. No judgment.”

Ya’akov nodded. “I know. Maybe I’ll talk to you later. OK?”

Joel nodded. “Sure. Anytime.” He gave Ya’akov a pat on his shoulder. “Anytime.”

Ya’akov changed his clothes and met Avraham as he exited the building. He avoided direct eye contact. Avraham caught his arm as he passed.

“What’s wrong, Ya’akov? You’ve been acting strange all morning.”

He shook his head. “Nothing. Just a lot on my mind.”

Ya’akov turned to leave, but Avraham grabbed him once more, this time at the elbow.

“Ya’akov. Tell me. Please.”

Ya’akov looked at Avraham. “Grandfather, I . . . I don’t think I can continue doing this.”

“What? Can’t do what?”

“Sacrificing. I can’t continue doing these sacrifices.”

Avraham took a step backward, wide-eyed. “You . . . you can’t be serious. This is your destiny. You can’t deny your calling.”

“Calling?” Ya’akov’s tone became one of disdain. “You say sacrificing is an honor. It’s barbaric.”

Avraham leaned forward with a stern look. Ya’akov swallowed hard. He had never talked to his grandfather with such a tone before.

“Barbaric? Well, of course it’s barbaric,” Avraham began. “It’s supposed to be barbaric. How else will the King’s citizens understand what he did for them? He took on the horror that is due every individual. Only when you understand what he did, what he endured, can you understand and appreciate his love for you.”

“Grandfather, I’m not going to debate with you. I . . . I just can’t. I can’t continue doing this. It all seems so pointless.”

Ya’akov now looked straight into Avraham’s eyes with determination. Avraham sighed and stepped aside to let him pass. Ya’akov stormed passed him, out the door, and outside the temple complex.

Ya’akov walked through the city, turning right or left without thought. What was he to do with his life? His only study had been to prepare himself to be a priest. But now . . . that seemed so inadequate. He looked up as he turned another corner and realized he was at The Overlook.

The Overlook. A place he had come to many times before to clear his mind and think. Was that why his body brought him here—so he could put things in perspective? Was his body telling him what his mind couldn’t? He went to the railing and gazed over the edge.

It was always a breathtaking view. The water from under the temple cascaded down the escarpment into a river below. The Ezekiel River—named after the one, millennia ago, to whom God gave a vision of the temple where Ya’akov now worked. I should feel privileged.

Why didn’t he?

Movement caught his eye below. As he looked closer, he realized it was one of the landscapers whom the King had commissioned to plant various plant life into the escarpment. Most of the plants came from honoring ceremonies in which people from around the globe presented gifts and talents to their King. After several of these ceremonies, the King decided he would have the various plants from around the world planted into the escarpment for all to enjoy. After twenty-eight years, the entire area was beginning to fill in nicely. There was still a lot more space available for use, but it was obvious the landscapers had a plan in mind as they strategically placed the various greenery based on color array, shape, and texture. Several were already attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The Overlook was becoming an extremely popular spot for both visitors and those who lived in Jerusalem. Maybe he should be a landscaper, Ya’akov wondered. It seemed like productive work. Beauty and life came from their work. Not death, like it did from his.

As he looked up, he saw someone approaching. Dad. Evidently, Grandfather had given him an earful, and now he was coming to interrogate. Ya’akov watched as his dad stopped and turned back, talking to someone else approaching. Mom. It seems Grandfather felt he was really going off the deep end. He watched as they approached, hand in hand. Yet, his mother had a glow about her that his dad didn’t. She was one of the glorified ones. He thought back to the stories told him of the days of transition into today’s time of Refreshing. His mother had been pregnant with him and died during childbirth just as the Messiah, the King, was returning to earth. She was known to be the last of the glorified ones, and he the first of those born into the King’s Promised Kingdom. Therefore, he and his dad had human bodies, but his mother was a glorified one who helped the King rule the present world. She worked at the Jerusalem Science Center and his father at the temple assisting the other priests. Because his mother was a direct descendent of Zadok and his father a Levite descendant, Ya’akov was destined to be the first priest in the King’s new kingdom.

It was a nice story. He had heard it all his life. Living it, however, was a different story entirely.

Ya’akov turned back and looked at the valley below, his arms propped on the railing. The river was crystal clear, with one branch traveling between the northern and southern Mount of Olives and on to the Jordan River in the far distance. The second traveled around the escarpment to the Mediterranean Sea. Everything looked lush and beautiful—the antithesis of what he felt inside at this moment.

He felt his dad walk up and put his hand on his back. First came a double pat on his shoulder, and then a slow rub over his entire back. He loved his father and didn’t want to hurt him. But he had to tell him the truth.

His eyes met those of Edvin, his father. Edvin smiled. “I hear you’re having thoughts about your career.”

Ya’akov gave a small laugh. “That’s one way to put it. I’m having doubts about having a career.”

His father furrowed his brow. “Want to talk about it?”

Ya’akov turned and faced his parents, his body leaning against the railing with his hands behind him. “Not really. But I know you won’t let me not talk about it.”

Ya’akov looked at his father, who had concern written all over his face. His mother put her arm on his shoulder. “We only want the best for you, Ya’akov.”

His gaze turned to his mother. “So, you’re OK if I don’t enter the priesthood?”

Her mouth fell open in disbelief. Before she could formulate a reply, his father held up his hand. “Elsbeth, let’s think before we respond.”

Her disbelief turned to Ya’akov’s father. “Edvin, so this doesn’t take you by surprise? Why am I the last to know?”

Edvin glanced at Ya’akov. “We’ve had . . . discussions. But I never thought it would come to actual rejection.”

Ya’akov held up his hands. “Let’s not talk as if I’m not here.” He put his hands to his chest. “It’s my life, my decision.”

Elsbeth shook her head. “But . . . but your destiny.”

“Mom, my destiny is what I choose it to be.”

“Talk to Him.”

Ya’akov turned to his dad. “What? Talk to whom?”

“The Master,” Edvin said. “He’ll know what you should do.”

“But he’s the one who stated my destiny. You think he would change his mind?”

“He wants to talk to you.”

Ya’akov looked back at his mom.

“He wants you to come see him,” Elsbeth said. “You would know if . . . ”

Edvin shook his head slightly, and she trailed off, not completing her sentence.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be condescending.” She grabbed Ya’akov’s hand and held it gently with both of hers. “But he does want to talk to you. Please say you’ll stop by and see him before you . . . ” She shrugged slightly. “Before you do whatever it is you plan to do.”

Ya’akov saw the pained look on her face. He nodded. He didn’t really want to, but he couldn’t disrespect her in this way either.

She gave him a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.” She put her hand to his cheek. “I love you, Ya’akov.”

Edvin pulled him close and gave him a hug. “I’m here whenever you want.”

Ya’akov nodded. Edvin and Elsbeth joined hands and walked away leaving Ya’akov behind. Before they turned the curve of the path and out of sight, Elsbeth turned and blew him a kiss.

Ya’akov sighed, turned back, and looked out at the scenery. He thought about his promise to his mom.

This next step might be even harder than facing his parents.

About the Author:

Dr. Randy C. Dockens has a fascination with science and with the Bible, holds Ph.D. degrees in both areas, and is a man not only of faith and science, but also of creativity. He believes that faith and science go hand in hand without being enemies of each other.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Auburn University he went on to graduate school at Auburn and completed his first doctorate degree in Pharmaceutics. He began his scientific career as a pharmacokinetic reviewer for the Food and Drug Administration and later joined a leading pharmaceutical company as a pharmacokineticist, which is a scientist who analyzes how the human body affects drugs after they have been administered (i.e, absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted).

Through the years, he has worked on potential medicines within several disease areas, including cardiovascular, fibrosis, and immunoscience to seek and develop new and novel medicines in these therapy areas.

He has also had his attention on the academic study of the Bible. He earned a second doctorate in Biblical Prophecy from Louisiana Baptist University after receiving a master’s degree in Jewish Studies from the Internet Bible Institute under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Congdon.

Randy has recently retired from his pharmaceutical career and is spending even more time on his writing efforts. He has written several books that span dystopian (The Coded Message Trilogy), end-time prophecy (Stele Prophecy Pentalogy), science fiction (Erabon Prophecy Trilogy), and uniquely told Bible stories (The Adversary Chronicles). All his books, while fun to read, are futuristic, filled with science to give them an authentic feel, have a science fiction feel to them, and allows one to learn some aspect of Biblical truth one may not have thought about before. This is all done in a fast-paced action format that is both entertaining and provides a fun read for his readers.

He has also written some nonfiction books as well. One is to show how all humans are connected from God’s viewpoint by looking at biblical prophecy (Why is a Gentile World Tied to a Jewish Timeline?: The Question Everyone Should Ask). This book shows how all scripture is connected and inclusive of everyone. In addition, he and his editor have written two books about writing. The first is on writing techniques themselves and is entitled Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Writing: Creating Vivid and Colorful Stories that Readers Want to Read. This book not only addresses the techniques of writing, but what makes writing unique to each author. It conveys not only how to better hone one’s craft of writing but also the brand an author wants to portray. This helps an author make their writing unique as well as captivating for his/her audience. The second is a companion book to this one entitled Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Self-Editing: Framing Your Colorful Masterpiece to Keep Readers Engaged in Your Story. This is best used in conjunction with the first one. Yet, self-editing, though intricately connected to writing, is a distinct event. The better the quality of a writer’s draft manuscript when it is delivered to one’s editor, the higher the final quality of the manuscript will be for readers, and that is extremely important.

Dr Dockens is still not done. He has other creative ideas he is bringing forward as he is currently working on two new futuristic series. So, stay turned!

Website ➜ https://www.randydockens.com/
X ➜ https://x.com/RandyCDockens
Facebook ➜ www.facebook.com/Randy.C.Dockens
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/randydockens
Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16453941

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