The Revenge of Rasha

By Kristen Zuray

Shattered and confused, will Adi discover Rasha's plan to destroy her identity before she loses everything?

One mirror with three reflections. Two are right, while one is wrong. Will she see the reflection of herself that Joshua sees? With the past coming back to haunt her and an abusive stepfather seeking revenge, Adi fi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Aug 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887389318

Kristen Zuray

Kristen Zuray has served in church ministry for seventeen years, founded a nonprofit coffee home for youth in crisis, and currently serves as a mental health and life coach. She is the author of several books. Kristen speaks at conferences, retreats, and various events. She is passionate about helping others break free from past traumas and abuse so that they can discover their identity and purpose in Christ. She loves coffee shops, road trips, and hosting parties. She and her husband reside outside Spokane, Washington.

Book preview

Dedication

To my friends Tonya Guinn (Tara) and Wendy Laxton (Gwen). We have dreamed together, fought side by side together, and cried together. Through many long days and sleepless nights, our dreams became a reality with Trail Youth Coffee Home. Your unwavering faith and determination have given birth to a lasting legacy. I love you both dearly and am so thankful that Matthew brought us together on such a crazy adventure.

What People Are Saying about Redemption

of Adi Series

A fantastically told allegory that is both riveting and complex while it leads the reader through a story that is ultimately about ourselves.

—PF, California

This book gave me a better picture of how Satan is persistently working in the lives of those he wants to turn away from God. It also gave me a real-life picture of how the Holy Spirit is always there working in my life and cheering me on to do right. Adi struggles with letting Matthew help her, just like I sometimes struggle with letting the Holy Spirit lead in my own life. This story was convicting, eye-opening, and enjoyable to read.

—JN, Ohio

I appreciated the use of allegory in The Redemption of Adi. The story conveys a visual representation of spiritual warfare. It clearly shows how God and His angels continually war on our behalf against Satan and his demons. I was able to relate to Adi being caught in the crosshairs as she struggled to understand the truth…I was reminded of Ephesians 6:12 (NIV), For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

—KF, Maryland

Preface

Who am I? was a question that plagued me for years. Was I really all the negative things that people said about me, or was I someone different? Society can be cruel with its ever-changing rules of what is accepted and what isn’t. If you don’t live up to someone’s standard, you’re removed from the circle. This happens at schools, churches, places of work, and social media. The cancel culture, as we now call it, has been going on for a long time, and no one escapes the wounding of it.

Are we society’s negative labels? This question is asked repeatedly in the pages of this book. Our identity is under attack, and we’re losing our way. Labels such as depression, anxiety, and mental illness are replacing the positive ones that God has inserted into our spiritual DNA. The sins and past abuses are part of our stories, but they are not who we are!

As you read Revenge of Rasha, accept how God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit see you. For in the acceptance of His identity, you will find yours, and you will find freedom!

You are chosen.

—Kristen Zuray

List of Characters/Places

King Penuel: Hebrew name for face of God. He represents God the Father.

Joshua: Hebrew name for Jesus. He represents Jesus, God’s Son.

Matthew: Hebrew name meaning gift from God. He represents the Holy Ghost, the promised Comforter.

Gabriel: acts as an angelic messenger in the Bible and will continue to be the messenger in the story.

Michael: in the Bible, he is the angelic warrior fighting against the opposition, and so is his character in the story.

Adi: Hebrew name meaning jewel. She represents the individual human, male or female. Malachi 3:17.

Rasha: Hebrew name meaning wicked. He represents Satan.

Tara: star, represents Tonya Guinn.

Gwen: holy, represents Wendy Laxton.

Miskana: Hebrew for dwelling place of God. Represents heaven.

Soteria: Greek word for salvation. The city that King Penuel wishes to redeem.

Other Books

Redemption of Adi Series

Redemption of Adi

Revenge of Rasha

Books

The Runner

Standing at the Wall

Walking on Water

Journey to Surrender

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name; you are mine."

Isaiah 43:1 (NLT)

Chapter 1

A childish grin spread across the prince’s face as he pulled a bewildered Adi into a stately white church complete with stained glass windows and a steeple. Come, Adi. I want to show you something before we meet the others. Carefully descending the stairs into a dank, dark basement, Joshua guided his bride to a beautiful, ornately-carved, floor-length mirror. In awe of the beauty, Adi gently traced her fingers along the roses that had been carved into the cherry wood.

Joshua stood beside her, smiling. Who do you see in the mirror, Adi?

With embarrassment, Adi quickly turned away from the reflection she had expected to see. Only two days before, Joshua had found her unconscious lying in the mud with her wedding dress torn. Formerly known as a drug dealer and prostitute for her stepfather, Rasha, Adi had been caught and sentenced to seven years of hard labor in Soteria’s prison for women. If women made it out alive, they were never the same, but despite all of this, the king and the prince of Miskana loved her. Miskana was a real kingdom that had been reduced to Soterian fairytales by those who revolted against the king of Miskana. Rasha, who had been then king’s head official, caused a division in the kingdom, deceiving one-third of the population of Miskana into following him. Along with the deceived, Rasha set up his headquarters in Soteria to wage war against the ones the king loved, the people of Soteria, and in particular, one young girl named Adi. Knowing that the Soterians were helpless against the coming destruction of Rasha, the king and the prince devised a plan to not only save Adi but to save all of Soteria from Rasha’s plot. On the day of the sentencing, Prince Joshua appeared in the courtroom and volunteered to take Adi’s place. He promised to serve out her sentence. At the end of the seven years, she could either accept his proposal of marriage, which would exonerate her from her crimes, or reject the proposal in which she would then have to serve out her own punishment. Rooted with hatred over a long-standing feud with the king, Rasha attempted to deceive Adi into thinking that not only did Joshua hate her but that he also didn’t survive the imprisonment. The only way for her to escape prison and become powerful was to marry Ze’ev, the most eligible bachelor in Soteria. Ze’ev was Rasha’s puppet to bring about global chaos and a one-world government in which Rasha could then rule in defiance of King Penuel. Through the patient teachings of Matthew, the ambassador for the prince, Adi came to see the truth before finalizing the marriage. Flying into a fit of rage, Rasha and Ze’ev chased after a fleeing Adi. Not able to run anymore, Adi cried out for Joshua and turned to face the abuse of her stepfather. Upon hearing Adi’s cries, Joshua found her crumpled in the mud and saved her.

Joshua caught her and guided her back to the mirror. Who do you see, Adi?

Tears threatened to spill over as she squirmed to get out of his embrace. Joshua, I don’t want to see myself.

Adi, my love, just look, Joshua insisted.

Sighing with frustration, Adi stilled and stared at the reflection. Before her stood the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. The rich chestnut hair cascaded down and around her slim shoulders in waves. Her complexion no longer bore the bruises of abuse. Her almond-shaped brown eyes were alive with hope instead of fear. Adi stared in amazement. Is—is this me? she timidly asked, afraid that the mirage would disappear.

Joshua laughed. Yes, my sweet one, this is what I see every time I look at you! This is who you are, Adi, my jewel!

With a happy cry, Adi twirled around, throwing herself into his arms. I love you so much, Joshua! I’m so sorry that it took so long for me to see the truth about you.

The prince patted her on the back and shushed her. There there now, we’ve been through all that already. It’s in the past, and you’re not to bring it up anymore.

She nodded against his thick chest. Lost in the comfort of each other’s embrace, they stood feeling their hearts beat in sync. Footsteps sounded on the stairs above. Joshua spotted the ambassador coming toward them. A deep respect and pride for Matthew washed over the prince. While the prince was in prison, Matthew had the difficult job of protecting Adi from herself, Ze’ev, and Rasha’s Shedim. Eventually, the patience and truths that the ambassador had shown Adi finally won her over to Joshua. Matthew never exalted himself but always pointed people to Joshua and to his father, Penuel.

Sir, they’re waiting for you upstairs. Matthew grinned at the couple before him. Relief and joy radiated from his deep brown eyes. The battle for Adi was difficult and long, but seeing the happy couple now was well worth the pain and sorrow that everyone endured.

Ready? Joshua excitedly grinned down at Adi.

Not wanting to let go, she reluctantly stood back. I suppose.

Joshua and Matthew both chuckled. Adi looked at the two men curiously. Has anyone ever told you how much you both look alike? Same height, same build, same warm, expressive eyes, same mannerisms. That’s kind of weird, right?

The prince threw his head back and laughed. Wait until you see my father! Confused, Adi headed toward the stairs. Once they reached the foyer, the three paused before opening the door to the auditorium.

Joshua looked down at her and explained, You don’t have to be afraid of the people in there. They’re followers of the king and are so excited to welcome you into the family. You’re one of us now! He leaned over her small frame, giving her a quick kiss on the top of her head.

Let’s do this, Matthew! The ambassador pulled the doors open and waited to follow until the prince and Adi past him. Walking down this aisle was so different from the aisle a few days ago. Instead of seeing strangers and politicians who were filled with jealousy and disgust, Adi saw humble people smiling with encouragement and love to her. Disappointment tugged at her heart. This was not her actual wedding day to Joshua but only an announcement of their engagement. Once they reached the front, they waited for Matthew to read off an official-looking document.

Looking at the crowd, Matthew began to speak, Today, we’re here to witness the signing of the marriage contract between Prince Joshua and Adi. The marriage contract states the bride price, promises of the groom, and the rights of the bride. Life will be difficult, but this will be here to always serve as a reminder to the truth about Joshua’s love and the love his father, King Penuel, has for Adi.

Pausing, Matthew turned slightly to look at Adi. Compassion filled his eyes. Adi, the king and the prince saw a most precious jewel when they saw you. Because of their deep love, they agreed to pay the bride price. Joshua took your place in prison for seven years. He was beaten, starved, and tormented all for the love of you. Your price has been paid for with blood.

Adi hung her head as tears of gratitude streamed down her face. Feeling a gentle squeeze on her hands, she looked up to see a tear escape from her fiancé’s eye and roll down his cheek. I cherish you, Adi, he whispered.

Matthew continued, This was the contract that was written in the courtroom before the prince was taken away to prison. He promised to always love, protect, and provide for you. Although he may not always be here in person, he will never abandon you, Adi. King Penuel has also shared your rights as his daughter. You have the right to peace even in turmoil, the right to a kingdom, to claim his name, and to call him Father, for you are his daughter.

Matthew looked at Adi. Adi, do you believe and accept this contract?

Yes, I do! Adi choked out. But wait! She looked at Joshua, confused. What do I bring? Everything in the contract so far has been about what you and the king will do for me, but what do I do for you?

Joshua smiled. Nothing, Adi. That’s the beauty of it. You are the bride, and I pursue you. You don’t have to do anything, darling! The prince gently wiped the flow of tears off her face. Then he laughed. Matthew, we’d best sign this paper before neither of us can see straight!

Matthew chuckled as he quickly handed Joshua the pen. With an excited flourish, Joshua signed his name. Giving her a playful smile, he shoved the pen into her hand. Letting out a small chuckle, Adi carefully signed her name.

To seal this agreement or engagement, it is our tradition that the happy couple seal it with a cup of wine. Matthew handed each a glass of sweet red liquid. Let this serve as a reminder of the sacrifice that was made. Both interlocked their arms, raising their cups to drink. The crowd erupted with cheers. Unseen to the world, another world celebrated the union of their prince with the girl they had fought for and protected for years.

Gabriel, Michael, and Jordan stared at the traditional ceremony of Miskana being acted out in Soteria. Sighing with contentment, Gabriel commented, Both of you fought hard to make this day possible. Good job and enjoy this moment. I have a feeling the battle isn’t over for Adi but is now just beginning. Michael and Jordan quietly nodded their agreement. Both knew that the battle wasn’t with the Soterians but with Rasha’s horde that wanted to destroy King Penuel’s beautiful creation. Even though Rasha no longer controlled Adi, he would still seek to get his full vengeance on her for turning against him.

Joshua set his cup down on the small table that had been placed at the front of the auditorium. Facing the crowd, he took a deep breath to make an announcement. Although this a day for celebration because my beautiful bride has come home, it is also a day for goodbyes. Now that I have been released from prison, I must return home to my father. A surprised gasp circulated the room. Joshua held his hand up for silence. As is the custom, once a groom seals his engagement to his bride, he returns home to his father’s house to prepare a room for his bride. I will be doing likewise. There is much to do here in Soteria and in Miskana to prepare for all of you. I’ll be advocating on your behalf to my father while Matthew stays here to teach you and help direct you in your fight against Rasha. When the time is right, my father will allow me to come back for you. Joshua looked into Adi’s stricken and confused face.

Why can’t I come now? Adi whispered.

Because, love, there’s so much that we need you to do here. Joshua’s eyes quietly pleaded for her understanding. Adi silently nodded. Turning back to the audience, Joshua called Stephen to stand up. Stephen will be your leader. He will work closely with Matthew. Matthew will train you all in warfare against Rasha and his armies. Our enemies, Rasha and his Shedim, are not of Soteria. Even though you can’t see them physically, you can see the destruction caused by their presence. The way Soterians will be defeated is through their mind. Rasha is a master of deception. Even though you now belong to King Penuel, you can still be deceived and hurt by the work of the Shedim, so guard your heart. This battle is not a physical one but a spiritual one. Our bodies are temporary, but our souls are eternal.

A man from the crowd called out, How do we fight then? Adi