Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, hi there. I'm John Avery Whittaker, and welcome to Odyssey, a place where great adventures and new discoveries come to life. But why take my word for it? You can see for yourself when you join us for today's Adventures in Odyssey.

George Barclay: Jimmy? Whit?

John Avery Whittaker: Well, hi there, George. What took you so long?

George Barclay: I'm sorry, Whit. I got kind of tied up at the office.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, that's all right. Better late than never, I suppose. Although, Jimmy went ahead and started without you.

George Barclay: He did? Oh, man.

John Avery Whittaker: No problem. The Imagination Station is a two-door. Just come around over here, and we'll send you soaring off to find Jimmy in the land of Moses and the Egyptians.

George Barclay: No, Whit. I'm afraid I can't.

John Avery Whittaker: Can't? Why not?

George Barclay: Things are a madhouse down at the office. It's really a busy time.

John Avery Whittaker: But this is Jimmy's birthday present. I made the program especially for it, for both of you to experience together.

George Barclay: I know, Whit. I'm sorry. I just can't make time for it right now. And what about Jimmy's birthday? Well, that's the reason I came down at all. I thought maybe we could grab a hamburger together.

John Avery Whittaker: A hamburger?

George Barclay: I know, I know. It's no Imagination Station adventure, but I think he's having some friends over later, so this lunch will have to do. Jimmy will understand.

John Avery Whittaker: I don't think so, George. The reason Jimmy went ahead in the Imagination Station was because he didn't think you were coming at all.

George Barclay: He told you that?

John Avery Whittaker: Yes. Of course, I denied it. I said you'd come and that you and he would have a wonderful birthday adventure together, just like you promised.

George Barclay: What is this, a guilt trip?

John Avery Whittaker: Whatever works, George.

George Barclay: Look, Whit. I don't want to be rude, but I don't have time for this, all right? So will you please get Jimmy out of there so he and I can go to lunch in the few minutes I have left?

John Avery Whittaker: No.

George Barclay: Wait a minute, Whit.

John Avery Whittaker: If you want Jimmy out of there, George, then you're going to have to go in and get him yourself.

George Barclay: Come on!

John Avery Whittaker: I mean it.

George Barclay: Whit, I don't have the time for this. How do you get this thing open?

John Avery Whittaker: Have a nice lunch.

George Barclay: All right, all right. I'll go in.

John Avery Whittaker: Good.

George Barclay: But just for a few minutes and just to get Jimmy.

John Avery Whittaker: Whatever you say, George. Now, put down that briefcase, and you don't need your overcoat. Good. Now, just sit right down there. That's it. Okay.

George Barclay: You set?

John Avery Whittaker: I don't know. You tell me.

George Barclay: You're fine.

John Avery Whittaker: Now, I'm going to close the doors, and when I do, you just push that button right there, okay?

George Barclay: Sure, sure. Hey, Whit?

John Avery Whittaker: Yeah?

George Barclay: Will I just find Jimmy?

John Avery Whittaker: That's up to you, George.

George Barclay: Wait. Whit, wait. Where is Jimmy?

John Avery Whittaker: Well, right about now, I'd say he's surrounded by total darkness, just like in an eclipse.

Jimmy Barclay: Eclipse? Yeah, when the sun is blocked out. And you say the only light is in these houses?

Joshua: Yes, in the dwellings of the sons of Israel.

Jimmy Barclay: This is so cool, Joshua.

Joshua: Cool?

Jimmy Barclay: How long did you say this darkness thing has been going on?

Joshua: Three days. It is a tribute to the might and power of the God of Israel over the Egyptian god, Ra.

Jimmy Barclay: Ra?

Joshua: You don't know Ra?

Jimmy Barclay: Only as part of a cheer, but...

Joshua: Ra is the Egyptian sun god. Come away from the window now. Let us enjoy the peace while we can.

Jimmy Barclay: What do you mean, while we can?

Joshua: Darkness is the ninth plague our God has put upon the Egyptians in recent months. First the water turned to blood, then came the frogs and lice and flies, then the cattle died, and the Egyptians suffered from boils, hail, and locusts.

Jimmy Barclay: You'd think they'd take a hint, wouldn't you?

Joshua: They haven't. The plagues have only worsened our plight, and this one, against their most powerful god, the sun god, will surely tighten Pharaoh's grasp around our throats.

We cannot work in the dark, so we have enjoyed this short peace at least. But when the light returns, the Pharaoh's slave drivers will not be far behind, I can assure you. My belief is that we shall never leave this place.

Jimmy Barclay: Sure you will, Joshua. Pharaoh's just being stubborn. Eventually, he'll give in and you'll head for the Promised Land.

Joshua: You know of the Promised Land?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, I've read all about it. It's flowing with milk and honey. Or was it nuts and honey? No, no, that's my cereal. It's definitely milk and honey.

Guest (Male): The warning horn! Benjamin, Benjamin, what is it?

Joshua: Look at the sky. The darkness is lifting. Come, Jimmy, outside.

Jimmy Barclay: Look at the sun! Incredible! Did you hear that? Sounds like the Imagination Station.

Joshua: No, Jimmy. I don't hear anything. Jimmy, look there. Someone approaches out of the light.

Jimmy Barclay: I don't believe it. That's... Dad! Joshua, it's my dad! Come on! Dad! Dad! Over here!

George Barclay: Jimmy, I'm glad I was able to find you right away.

Jimmy Barclay: I'm just glad you're here.

George Barclay: Just where is "here" anyway?

Jimmy Barclay: This is the Land of Goshen in ancient Egypt.

George Barclay: Really? Certainly looks authentic.

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah. Oh, Dad, this is my friend Joshua. Joshua, this is my father.

Joshua: Peace be with you.

George Barclay: Hi. Now, look, Jimmy. We're not going to be able to... Did you say Joshua? Uh-huh.

Joshua: You and your son are welcome in my home. I shall go and prepare a place for you.

George Barclay: Oh, no. You don't have to do that. Wait. Jimmy, I'm really sorry, but we can't stay.

Jimmy Barclay: What?

George Barclay: I've got to get back. I have meetings and lots of things to do this afternoon.

Jimmy Barclay: But you promised we'd do this for my birthday!

George Barclay: Things got busy at work, son. We can still have lunch, though, if we hurry. That's why I'm here. I came to get you.

Jimmy Barclay: Well, no thanks. I'm not hungry.

George Barclay: Look, Jimmy. I'm sorry this didn't work out, but why don't we just make the best of it and go get something to eat, all right?

Jimmy Barclay: You go ahead. I'd rather stay here.

George Barclay: Well, I'd rather that you come with me. Now let's go.

Jimmy Barclay: I don't want to!

George Barclay: Jimmy, don't make me...

Guest (Female): They're coming! It's the slave drivers!

George Barclay: What in the world?

Jimmy Barclay: It's the slave drivers! Joshua warned me about them! We got to get out of here, Dad!

George Barclay: Look at what they're doing!

Joshua: Jimmy, George, it is not safe for you here! You must come with me!

George Barclay: Hold on! What's going on here? They're beating these people! What kind of game is this?

Joshua: It is no game! We have to go!

George Barclay: But that's an old woman! Wait here. Hey! Stop that! You! You stop it! Stop it!

Guest (Male): That hurt! How real is this? You can't hit my dad! Oh, my foot! Well, I'll teach you to attack me!

George Barclay: Take your filthy hands off my son!

Guest (Male): Seize them! How dare you touch the captain of the Pharaoh's guard? Take them to the mud pits!

George Barclay: This isn't real! This can't be happening!

Guest (Male): Quiet! Take this brat to Hachupa. He'll know what to do with him.

Jimmy Barclay: Dad! Where are you taking me?

Guest (Male): No concern of yours.

George Barclay: He's my son!

Guest (Male): Then you should have taught him better manners. Take him away!

George Barclay: No! No! Jimmy! George! Jimmy! Jimmy!

Guest (Male): Faster, or I'll whip you until your blood runs in the street!

Joshua: Wait, please, Master. He does not understand. I beg you, have mercy.

Guest (Male): As if you deserve it. Get him to the mud pits!

Joshua: Have you not been beaten enough for one day, George? You must do as he says. My son Jimmy, he's gone for now. I will search for him. Please trust me.

Guest (Male): All right, back to the mud pits with all of you! Bricks to make and straw to gather. Your sweat and blood will build the great cities of Egypt!

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Guest (Female): We're going to have a blast!

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Guest (Male): Hachupa!

Hachupa: What do you want?

Guest (Male): A present for you from Watmos. A young troublemaker from Goshen. Work him hard.

Hachupa: Oh, I shall. So, causing problems in Goshen, eh? A few days of darkness made you restless, did they?

Jimmy Barclay: No, I was just out...

Hachupa: Quiet! Don't speak to me ever. Your purpose is to listen and obey. You're a scrawny slave. Perhaps some time stoking the fires in the great Pharaoh's kitchen will put some muscle on you. This way.

George Barclay: I could get out of here. It's only my imagination, isn't it? But Jimmy... what happens to Jimmy in this thing? How real is it? Real enough.

Guest (Male): You! What do you think you're doing?

Joshua: I was told to bring water to these men.

Guest (Male): Bring the water here. They'll drink after I've had my fill.

Joshua: Yes, Master.

Guest (Male): Tepid. Perfect for you Jews. Go on, but be quick about it.

Joshua: Thank you. Here you are, brothers. George, drink quickly.

George Barclay: Joshua?

Joshua: Drink quickly.

George Barclay: What is this?

Joshua: Water.

George Barclay: It's disgusting. But it's better than nothing.

Joshua: Moses has gone to speak with the Pharaoh again. I fear the worst.

George Barclay: Moses?

Joshua: Our God has defeated Pharaoh at every turn. I cannot imagine what's left to persuade him to free us.

George Barclay: But what about Jimmy? Do you know where he is?

Joshua: No, I haven't found him yet. I'm sorry.

Guest (Male): That's enough! All of you, back to the mud!

Joshua: Work stops at sundown. I shall come for you.

George Barclay: Thank you. Thank you for everything. But please, please try to find Jimmy.

Host (Male): Hey, parents. For almost 40 years, Adventures in Odyssey has been helping kids like yours form relationships with Christ. Now, the animated Adventures in Odyssey film, *Journey into the Impossible*, will reach a new generation of families.

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Guest (Female): It's hard to trust a lot of entertainment these days, especially when you want your kids to learn Christian values. Even shows that seem good at first could end up teaching them all the wrong things. But you can always trust Adventures in Odyssey.

Guest (Male): For over 35 years, Adventures in Odyssey audio dramas have been teaching kids biblical truth through fun, heartwarming stories. Many kids have even come to Christ because of the show.

And with an Adventures in Odyssey Club membership, you can get even more episodes that will keep them on the right path. Play an episode in the car, before bed, or any other time you just need a moment to breathe. You can rest easy knowing every story is teaching them to be more like Christ.

To find out how you can join the Adventures in Odyssey Club today, go to adventuresinodyssey.com. That's adventuresinodyssey.com.

Chris: Want to contact us about the episode you're hearing? Visit our website at adventuresinodyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY with a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.

Guest (Female): Who is it?

Jimmy Barclay: Room service.

Guest (Female): What?

Jimmy Barclay: I brought some food for you, Your Highness.

Guest (Female): Put it down and get out!

Jimmy Barclay: Yes, Your Highness.

Ramses: Who are you?

Jimmy Barclay: I'm Jimmy.

Ramses: You don't look like one of my slaves.

Jimmy Barclay: No, sir. I think you threw them all in the dungeon.

Ramses: So I did. Where'd they find you?

Jimmy Barclay: I'm from... I'm from Goshen.

Ramses: You're a Jew?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, no, not really, sir.

Ramses: Not a Jew, but from Goshen? What did my kitchen fix me?

Jimmy Barclay: It's there on the tray, sir.

Ramses: I can see that, fool! It's terrible! Makes a better wall than a drink. I hate this.

Jimmy Barclay: I don't blame you.

Ramses: Blame me? Why should the Prince of Egypt be blamed for anything?

Jimmy Barclay: I meant, I don't blame you for hating this.

Ramses: What do you know about it?

Jimmy Barclay: Well, if all I did all day was sit around, then I'd be bored and in a bad mood, too.

Ramses: I'm the son of a mighty Pharaoh. I do not suffer from bad moods and I am not bored.

Jimmy Barclay: Whatever you say, Your Highness. I'll just go now.

Ramses: Wait! If I was bored, what do you suggest I do?

Jimmy Barclay: I don't know. Do you play any games?

Ramses: Games?

Jimmy Barclay: Now, you take this stick and hold it like this, see? And I'll throw the orange at you, and you hit it.

Ramses: Hit the orange?

Jimmy Barclay: Yeah, you hit the orange. And if I catch it, you're out. If I don't catch it, then you run to that curtain over there. That'll be first base.

Ramses: First base?

Jimmy Barclay: That's why they call it baseball. Let's try that much. See, I'll throw the orange and you hit it. Ready? Ready? Here it comes! Oops. I better be going now.

Ramses: Excellent! I like this baseball!

Guest (Male): Your Highness, Your Highness, are you all right? I heard a crash.

Ramses: Yes, yes. We're playing a game. Leave us.

Guest (Male): But, Highness, I have come to take you to your father.

Ramses: My father?

Guest (Male): There is an affair of state he wishes you to witness.

Ramses: Affair of state. It is always an affair of state. He never has time just for me.

Jimmy Barclay: I know how you feel.

Ramses: What?

Jimmy Barclay: Nothing, sir.

Ramses: Tell my father we will join him shortly.

Guest (Male): Yes, my Prince.

Jimmy Barclay: We?

Ramses: Yes. Perhaps we can show him your game.

Jimmy Barclay: Well, I don't know...

Ramses: Unless you'd rather join the others in the dungeon.

Jimmy Barclay: Right behind you, oh Prince.

Guest (Male): His Royal Highness, Prince Ramses!

Pharaoh: Ah, my son. You're just in time. Who is this you've brought with you?

Ramses: A servant from Goshen, Father. He has a most unusual game I want to show you. It...

Pharaoh: Goshen? Then he'll be interested with what's about to take place. Come, my son. Watch and learn something of what it means to be a ruler. Attend me now. Bring in the two Hebrew leaders.

Jimmy Barclay: Hebrew leaders?

Ramses: Yes, the two Jewish magicians who have been causing all our trouble. Surely you know them? The ones called Aaron and Moses. Odd names.

Jimmy Barclay: Aaron and Moses.

Guest (Male): The Hebrew leaders, Great Pharaoh.

Moses: Pharaoh, thus says the Lord God of Israel: let my people go.

Pharaoh: Yes, yes, I've heard that before, Moses. And you know by now what my answer has been. I do not tolerate demands made upon me by slaves.

However, a good ruler also knows when to be merciful. So I've decided you may go. Take your women and children and worship your God. But to ensure that you will return, you will leave your flocks and herds behind.

Moses: We cannot. We must have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the Lord our God. Our livestock must go with us. Not a hoof is to be left behind.

Pharaoh: What manner of deception is this?

Moses: There is no deception. We must use our animals in the worship of our God. But until we arrive, we will not know what we are to use.

Pharaoh: You ungrateful wretches! I extend you the hand of benevolence and you spit on it! Get away from me! Go back to your work, slaves! You shall never leave Goshen!

Moses: Hear the words of the Lord God, oh Pharaoh. About midnight I will go throughout this land. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on the throne, to the firstborn of the slave girl who is at her hand mill, to the firstborn of the cattle.

And the cry throughout Egypt shall be great, worse than there has ever been or ever shall be again. But among my people, not a dog shall bark at any man or animal. Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.

Pharaoh: Get out! Take care you do not see my face again. For on the day you do, you will die.

Moses: You are right, Pharaoh. I shall never see your face again.

Jimmy Barclay: It's the Passover, Ramses. Passover.

Ramses: The Hebrew magician wastes his words as usual. It is nothing to me.

Jimmy Barclay: But didn't you hear? It's everything.

Pharaoh: Unmitigated gall! I offered to let them go, but that's not good enough. He wants more!

Ramses: Perhaps you should consider it, oh Pharaoh. After all, his God bested even the mighty sun god, Ra.

Pharaoh: Then perhaps Ra isn't so mighty after all. But I am. His people shall never leave this place. Slaves they are, and slaves they shall remain for eternity.

Guest (Male): But Pharaoh, our people have suffered so...

Pharaoh: Suffered? Our suffering will be nothing compared to the suffering I shall visit upon the Hebrews. Summon the commanders of my army.

Ramses: Father?

Pharaoh: I have no time for you now, my son.

Ramses: But Father, I...

Pharaoh: Before this week is through, death most severe shall visit the sons of Israel. So let it be done.

Ramses: Death. Dad!

George Barclay: The day's labor never gets any easier. I can't believe how real this is. I'm covered with mud, my muscles ache, I'm hungry. Is there anything to eat?

Joshua: No.

George Barclay: Well, let's go get something.

Joshua: You misunderstand. There's nothing to eat anywhere.

George Barclay: What?

Joshua: The Egyptians have confiscated our grain. I'm a poor host, I know. My deepest apologies.

George Barclay: It's not your fault. It's just that I've never seen anything like this. So much suffering. People worked like pack horses all day and then no food. Children starving. Old ones dying of exhaustion in the mud pits.

To have your son torn from you... I've got to go find Jimmy.

Joshua: No, George, you can't.

George Barclay: I have to. Somebody has to know where he is.

Guest (Male): Joshua! Come quickly! He has returned!

Joshua: George, this is what we've been waiting for!

George Barclay: Who? Who has returned?

Joshua: The deliverer. Moses.

George Barclay: Moses?

Moses: Men of Israel, Pharaoh's heart has once again hardened before the Lord.

Guest (Male): What are we to do, Moses?

Moses: Prepare for yourself this evening, each in his own house, a feast of a spotless lamb and unleavened bread. And when you have slaughtered the lamb, take some of its blood and put it on the doorposts and on the lintel of the house in which you eat.

For thus says the Lord: on this same night, I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn, both men and animals. And I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord.

The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. Thus says the Lord.

Joshua: Come, George. We must prepare... What is it, my friend?

George Barclay: This is the Passover. The Angel of Death is coming.

Joshua: Yes. At last, God will smite this land.

George Barclay: I know. And no one will be spared. Not even Pharaoh's house. Jimmy!

Chris: Looks like both Jimmy and George are in for a rough time. Will Jimmy be protected from the Angel of Death? Will George risk the wrath of the Egyptians by going out to look for Jimmy? Will they finally find each other? The only way to know for sure is to tune in again next time.

Meanwhile, why don't you write to me here in Odyssey and tell me about your favorite Old Testament story? The Passover is certainly one of mine, but I also love the stories of David and Goliath, Samson, and Abraham.

And I'd really love to hear about your favorites. Just send your card or letter to Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. In Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And don't forget to ask about how you can get a copy of today's broadcast called "The Passover." The address once again is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995, and in Canada, that's Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3.

Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. Today's program was written by Phil Lollar and Paul McCusker, and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Dave Arnold, and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.