Chapter 11: The Celebration

“Around the throne … were four living creatures covered front and back with eyes. The first creature was like a lion, the second one was like a bull, the third one had the face of a human, and the fourth was like a flying eagle” (Revelation 4:6, 7).

As he flew along with Gabe, wondering about his family, Allen peered down over the city. The emerald-colored lake glistened in front of the golden palace area and its beautifully manicured grounds. The sight was breathtaking. The lake was fed by a river flowing through the city, rolling along the streets and parks. Animals roamed freely on the park grounds. Sheep, horses, cattle, lions, tigers, elk, bears—all kinds of wild and tame animals shared the same huge open space. A zoo! “No,” he realized, “it can’t be a zoo because there are no cages or fences.”

As Allen continued surveying this unusual sight, he spied many of the inhabitants walking and sitting among the animals. They seemed to be having a picnic. Long tables were set up everywhere, loaded with platters of food and drink, goodies for everyone.

“Would you ever see anything like that on earth?” Gabe flashed a broad grin as he observed Allen studying the scene below.

“No way, the animals would never be able to get along. There would be fur flying for sure. And those folks sitting there would make a great meal for some of those animals,” Allen chuckled.

A startling sound interrupted them. Allen looked up to see four animals flying from the direction of the golden palace. At least Allen thought they were animals, but as they got closer he realized they were creatures unlike any he had ever seen before. They were headed straight toward Allen. Their sheer size and foreboding appearance was overwhelming. Fear paralyzed his body as the weirdly formed creatures continued coming toward him. Eyes! Each one had two eyes that could look ahead, two eyes that could look behind, and two eyes that looked from either side. The first living creature had the appearance of a lion, the second one an ox, the third had a human face, and the fourth looked like an eagle. They each had six wings. The movement of their wings made a strange throbbing sound that seemed to rock the air and the ground he was standing on.

Allen’s voice trembled with fear. “Gabe, who or what are they? Not only haven’t I ever seen anything like them, I never even dreamed of anything like them.”

“They’re Phims, special servants to Theos. They serve Him and they carry out His wishes. They are always ready to do whatever He wants.” Gabe cast a thoughtful glance. “Their dedication is remarkable, and they serve Theos 24/7.”

“I never thought I’d ever hear you use an earthy phrase like 24/7, you said there’s no time here” Allen pointed out. Gabe just wrinkled his brow.

“They sure are scary looking!”

“Don’t let their appearance frighten you,” Gabe reassured.

“That’s easy for you to say. Look at the size of them!”

A loud swishing sound stirred the air, it almost knocked Allen over, causing him and Gabe to come to an unsteady landing.

All four of the creatures landed directly in front of Allen. The creature that looked like a lion spoke—or was it the eagle? No, it was the ox. Allen realized as one spoke, they all spoke with the same words and their eyes all looked in the same direction. Unbelievable!

“Are you Allen, a chosen one?” The creatures asked.

The voices speaking all at once and using the label “chosen one” scrambled Allen’s brain for the moment. “How am I going to deal with this, I can’t talk!”

Gabe answered for him. “Yes, he is.”

The creatures all together spoke again, “Theos sent us to make sure he is prepared for the meeting.”

The tenderness in Gabe’s response almost undid Allen. “We will make sure he responds to your wishes.”

In one accord they said, “Good. Now we shall return and bring Theos to the celebration.” The quartet bowed respectfully and flew away with a loud swishing sound to return to the presence of Theos.

“If you’re wondering about their appearance, Allen—”

“I sure am,” Allen thought as he tried to unscramble his thoughts.

“Each one has a specific reason for its looks and character. Theos is the only one who knows that reason fully.” Gabe spoke slowly and thoughtfully. “Many believe the lion represents the kingly or sovereign character of Theos. The ox probably represents massive power, and the eagle reminds us that His thoughts and ways are far above all others.”

Allen didn’t speak for several moments, drinking in every word. “But the human face, what does that represent?”

Gabe looked Allen in the eye. “Everyone here knows how much Theos loves humans! The earth and its inhabitants are His special creation. They hold an extraordinary place in His heart. So you being here and being a ‘chosen one’ plays a large part in His effort to reveal how much He cares.”

Allen just rubbed his chin.

Gabe’s attention stayed focused on Allen. “Theos’ care and concern for us is always evident. We’re never sure what He will do next, but we are confident everything is always for our highest good. As you can see, there’s harmony here. Even the animals have no fear of us, nor do we fear them. His greatest wish is for this kingdom to be established on your earth.”

Allen’s thoughts continued to churn as he tried to piece together all he had seen and heard. Many questions rolled around in his head like marbles in a pinball machine. But of all these questions one loomed in his mind: “Where do the Duns fit into all this?” Allen decided to get ready for the big celebration and inquire later with Gabe and Mike about his puzzling question.

They were almost to their destination. Allen could see throngs of the kingdom population gathering in what looked like a gigantic stadium inside the central grounds of the palace. Everything about it was vast. Inhabitants were streaming in from all directions and filling this mega arena. At one end a great orchestra and choir were assembled, all dressed in brilliant white robes trimmed with gold. Allen couldn’t begin to estimate the number in the stadium. Everyone appeared happy, greeting one another warmly. Some waved banners, others flew flags; joy was evident everywhere.

Along the top of the wall was a ring of large winged creatures in beautiful emerald uniforms. “They must be eight to ten feet tall,” Allen guessed. Their appearance was stunning. They were holding golden trumpets and flashes of light reflected from their dazzling earrings. Every few minutes they would all blow a single note for a few seconds. When they stopped, the whole stadium exploded with a shout of tribute to Theos.

“This is so exciting!” Allen whispered to Gabe.

“Oh yes, it’s quite the party.” Gabe pointed toward the crowd. “Look over there, Allen!”

Allen chuckled when he saw some of the beings doing the wave just like at a huge sporting event on earth. “That’s one thing I have seen before.” Allen had a wonderful view of everything. The stadium was full. He sensed something was about to happen— and he couldn’t wait.