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  • Writer's pictureCarl Hiltz

Chapter 12: The Kingdom of Light

“There in heaven I saw a throne and someone sitting on it. The one who was sitting there sparkled like precious stones of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne (Revelation 4:2, 3).


A holy hush swept over the crowd when a strikingly handsome figure appeared on the platform in the middle of the stadium, accompanied by an honor guard of fifty giants. He threw up his arms and looked up to the throng with a broad smile. The crowd cheered. He did it again and more shouting rang out. He proceeded toward the area where the choir and orchestra were assembled. He continued waving at the cheering admirers and seemed to really enjoy the attention the crowd showered on him. He greeted many with a nod and slowly ascended upward, leaving the honor guard stationed on the floor of the stadium.


To Allen, his appearance was a notch above anything he had seen before and he was sure this was Theos. Just to make certain, he cupped his hand and whispered to Gabe, “Is that Theos?”


“No!” Gabe whispered back. “But this one is very special to Theos. He’s the most trusted friend and advisor and has been chosen to lead all the great assemblies that gather to honor the Great One.”


Allen looked again in the direction of Gabe’s focus. “I see.”


“He’s trusted with great power and authority. At this moment he’s preparing to lead the great tribute in honor to Theos.”


Allen’s eyes were fixed on the being as he walked to the podium, where he would conduct the choir and musicians. He turned in Allen’s direction and for the first time, Allen caught a glimpse of the face. He gasped under his breath, “It’s—him!”

Allen wrung his hands and pressed his lips together. “It’s the leader I saw and overheard in the forest, making plans for an uprising to take over Theos’ kingdom. I’ve got to tell Gabe!”


But before Allen could say a word, the trumpeters’ horns blared, and this time instead of one long blast, it was a melody, a fanfare. The people jumped to their feet and a great shout echoed throughout the stadium.


Theos was about to make His appearance!


Allen was speechless. His face flushed as his breath caught in his throat. His heart pounded so hard he thought it might jump right out of his chest.


Gabe leaned toward Allen. “There He is. Theos!”


Allen steadied his anxious nerves. Surrounding Theos’ head was what appeared to be a rainbow. Not just a small one but a full-blown circular one with amazingly vivid colors he’d never seen before, and they changed like looking into a kaleidoscope. Darts of light shot out like streaks from a laser, the source being the brilliant gem in Theos’ earring.


“He is so radiant and dazzling!” Allen choked and shook his head. “Words don’t work for this,” he thought.


A solid gold crown embedded with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and opals rested on Theos’ head. More flashes of light shot from the jewels. His hair was snow white and quite long, touching his shoulders. His robe was a deep royal purple trimmed with gold on the collar, the end of the sleeves, and the hem of His robe. Tied around his waist was a golden sash. He had bronze leg coverings and shoes that glowed like fire. His whole being appeared bright as the sun. Sunlight this bright would be blinding, but the light coming from Theos brought only a sense of joy and peace.


“No wonder His kingdom is called the City of Light.” Allen was in awe as this light splashed in his eyes. Not only had he not seen anything like this before he never imagined it could exist. “Oh, if I were ever going to worship any being, Theos would sure be the one!”


Everyone bowed in awe, not because they had to but because they were captivated by His very presence and appearance. His eyes were like hot coals, looking deep inside each soul in the stadium.


Amazingly Theos’ gaze met Allen’s. A lump formed in Allen’s throat and his eyes welled up with tears. “My heart feels like it’s glowing inside me. I’m undone.”


The four Phims carried Theos and His throne on their shoulders. They marched to the middle of the stadium and placed the throne on a raised platform. The stadium spectators continued cheering and applauding their beloved Theos. Then a thunderous noise reverberated through this joy filled atmosphere. Allen turned to watch as the base drums of the orchestra began a roll. All the wind instruments and strings rose in anticipation as the conductor poised his baton and began to collect their attention.


“This is a new musical composition written by Vulpine to honor Theos.” Gabe smiled and lifted his face toward the dazzling light that focused on the conductor.


Allen’s heart quieted. Chills ran up and down his spine as he listened to the opening music. He sat captivated by its rhythm and melody. “There’s certainly no music that sounds like this back home.”


When the overture was almost completed, the conductor motioned to the choir to rise and prepare to join with the symphony’s instrumental composition. As they raised their voices in unison with the orchestra, for the first time in his life Allen believed in angels. This must be heaven and these must be angels.


He was held spellbound by what he was hearing and seeing. As the sound echoed in his ears he also saw a visual sound. “How is it possible he can see sound as well as hear it?” he asked himself. Just as the audio was pleasant to the ear, the visual sound became pleasant to the eyes. “This is a double whammy for sure! Maybe even a triple whammy because not only can I hear and see the sound, but I can feel it too!” Allen whispered to Gabe. As the music rose and fell or changed rhythm, Allen could feel this awesome sensation tingle throughout his whole body.


At the conclusion of the musical presentation, the stadium burst into thunderous applause. Even though it was bright, a laser like beam focused on the conductor. He acknowledged the ovation by bowing and waving to the throng. Even Theos could be seen acknowledging his talent and performance. A chant arose from the seats: “Vulpine, Vulpine!”


Gabe turned to Allen to explain what he was seeing and hearing. “You can see that everyone appreciates Vulpine’s abilities and talent. But it isn’t only the music and his ability to coordinate these great gatherings, but they know the strong sense of commitment Vulpine offers in governing the kingdom as well. Everyone knoww of his devotion to Theos and the power and responsibility given to him. He is truly a ruler in his own right. The kingdom loves him."


Allen’s mind wouldn’t shut off. “Could Vulpine really be as evil as he sounded in the grove of trees?” He wondered about what he had overheard at the meeting of Vulpine and his rebel band earlier. After seeing how talented Vulpine was and his acceptance by the kingdom, Allen thought, “Surely it’s impossible that this trusted being has any idea of overthrowing Theos, ruling the whole kingdom, and placing those who help him in roles of authority? Surely this couldn’t be. No one could be discontented with the way this kingdom is ruled!” To Allen this place was everything he imagined heaven could be—and more.

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Vol. 1: The Junta

(Carl Hiltz wrote this series and Beth Snodderly is editing it. Feedback requested: beth.snodderly@wciu.edu)

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