“After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this’” (Revelation 4:1).
“It’s time to go.” Gabe eyes glistened as brightly as his broad smile.
“Go where?” Allen’s heart hammered against his chest.
“It’s time for you to meet with Theos.”
“Are you kidding? Why in the world would He want to see someone like me?” With a low moan, he rested his forehead on the heel of his hand. “I’d be scared out of my wits to stand before Him. From what I’ve seen, He is awesome and frightening and I can't imagine what it would be like to actually stand in His presence.”
“Well, today you’re going to find out for yourself.” Gabe did his best to soothe Allen’s jittery nerves. “Remember, Mike told you that he was sent to get you because you have been chosen for a very special task.”
Allen tilted his head toward Gabe and lowered his voice. “I—I—I guess I thought he was kidding.”
“Come!” Gently, but firmly, Gabe took Allen by the hand and they began walking toward the podium where Theos had been standing.
“It looks as if everybody’s gone home.” Allen gestured toward the empty coliseum. “I don’t see Theos anywhere. Maybe we should go back and call it a day?”
Gabe gave Allen an empathic smile. “Everyone is outside in the streets and parks of the city. They’re continuing their festivities. Can’t you see them over there?”
“Oh yes, I see them.”
Then before Allen’s eyes the scene suddenly changed. The noise from the festivities was gone and as far as he could see there were only a few beings moving around the city. He blinked a few times and rubbed his eyes. “What just happened, Gabe?”
“Are you remembering the instant playback thing?” Gabe asked.
“Oh, right.”
“Well, that’s what you just experienced.” Gabe clasped his hands to his chest. “You saw a replay of something that happened here many millenniums ago. It was necessary for you to see it happen as it will help you understand why you’re here. Later when you return to earth, it will help answer questions many others have.”
Allen was still confused but thought it was best if he stayed quiet for a while and just observed what was happening around him.
Gabe pointed ahead. “We’ve almost reached the palace.”
Allen lifted his eyes to the horizon. He was once again overcome with awe at the sight before his eyes. “The palace is gigantic, and it glows. Is it made of gold?”
The whole structure sparkled. “Yes,” Gabe nodded. “The roof, the walls, the spiral towers, and the gates are made of pure gold.”
Allen noticed that embedded in the gates were very large pearls.
“Wow!” Nothing on earth had ever entered his mind that could have prepared him for this. Allen let out an extended whistle, then, breathed out loud, “It’s beautiful!”
“I thought you would be impressed.” Gabe patted Allen on the back.
The pearly gates swung open and a voice spoke, “Welcome, Allen and Gabe. Please, come in.”
Allen was shocked. “How did the greeter know my name?” Standing before him was a beautiful creature, as usual very large yet not threatening in any way. The creature’s face was warm and friendly with gentle eyes that shone brightly. A kind smile tugged on the corner of the being’s mouth. A sense of peace swept over Allen. He felt safe and sensed he had nothing to fear.
The facial features of the creature looked to him like a girl’s face, but Allen remembered that in this kingdom there is no male or female. He just accepted the fact without knowing how to explain it. When the creature moved slowly toward Allen, he noticed she was wearing a stunning robe with magnificent gold trim around the wrists, collar, lapel, and bottom of the robe. “She’s wearing golden boots too! And she has one of those sparkling earrings!”
Allen was captivated by the creature and the warm welcome. The greeter beckoned him to enter.
Gabe took Allen’s hand and said, “I am going to leave you in the care of Unice. Your audience with Theos will be conducted by her.” Before Allen could respond, Gabe quickly turned and disappeared from sight. Allen felt a brief reluctance for a moment but then Unice held out her hand and beckoned Allen to follow her.
She walked down a seemingly endless hallway. As far as Allen could see were tremendously high ceilings with skylights in the shape of huge golden chandeliers. The light coming from them cast shimmering rivers of color spilling over the walls and floor. Some looked like revolving crystal balls. They went on and on for as far as he could see. At the distant end of the hall Allen could barely make out what he thought resembled a throne. Normally he couldn’t see clearly from such a distance but its brightness and its size caused it to stand out. “It must be Theos’ throne!” he thought.
Because of Unice’s great size, she walked with giant strides. Allen had to run to keep up. He chuckled inside because he remembered how he used to have to run to keep up with his dad when he was very little, and that time with Gabe in the city. Now here he was again, little—and trying to keep up.
As they proceeded down the hall, Allen was fascinated by the many doors. Each one was engraved with beautiful gems and painted designs. He wondered what was behind them. Finally, Unice stopped at one. She opened it and beckoned Allen to enter. The room was colossal. At one end was a gigantic screen with a large comfy looking couch in front of it. As they approached it, Unice requested, “please sit down,” as she patted the cushion seat.
Allen eyed his new companion and couldn’t imagine what was going to happen next.
She continued, “Before I show you something very special, I want to tell you a little bit more about why you’re here. I don’t know all the details of why Theos chose you, but I do know you have been given an extremely important task.” Unice graciously nodded her head at Allen as she continued. “You’ve been chosen to learn a universal truth. Your purpose for being here is that after you learn it, you’ll return to your people and communicate this truth to them.”
“But I'm so young. How do you expect me to learn all this truth?” Allen’s face again showed a questioning appearance. “And who’s going to listen to me?”
Sympathy shone in Unice’s eyes. “Well, let me say that the truth is simple and the help you will receive is powerful and unlimited.”
Allen nodded as if he was making a mental note. “That sounds good, but I can’t believe I can make any difference on earth.”
“At least you know you’re here, so why not just plug in with us and see what happens?” Unice did her best to encourage Allen.
“Oh, all right! I guess it’s the least I can do.” Allen had quickly gotten used to the idea that he really didn’t have much choice. “Ready or not, here I come,” he said to himself.