“There will be no night there” (Revelation 21:5).
The City of Light! Allen spied the beautiful celestial city below. He observed something he had noticed before. “I’ve never seen a sun,” he thought, “but there never has been any night. Where does the light come from?”
Then he spotted the palace at the foot of the mountain where Theos lived. The light from His splendid home spilled out over the entire kingdom. It was like waves that rolled endlessly, sweeping over and through the whole Kingdom.
“Hey! That looks familiar!” Allen gazed at the gigantic stadium coming into view below. He was still amazed at its vastness. As gigantic as it was, everyone had a perfect view of whatever was happening. Allen was overwhelmed to see it was full of joyful citizens waiting to party. Allen, Gabe, and Mike along with the whole troop of warriors, headed for an empty section. They descended and found their seats. Music from the massive choir, trumpeters, and orchestra filled the arena. Allen was touched to the depths of his soul.
Gabe drew a long breath and pointed. “Look! There He is!”
Theos and the Phims entered with splendor. Praise, adoration, and applause ebbed and flowed throughout the stadium.
As usual, Allen could not find words to describe it. “I’m getting goose bumps! My emotions are going haywire again!” His heart was deeply moved as he watched the love and appreciation everyone demonstrated toward Theos. “How is it possible for this kind of kingdom to really exist? There are never any disagreements. No one puts anyone else down. No crying! There is no disease! No one grows old! Everyone is wise and caring. Everyone showers love on everyone else!”
Gabe gently elbowed Allen in the ribs. He sensed the many questions rolling around in Allen’s head. “It’s been eons since Vulpine was cast out of the kingdom. Since then, unity and peace have ruled this entire domain.”
“I see.”
“Theos has made the peace and harmony experienced here to be available to all creatures no matter where they live.”
“Boy, if everyone on earth knew that it, would it change the world, Gabe? Is that possible?” Allen’s heart filled with wonder.
“Yes, it is possible. Do you want to know what it would take?”
“Of course! Is it long and complicated?”
“Not really.” Tenderness showed in Gabe’s face. “Theos has provided the key for living in harmony in the universe—in all dealings with any being and with the best of your ability, look out for their highest good. That’s it. That’s the simple rule. It’s an other-centered life style and it’s called love."
Gabe’s words tugged at Allen’s heart. “That’s all?”
“That’s all,” repeated Gabe. Then he continued, “But if you embrace this lifestyle, you will be called on to sacrifice. Many times you’ll have to give up your own way for the good of others, and that’s very hard where you live. It may not bring you money or power, it may even bring suffering. But it will bring you great friendships and a peaceful heart toward others. Look closely at what you see and encounter here, and remember this is the result of a life of love; a life lived for others. Just ask yourself if anything else is more important.”
“Well, that sounds too simple to be the most important truth in the universe.” Allen scratched his head.
“The truth is simple. But living it is a different story. Look what happened to Vulpine and all his followers. Look at the tragedies, hunger, fighting, addiction, disease, broken homes, interest in the occult, and other horrifying things happening on earth. Compare all that to the peace here where this wonderful opportunity is lived out. Many earthlings refuse to believe it will work because they’re not willing to sacrifice by letting go of their selfish ways.”
The truth of Gabe’s words caught Allen by surprise. “I sure don’t like sacrifice.”
“No earthling does. But when Theos visited earth, He promised to help those who decided to live this way. He promised them His presence. When they ask, He will dispatch many who live in the kingdom to help them. Remember, the ever-present combat between good and evil rages on. Each wants the souls of mortals for their kingdom.” Gabe’s expression was serious.
“I feel honored to have had such a life-changing experience,” Allen said. “I wish everyone back home could have it too. I wonder if I’ll have the courage to share what I’ve learned when I return, Gabe. Surely everyone would want to know all that you have shared with me!”
“Well,” Gabe hesitated, gazing toward Theos, “Now you know the reason you’re here.”
As the music came to a close, thunderous applause and loud cheers erupted from the assembly in the stadium. Theos raised his hand and the crowd immediately hushed. Allen noticed Mike was standing next to Theos. He nudged Gabe and whispered, “When did Mike go down there?”
“Shhhhh. listen.” Gabe put his finger to his lips.
Allen was awestruck when he saw Theos motion for Mike to speak. Mike began, “My friends, my family, I have something I want all of you to know. My precious earring given to me by my Sovereign has been found.” A great roar resounded around the stadium like the wave Allen had seen other times. Theos raised His hand again. Once again silence fell. “I want to say thanks to our visiting chosen one. He is the restorer of my extraordinary gift.”
As Mike pointed to where Allen was sitting. More cheers and applause echoed throughout the stadium. Allen felt the blood rush to his face. “How do I handle this?”
“Theos has given me the privilege of allowing all of you to witness an event that has never happened before. In order to do it, I must ask Allen to come down here with me. Mike gestured toward Allen. “Come on down, Allen. You’re among friends.”
Allen felt faint. “I can’t go down there where everyone will be watching my every move!”
Mike motioned with his hand. “Come on, Allen. It’s okay.”
Allen looked at Theos. He couldn’t move. “Theos is so majestic. He has unlimited power. He is the Creator of the universe and is worshiped by all the inhabitants of this kingdom. There’s no way I can walk down there. I’m not worthy.”
“I’ll help you, Allen.” Gabe plucked a bewildered Allen from his seat and transported him to where Theos and Mike waited.
There was nothing Allen could do but submit to what was happening. All eyes were fixed on him. Gabe paused for a moment and then placed Allen beside Mike.
“Thank you, Gabriel.” Mike gave Gabe a grateful look.
Allen had never heard Mike call Gabe that before. He dug his hands deep in his pockets. The only being he had ever heard called that was in the story of Christmas. It was the name given to an angel that visited earth and told about the Christ Child. Mike flashed an encouraging smile at Allen. “He’s Michael!” Allen realized. That was another angel he had heard about in a church youth group. “Could this be true? What can happen next?”
Allen’s head was bowed low. “I must look at Theos,” he thought. “The time has come.” Fear shot through his body. He dropped to his knees and covered his head with his hands. The silence seemed to go on forever. Allen never moved a muscle. What was going to happen that had never happened before?”