“To him who overcomes, I will give … a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it” (Revelation 2:17). “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
On his knees, Allen slowly lowered his hands that were covering his head and cautiously looked up toward Theos.
Theos spoke tenderly. “Come to Me, Allen.”
His kind voice soothed Allen’s fears. As he stood and peered into Theos’ face, a calming warmth seemed to saturate him. He felt as if he was caught up in a pool of purity. Allen knew he was in the presence of the One who was all-powerful and full of compassion, wisdom, and love.
“He knows my name!” Delight filled Allen’s heart. “No wonder all these beings demonstrate their affection to Him so willingly. It’s like He’s a personal friend.”
Theos gave His full attention to Allen. “Michael told me what happened to you during your time in the Dark Region. He also told me about Legion.”
“Legion!” Allen had completely forgotten about him. He suddenly remembered he had promised to speak up on his behalf if they accomplished their escape.
Quickly his mind refocused as Theos said. “I would like you to tell your story to all those present here.” Love shown in the Sovereign’s eyes.
Calmness flowed into Allen’s soul. He no longer felt the least bit afraid. He sensed renewed inward strength and willingness. What an opportunity! All of a sudden he realized he was now able to demonstrate the most important act in the universe: looking out after the highest good of another person—and right now Legion was that other. He began sharing his story.
Not one creature in the stadium moved as the account unfolded. When the conclusion was reached, Allen paused, looked at Legion, then turned to Theos and boldly asked for permission to request an undeserved favor.
Theos nodded for Allen to continue. Though His eyes were tender and merciful on the one hand, at the same time his look was firm and wise.
Allen knew Theos could look right into his heart. After a brief silence, Allen stood to his full height, took a deep breath, looked over at Legion and pleaded, “Most Sovereign One, would you grant mercy and pardon for Legion, not based on his rescue of me, even though he risked his safety while doing it, but rather on his confession that what he did in the rebellion was wrong. He knows you had every right to expel him from the kingdom for his actions. But most of all, he wants to abandon Vulpine and all he stands for, and he will embrace any sentence you impose upon him. Then he will serve you and only you for as long as he exists.”
Allen took a giant step of courage and continued. “If you please, one more thing. I will agree to do anything you require of me to help reinstate Legion.” Allen could hardly believe he had made such an offer, but that was exactly how he felt.
Utter silence!
Not a sound was heard. All eyes were on Theos. He turned to Michael with a broad smile on his face and said, “Our decision to choose Allen has proven to be a good choice.”
Michael also smiled and nodded in agreement.
Theos once more turned all His attention to Allen. “I will take you at your word. Here’s what I would ask you to do. Go back to earth, tell all who will listen what you have seen and learned here. Be willing to demonstrate to others just what you offered to do for Legion. Urge others to do the same. This is why we brought you here. And remember this vital truth—you will never be abandoned or alone. Friends from here will always be with you.”
Allen was stunned. Then Allen looked over at Legion. “Your eyes, Legion your eyes—they’re not red! They’re deep blue! And you are growing taller!”
“My claws are gone!” Legion brushed his robe with his new hands. “Look! My robe is changing color, its turning blue too!”
Shouts of victory rang through the stadium as Legion returned to his original likeness from before the rebellion.
Theos tenderly beckoned, “Come to Me, Legion.”
Legion promptly obeyed. Theos leaned down and positioned an earring on his ear and whispered (although the whole stadium heard it). “Legion you don’t have to do anything to prove your worth or loyalty to me, I rejoice over every prodigal that returns.” A wild roar went up from the crowd! Allen knew a great party was about to begin.
As Allen was starting to thank Theos, he felt someone tapping him on the shoulder. “Allen! Allen! Wake up!”
Allen’s head throbbed and he felt light headed. His vision blurred. He could still hear his name being called. “Am I dreaming? Who’s calling my name?” He squeezed his eyes shut, shook his head, and tried to clear his muddled mind.
“Allen! Allen! It’s Mom. Are you all right?” Allen’s mother continued to gently shake his shoulder.
Allen opened his eyes, “Mom! Where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital.” His mother dabbed his parched lips with a cool washcloth.
“How did I get here?”
“There was a terrible storm and—”
Allen heard his mother’s voice and saw his father, sister, and some other relatives beside his bed. “Where are Gabe and Mike?”
His mother wrinkled her forehead and asked, “Who?”
“I traveled to the Kingdom of Light!”
“Oh, Allen,” His mother’s patted his arm. “You’ve been unconscious for several days now.”
Allen’s father piped up, “We were so worried about you, son. We didn’t know if you would live or die. A tree branch broke through the roof and must have hit you on the head. You’ve been unconscious all this time since then.”
Allen rubbed his temples. He mumbled under his breath, “Was this whole thing a dream? It was so real. No way could it have been a dream. It had to be true.”
His mother leaned in closer to Allen with a look of concern on her face and asked, “Allen, where did you get that beautiful earring?”
Allen slowly reached up, felt it, and exploded with joy and excitement. Lifting himself up from the pillow and patting the side of the bed, he said, “Mom, have I got a story to tell you! Sit down. It’s going to take awhile.”