“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 21:6).
Down, down, down they glided until they were hovering a little distance above the surface where they remained suspended. Allen grinned and gave his usual exclamation at what was happening. “Wow!”
“Now listen carefully.” Mike gave Allen an odd look, one that he was getting quite familiar with. “Do you know what instant replay is, Allen?”
“Sure. It’s used in television to replay events over again—mostly in sports.”
“Well, you’re going to see one of the greatest events that ever happened in the universe replay right before your eyes.” Mike continued as he pointed behind Allen. “And any question you have, ask Gabe.”
“Who?” Allen wrinkled his nose, hushed, turned around, and standing there was another giant creature.
“Hello, and welcome to our realm. I’ll be your guide.”
Allen’s knees wobbled at the sound of Gabe’s voice. What a shock! He appeared half-human and half-birdlike with wings that moved like a humming bird’s wings, but as large as an eagle’s—perhaps even bigger! His other features were quite similar to a human’s, but like most creatures in this land, he was large—almost as big as Mike. He looked old and young at the same time. Allen stumbled over his words, hoping to find a way to describe clearly what he was seeing. All he could think to say was “Look at that robe! It’s amazing!”
Gabe’s regal tunic was bright shimmering green one second and blazing blue the next. A weapon of some kind, in a sheath, was fastened to his robe with a golden sash. Allen blinked from the sparkling beams that glistened from the stone in Gabe’s earring. When Allen saw Gabe’s hair, he spoke louder and didn’t care who heard him. “His hair changes color just like his robe! Doesn’t it, Mike?”
Mike didn’t answer so Allen turned back to find him—but he was nowhere in sight. A sense of panic grabbed him. He looked at Gabe and with a tone of hopefulness asked, “Will Mike be back?”
Gabe nodded. “He's not far away. Remember how he told you he wouldn’t let anything harm you?”
Captivated by the sparkling gem in Gabe’s ear and marveling at its beauty, Allen nodded, “Yes, I remember.”
“Well, you can rely on him to keep his word.” Gabe’s eyes wandered back toward the spacious land. “What do you think of our kingdom?”
“I don't know what to think. Things keep happening that are impossible for me to understand.”
“Yes, this certainly is different from your world. But as a chosen one, we think your time spent here will be very useful in bringing much needed help to earth. One day soon things will change and the inhabitants need to know how to prepare for that.”
Allen nodded as though he understood. “You mean I’m going to learn how to help people prepare for the end?”
“It’s not only to prepare for an end. It’s to learn how to live now until that happens—to live without hate, violence, and all those behaviors that are destroying people—especially countless children in your world.” As Gabe watched Allen, he saw contemplation begin to flow into his face, and continued, “They need to know the things most people are striving for will not bring the help they need.”
“Whoa—” Allen’s eyes dampened. “This all sounds pretty heavy for me.”
“We don't think so, Allen.” Gabe’s tone was encouraging.
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a great eruption. Clouds of dust billowed skyward and the whole floor of the valley shifted and began to change shape. Allen gasped in amazement as he saw countless buildings being fashioned right out of the floor of the valley. They rose up completely built. Great mansions lined streets reflecting a golden hue, then, boulevards and sidewalks secured their places in the scenery.
“It’s magnificent!” Everything was happening in slow motion. Trees and flowers grew without a person in sight to plant or water them. “How can this be happening without any person or creature involved in the whole process?”
Gabe just motioned for Allen to keep looking.
To Allen it looked like some pictures he’d seen in history books. It was as though an ancient city stood in the middle of this great valley, but everything appeared brand new. “Man my mind is bent way out of shape; ancient city but looks new? Come on mind.”
Looking off in the distance, near the base of a gigantic snow- capped mountain, Allen could see a great palace surrounded by manicured grounds. It had that same appearance. He voiced it out loud this time. “How can it appear old and yet new at the same time?”
Allen drew in a sharp breath. As usual he found it almost absurd to believe what he was seeing, but there it was, right before his very eyes.
Now inhabitants began to fill the city, engaged in joyful activities. Allen didn’t realize it, but as he studied this stunning kingdom and became engrossed in the events, he was being escorted closer and closer to it by Gabe. He couldn’t hold back any longer. “Where are we? What is this place?”
A twinkle flickered in Gabe’s eyes. “This, friend, is the City of Light. Theos is the ruler of the city and this whole kingdom reigns here. He’s the King of all kings throughout all time and eternity, past and future. Countless great titles are given to Him:
Wonderful One, Counselor, Prince of Peace, the Everlasting One, Alpha and Omega, First and Last, just to name a few. He governs with all power and wisdom and above all love.”
“Wow!” exclaimed Allen as he tried to digest all those titles.
Gabe declared that for him the city has always existed.
“But I just saw it created with my own eyes!” Allen’s tone reflected a question.
“No, remember the instant playback? I am just replaying it to show you a little of the power and authority of Theos. As the Creator, one of His delights is using that power and authority to bringing to about His dream.”
“And what’s that?”
“You’ll learn more about it as this story unfolds.”
Allen’s eyes widened and his heart leapt with anticipation. “I can’t wait!”