“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’” (John 12:13).
“The palace of the City of Light is way up there.” Gabe pointed as he shifted his gaze into the distance. “We’ll travel there very soon.”
Allen didn’t know which emotion was stronger: fear or anticipation. But he neither blinked nor flinched. He just stood there motionless as he viewed beings roaming everywhere. They resembled humans but were different somehow. One thing he noticed that they all had in common was their large size.
Gabe cast an affirming glance at Allen. “Your observations are very true.”
“Mind reading again, play no games here,” Allen warned himself. He was fascinated by his discoveries. Looking more closely he asked, “Gabe, why do some have wings and some don’t?”
“Everyone has a pair of wings, but some choose not to wear them,” Gabe replied.
“Many areas of the kingdom, including most of the roadways, allow flight without wearing wings, but there are others where wings are necessary.”
“Man,” Allen thought to himself. “If I add up all the questions crowding my mind it would boggle Einstein.” Then he had a simple thought for a change. “The city is so clean, bright, and enjoyable it makes me feel peaceful.”
Allen wasn’t the only one in a good mood. Everyone seemed festive. A great assembly of musicians and singers were leading a celebration. Other small clusters of these beings sat with smiles on their faces as they swayed with the music. Allen cupped his ear with his hand trying to distinguish the words. It worked. “They’re singing about the goodness of Theos, right?”
Gabe crossed his arms and nodded. “Yes, everyday you’ll find singing and dancing here in honor of Theos.”
“It seems like a pretty large crowd to me.” Allen’s eyes grew larger as he watched them celebrate. “Is this a special occasion?”
“Very special,” Gabe said, nodding with enthusiasm. “It’s a much anticipated gathering to bring thanksgiving and pay honor to Theos. He’s utterly appreciated by His subjects so they gather voluntarily to honor and thank Him for His goodness. They’re here from all over the kingdom. Each one can hardly wait for the gathering and great feast. It’s a time when united celebration will take place.”
“Will that happen tonight?” Allen asked.
“Oh, no,” Gabe corrected him. “There’s no night here.”
“What?!” Allen folded his arms over his chest, tilted his head, and then shook it as he often did. “No night?”
“That's right, no night, no rain, no time, no seasons, no sickness, and no death. If you look closely, you’ll notice there are no children as you know children. All present inhabitants of this kingdom were created by Theos but have undergone change.”
Allen was speechless as Gabe continued, “This is a land of eternal peace and joy for all who discover the source of that vacuum within them that says there must be more. You might wonder what the inhabitants do if there’s no need to work, no rearing of children, and no business world. No one grows old here and there are no family units like the ones on earth. But what’s here is matchless and joyfully embraced by all. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea that things are different here.”
“You got that right,” Allen chipped in.
“I know the things I just told you might cause some in your world to think how boring it would be to live like this. But remember, our beloved King has all wisdom and power and wisely exercises it to share His life and to create meaning and purpose that most on earth haven’t even thought about. Here’s an example. Theos has just communicated to everyone in the city that He is going to create another universe and has invited any who would like to be a part of that to let Him know so it can be arranged.”
“I see,” Allen said without really seeing at all. His s mind was buzzing with so much mind-boggling information.
“There’s no end to exploring His vast creations.” Gabe grinned and then in a soft and encouraging voice restated, “I don't expect you to understand it all now. You’ll need wisdom far beyond what you have, to even begin to realize what it’s like to live in a land like this. For now let’s just show you around. Later we’ll have lots of opportunity to yak.” That caused Allen to relax a bit.
Gabe led the way down the street. Allen looked down at his feet. “Yikes!” He just couldn’t get over it! Again, he was suspended inches off the surface, just gliding along. His head was spinning. “Nobody back home will ever believe such a place exists,” he thought.
Gabe tugged on Allen’s arm and gently guided him off the street into a large beautiful park like area. He saw countless fountains spraying exquisite designs of water. At least it looked like water. Some liquids changed colors and sparkled as they cascaded in limitless forms and shapes. Each fountain was unique, everything from a gentle spray or mist to an explosion of magnificent heights and designs.
“Whoa, look at that!” Across the lawn was a group of citizens right in the middle of a basin being soaked by a fountain spraying huge jets of liquid. “Those aren’t kids but they sure are acting like it,” Allen thought. They were roaring with laughter as they splashed and pushed each other into the spray. His eyes were popping out of his head trying to take in all the activity going on in the celebration. He found the whole area breathtakingly peaceful and tranquil, yet full of anticipation and adventure.
“Let’s go over there.” Gabe took the lead.
When they stopped, a crowd began to gather. Everyone was staring and pointing at them. Allen had a light bulb moment. “Gabe, I really look weird to them and my clothes look like rags compared to what’s worn here.” It was true—nothing about Allen looked at all like the celestial beings. He knew he appeared peculiar to say the least, but they recognized Gabe. As they acknowledged him, he motioned for them to come closer. Allen was amazed at the number gathering around them. When Gabe raised his hand, a hush swept over the crowd. Extending his arms high over his head, and with a loud voice Gabe exclaimed, “All hail to King Theos.”
They shouted back, "All hail, King Theos!” A loud cheer went up from the throng and continued in joyous waves.
“They really love their King!” Allen was deeply moved by their chorus of acknowledgement in His honor.
When things eventually quieted down, Gabe spoke again. “The one you see beside me is a chosen one.”
Allen’s knees trembled. He almost fainted when another great cheer went up from the crowd. “Chosen one? There’s that term again” went through his mind.
When Gabe announced, “We’re on our way to meet Theos,” another cheer went up.
“This is incredible!” Allen was shocked and a little embarrassed. “I’ve done nothing to deserve this response,” he thought. He was right. He didn’t realize that the reason the crowd was cheering was because they all knew what it meant to be a “chosen one” who would be able to help still more people love their King.
Finally, the cheering ended and Gabe gave a farewell wave to the crowd, saying, “We’re on our way to the palace.”
The multitude shouted for joy and waved back. The sound of the crowd’s merriment faded as Allen and Gabe glided away. As they passed by other parks and street gatherings they experienced similar responses.
Allen realized that for this to be happening the word about a chosen one being there must have spread throughout the city. Allen placed his hand over his rapidly beating heart. “Next I’m set for a personal visit with Theos. I hope I'm ready for this!”
“You are,” came Gabe’s reply to Allen's thoughts.