The Prescience

by Lorilyn Roberts

  “Thank you,” she replied.

  I asked the young girl, “Would you like for me to help you put it on?”

  She nodded. “Yes, please.”

  Shira and I exchanged seats, and I latched it around her neck. The Star of David shone brightly against her olive skin. “You look beautiful.”

  The young girl returned my smile. “The angel told me to stay on the train until I found my necklace. I looked and looked but I couldn’t find it. For some reason, the guards didn’t see me.”

  Her eyes twitched with sadness. “They took the others, even my parents, but for some reason, they didn’t see me.”

  “Is the angel on the train?” Daniel asked.

  The young girl nodded. “I think he’s in another compartment.”

  My attention was drawn to the passing scenery outside the window. The train was moving so fast, everything was a blur. After what seemed like a short time, although I couldn’t be sure, the train came to an abrupt stop. The view through the window stunned me. I whispered to Daniel, “I think we’re in the garden, in the garden of the King.”

  CHAPTER 34

  I LEANED OVER, straining to see out the window. The old boxcar from World War II had come to rest in a lush green meadow. The door to the almost hundred-year-old train scraped open grudgingly, and an angel of immense stature appeared in the opening. I knew he was an angel because he was dressed in pure white linen that dazzled in the sunlight through the rustic doorway. The angel’s shimmering robe and striking features sent chills down my spine. His tender eyes, however, captured my heart, and my panic evaporated.

  God’s messenger gestured with his hand at the breathtaking world that beckoned us. “Welcome to the garden.”

  We rose from our seats and disembarked. The young girl exited first, followed by Shira, myself, and Daniel. Awe filled my heart as the strength to speak left me momentarily. As we stepped down the stairs, my significance and insignificance convicted me. Why had the King brought us here?

  Our guide proclaimed, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed. Though smaller than other seeds, when sown in love, it multiplies, filling the entire universe.” His hand swept through the air. “Nothing can stop the expansion of God’s kingdom.”

  The rolling hills and gentle valleys stretched far into the distance. Trellises of green, yellow, blue, purple, pink, and white flowers filled the meadow. Fruit trees laden with heavenly fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness basked in the sunlight. Limbs amassed with healing leaves fluttered in the gentle breeze.

  Herbs, sanctified with heavenly fragrance, quickened my anxious spirit. The sweet aroma of God’s holiness filled every corner of the garden.

  For a fleeting second, I felt the presence of the King. My anticipation soared. I knew the King was with us. The brevity of time, however, seemed like a sweet piece of chocolate. I imagined a huge box of gift-wrapped heavenly chocolate awaiting my future arrival.

  Another angel appeared and took the hand of Daniel’s great-grandmother. I knew the young girl’s life had been spared. She turned towards us, mouthing the words “thank you” to Daniel. Hand in hand, she accompanied the angel down a path that faded from our view. Momentary silence followed as we tried to catch one last glimpse.

  Shira’s voice interrupted my musings. “Look, Auntie, there is my bird.”

  I glanced up and saw the familiar dove flying overhead. “It is your bird!” I exclaimed. We watched as the bird circled overhead, once again appearing to morph into an eagle.

  “Are you an angel?” Shira asked our guide.

  The garden messenger nodded. “Follow me.”

  I took Shira’s hand and clasped Daniel’s upper arm. We followed the angel deeper into the magical land. He took us to the top of a mountain, and my eyes feasted on the breathtaking view. Little by little, more of the garden’s treasures became visible.

  He lifted his right hand. “Explore the secrets of God’s kingdom. Seize the moment, remembering the present will pass quickly. It may seem short, but it will be longer than you think.”

  Then the angel was gone.

  I started to say something to Daniel, but before I could, Shira took off. “Look, a rabbit.”

  I caught a glimpse of something white zigzagging down the knoll.

  “Cherios!” I started to run after the rabbit, but when I realized Daniel wasn’t following us, I stopped. “You’re coming, aren’t you?”

  Daniel shook his head. “I want to explore the castle.”

  “What castle?” My eyes followed his gaze. A magnificent fortress floated above the horizon. A round sphere in front of the citadel illuminated the structure in white luminosity.

  For an instant, emotions overwhelmed me, so much so that I couldn’t speak. When my voice returned, I exclaimed. “Wow! You’ve talked about the castle, and now I get to see it. I had no idea it was so beautiful.”

  I turned my attention to Shira who was still trying to catch the rabbit. I hesitated. I hated for us to separate, but I wanted to be reunited with Cherios. Four years had passed in the twenty-first century since we had parted ways.

  I smiled. “Don’t stay gone too long.”

  Daniel’s eyes twinkled. “Remember, time is an illusion.”

  I nodded. “Yes, until God’s appointed times.”

  Daniel kissed me on the cheek and took off.

  “Godspeed,” I uttered under my breath as I watched him disappear.

  My focus returned to the rabbit. “Cherios, is that really you?”

  The bunny hopped towards me with an exhausted Shira close behind. She twitched her nose as she spoke, bringing back sweet memories. “Shale, you returned. My goodness, you’ve grown tall.”

  “Have I? Well, I am four years older.”

  The rabbit’s voice quivered. “Oh, me, oh my! It’s been that long?”

  I nodded, finding it hard to believe myself.

  Cherios lifted her head catching a sweet aroma that drifted by. “Time is too deep for me. In the garden, there is no time—only endless eternity.”

  I tried to imagine that.

  The furry animal bowed. “Shale, my dear friend, who I knew before the King journeyed to earth and fought the great battle. I want to give you something.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Cherios took off on one of the many garden trails and disappeared from view.

  I sat on the grass to wait. Shira plopped down beside me and rested her head in my lap. “Auntie, this is the most wonderful place. Can we stay forever?”

  I inhaled deeply, tasting the heavenly air. “If God wills it,” I replied.

  Soon my old friend returned with something in her mouth.

  When she was close enough, I saw she held two white fluffy flowers.

  “One for each of you.” She dotingly set the flowers on the ground.

  My heart leaped. Cherios had given me the same white flower when we met the first time. She and Baruch were enjoying a picnic under the apple tree when a gryphon sky-bombed me. “Oh, Cherios, thank you.” I picked them up and handed one to Shira.

  She twirled the blossom in her hand. “Do you hear it?”

  I shook my head. “Hear what?”

  “The singing,” she replied.

  I shut my eyes, but I couldn’t hear anything.

  “The flower is singing.”

  I tried again, but I still couldn’t hear anything.

  Shira stood and danced in a circle, lifting her hands over her head. I smiled as my thoughts returned to Daniel and the castle. I glanced back, but it was no longer visible on the horizon. I missed him already.

  When Shira had tired of dancing, she reached over and grabbed my hand. “Can we go for a walk?”

  I stood. “Sure.”

  Cherios was so busy sniffing the air that I didn’t think she heard Shira’s question.

  “Can you show us around the garden, Cherios?”
r />   She stopped long enough to sneeze. “Oh, dear, excuse me for my poor manners. Of course. The garden has been busy with much activity now that the underlings are gone and the King has returned. I have much to show you.”

  I found it reassuring that we no longer had to worry about demonic creatures. I took Shira’s hand in mine. “We’ll follow you if you lead the way.”

  CHAPTER 35

  WE FOLLOWED CHERIOS past crystal clear streams, spectacular waterfalls, and interesting heavenly creatures. If God had filled the earth with his Shekinah glory, how much more would he fill his heavenly kingdom with amazing love? In my heart, like Shira, I didn’t want to go back, but embracing God’s will meant blessed surrender.

  Soon we came upon a trail I remembered from before. Only this time it was different. No longer did I see fearful things—flowers that moved like snakes, gryphons that sky-bombed seekers of truth, evil crows that gathered on the wings of dead trees, and black clouds that chased away the breath of life.

  The trail opened up to a secret place in the garden. Straight ahead stood the apple tree where I had spied on Baruch and Cherios. Plump red apples weighed down the branches. I longed to pick a few and put them in my bag. “The tree has grown since I was here.”

  The rabbit twitched her nose. “Everything here grows fast.” She snatched a brown blanket from a hidden spot near the tree, laid it out on the grass, and plopped down. Shira and I snuggled up beside her.

  A small tear fell from Cherios’ eye. “I miss Baruch, my favorite donkey, and our picnics.”

  I reached over and wiped her tear. “He misses you, too. I’m sure you will see each other again.”

  Cherios nodded. “At the end of days.” She composed herself and raised her front paws. “Long live our Lord and King.” Overcome with emotion, she cleared her throat. “I almost forgot. I want to show you something else.”

  Cherios hopped off the blanket and darted past a clump of trees. Shira and I followed her to a wood and stone building under construction. Exquisite, colorful stones decorated the foundation of the house. I couldn’t take my eyes off the structure that basked in radiant beauty.

  “Do you want to go inside?” the rabbit asked.

  I hesitated. “Do you think it’s okay?”

  “I think so,” Cherios said.

  I pushed opened the door. Glorious light flooded the room penetrating the walls and roof. I ran my hand along the wooden doorframe as I admired the intricate woodwork. The attention given to the minutest detail spoke of a masterful builder. “This looks like someone’s future home.”

  Cherios hopped around the room, and Shira let go of my hand to explore.

  “Whose house is this?” I asked.

  The rabbit cocked her head. “I don’t know. The King has been building houses ever since he returned. Thousands and thousands of houses are under construction. I think he’s preparing a home for everyone.”

  As I thought about what Cherios said, Shira returned from an adjoining room holding something in her hand. She handed it to me without saying anything and went about further exploring.

  When I examined what she gave me, I almost fainted. Inside the magnificently carved picture frame was a familiar photo. I held it closer not believing what I saw.

  The photograph was of Daniel’s great-grandmother wearing the Star of David—the young girl we had met on the train. How could I be seeing this photograph? Was God validating that we had restored history to its proper order?

  I called to Shira. “Where did you find this?”

  She came to the doorway and pointed. “On the table—over there.”

  I rushed into the room with Cherios. A pristinely-cut table surrounded by unfinished chairs decorated the center of the room. I studied the picture again with my hand visibly shaking.

  I turned to Cherios. “You say there are many houses under construction?”

  Cherios twitched her nose. “Yes. Would you like to see?”

  “Yes, please.”

  We followed Cherios outside, and she took us along a scenic path of extraordinary beauty. Colorful birds greeted us and exotic butterflies swooped along beside us. Soon we came to house after house under construction.

  Some were more ornate than others, but they were all charming and delightful. Shira tried to count how many she saw, but couldn’t get past nine. I helped her for a while, but when we reached ninety-nine, I stopped. “Cherios, you’re right, there are more than we can count.”

  After a long walk, nearing exhaustion I stopped to rest on a bench. One thing puzzled me. “Cherios, where are the people?”

  The rabbit cocked her head. “Why, I don’t know. I never thought about that. I mean, they’re here, I smell them, but I don’t see them. More humans are coming soon—very soon, like you. Only people live in houses. Bunnies don’t need houses.”

  I laughed. That was true. I took a deep breath as I studied the photograph once more. God had put this photo in the house but why? Was this our future home?

  Now I was anxious to find out what Daniel had discovered. “Maybe we should head back to the entrance.”

  Cherios hopped a few feet in front of us. “Follow me so you don’t get lost.”

  Shira took my hand and whispered. “Auntie, I think Cherios understands everything you say. She is a very smart bunny.”

  I squeezed her hand. “I think you’re right.”

  When we arrived at the garden entrance, I didn’t see Daniel. I sat on the grass to await his return. Overcome with fatigue, I laid back, staring into the heavens. Within seconds, the sky rolled back.

  Shira pointed. “Look.”

  I pulled myself up and held Shira in my lap. I wanted to cover her eyes, but she pushed my hand away.

  The heavens burst forth and revealed the earth hanging precariously in space.

  The rabbit jumped up and down. “The prescience!”

  “What?”

  Cherios added, “I had to practice saying that word a long time. That’s a very big word.”

  Lightning flashed in a display of immense power and blinded me temporarily.

  Shira turned her head and clutched me. I covered her eyes.

  “Tell me when I can look.”

  I patted her on the back.

  The earth rocked back and forth like a grandfather clock that could no longer tell time. Its distorted surface writhed in pain. I wanted to hide my own eyes, but part of me was too afraid I’d miss something God wanted me to see.

  Four powerful angels appeared at the four corners of the earth. Another angel ascended from the East bearing a seal on his forehead. He shouted to the four angels, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” I heard another voice say that the number to be sealed were one hundred and forty-four thousand.

  I sensed the passage of time when a heavenly magnifying glass focused on Israel, zooming in on Mount Zion. A large multitude of men stood before the King. To my surprise, I saw Daniel. He had told me he was one of the chosen, and I had seen the unusual mark on his forehead, but to be shown this vision of him was mind-boggling.

  Cherios bounced up and down. “The King is coming.”

  She bowed her head low to the ground. “My heart goes pitter-patter when I see my risen King.”

  Then I heard a voice. “These are God’s servants, commissioned by the high King to bring into his kingdom every soul possible before it is too late.”

  Harpists played in the throne room, and the voices of God’s servants filled the heavenly chambers. I tried to sing along, but I couldn’t. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t follow the tune or the words.

  When the saints finished singing, hundreds of stars fell from the heavens upon the earth, scorching the surface of the planet. Large portions of the land erupted in sheets of fire. A deep gash tore open the earth’s crust as bloodied lava spewed forth. I heard the earth mourn as the judgments of God fell on a world that was not worthy of his glory. Scarred, plun
dered, and emptied—the curse devoured the earth.

  Then, as unexpectedly as the vision had begun, the heavens closed.

  Stunned by what I had witnessed, I didn’t know what to think. Would Daniel return to me, or had his mission already begun—to serve God in the last days before the King’s return?

  CHAPTER 36

  I REACHED INTO my bag and pulled out my Bible. I found Revelation 7 where John wrote about the one hundred forty-four thousand and the multitudes that stood before the throne. “They cried out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the lamb!’”

  I looked for Rachel among the martyrs. Why hadn’t I witnessed to my mother until she believed? Now it was too late. Did Much-Afraid escape God’s wrath? How many people had died?

  I flipped through the pages of the book of Revelation and read Revelation 16:20-21: “Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.”

  Stunned, I closed my Bible. How many times had I read those words without understanding the depth of their meaning? How could anyone blaspheme God? Even now, if the earth-dwellers would turn to God, they could still be saved.

  Shira reached up and touched my face. “I saw Daniel singing.” She clapped her hands. She couldn’t sing the song, but she tried to imitate the beat.

  I smiled. “It’s the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.”

  Cherios hopped over and placed her head on my lap. “While you wait for Daniel, can Shira play with me?”

  I repeated to Shira what Cherios had asked.

  Shira’s eyes grew big as anticipation crossed her face. She patted Cherios on the head. “Let’s go play.”

  Cherios and Shira floated across the heavenly green carpet as they raced to the bottom of the hill. Uncontrollable tears welled up. How could I cry now?

  I forced myself to pray. “Dear God, what happens on earth is your perfect will. Please help me to trust you.”