A Time Fully Come

It was early morning, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, when Eli jerked awake, heart thudding. At the same moment, Azurel bolted upright and glanced around him. The rest of the group slept soundly, undisturbed by what aroused the two warriors. Azurel ignored Eli’s questioning look as he rose to his feet and paced to the edges of the camp. No one could come near without detection, especially a regiment of Nephilim, yet he scanned every direction until he was finally satisfied that no one was approaching. The two again locked eyes, acknowledging their bewilderment at the disruption.
Suddenly, an eerie whisper reached Eli’s ears, causing the hairs on his neck to prickle with fear. He quickly turned toward the sound and found himself surrounded by a blinding, white light. As he slipped his hand over his sword he became fully engulfed in a swirl of blazing brightness, and the roar of a mighty, rushing tempest. With eyes shut tightly against the brilliance, and hands over his ears to shut out the deafening sound, Eli prayed in silent fervor. Several horrifying minutes passed, and Eli finally dared to open his eyes, wondering if he possibly had slipped into the realm of the dead. What he beheld brought an involuntary gasp from his lips.
Wheels within wheels in a whirlwind dance of motion and sound completely encircled Eli. To his growing amazement, he discovered that these wheels were part of one, yet seemingly four, great, fearsome beings with myriads of eyes round about. As they stared without emotion at Eli, their many wings whirled and flapped in a rush of wind, causing them to rise ever upward, ever higher. Above the roar, a voice suddenly boomed out so powerfully it resonated through Eli’s entire being.
“We are the Ophanin, the Wheels of heaven. We have been sent to bring you to a high and lofty place. There, you will be instructed in your purpose. Glorify God, the Great God Jehovah, for He alone is worthy!”
Eli closed his eyes again, as his stomach lurched with the upward movement. His head reeled and he fell down as a deep blackness swept over him. It seemed but a moment more, and he heard a soft, kind voice encouraging him, “Rise, loved one, for you must gain strength to receive your mandate.”
Eli shakily stood as the Angel of the LORD arrayed in a brilliant white robe handed him a strange looking fruit. He stood at Eli’s height, and his face shone with such brilliance that Eli could hardly look at him. His eyes, clear blue and fierce, yet with unfathomable kindness, seemed to pierce right through Eli. “Take and eat, for this will give you strength to withstand the glory.” As Eli gratefully tasted the fruit’s juicy, sweet pulp, the Angel of the LORD spoke again. “You must wait until he who must accompany you, is here.” With that, he turned and walked into the brilliance, disappearing all together.
Eli blinked and glanced around him. He could see nothing beyond a few feet in any direction, for the shimmering light seemed to be an impenetrable wall to his unaccustomed eyes. Surprisingly unafraid, Eli sat down and enjoyed the delicious meal. He could feel warmth and energy flowing through his arms and legs, and as he stared once more into the light, he began to discern figures and shapes, although he couldn’t tell what they were through the bright haze.
Suddenly, Azurel appeared, standing upright, his muscular back toward Eli. He looked bewildered and ready to battle anything that might approach him. As Eli stood up, Azurel quickly turned toward him. “Defend yourself!” he yelled, preparing for attack.
“Wait, Azurel, it’s me, Eli!”
“What? How can this be?” he blinked, confused. “Where... are we?”
He almost looks like a frightened child, Eli thought sympathetically. Almost... if it weren’t for his towering height and obvious expertise in fighting. Eli stepped closer and offered him some of his fruit. “Here, Az, eat some of this. It will help you.” Like an obedient child, Azurel hesitantly took a first bite as Eli realized he called this warrior, this enemy, by his familiar and caring name! With that amazing thought, came a camaraderie flowing over Eli, and a respect for this once-hated Nephilim.
Suddenly the Angel of the LORD reappeared before the two of them. Azurel jumped, but didn’t look quite as bewildered as he had been. He seemed to be taking his cues on how to act from Eli.
“Come,” the Angel of the LORD commanded. “You both are called to a great mission. Time is short—you must learn quickly. Forget what you know and discover true understanding and wisdom. This is necessary if you are to accomplish your tasks.”
The two looked at each other questioningly as they followed him into a most beautiful land. Azurel’s eyes grew wide with delight. He turned to Eli and asked quietly, “Are we... dead?”
Eli smiled and assured him, “No, Azurel, not dead, but what we are, I don’t know.” Azurel nodded in amazement as they took in the beauty around them. Colors and smells, exotic and unspoiled, delighted their senses. The sweet-flowering trees and their fruits oozed tantalizing fragrances. In the midst of the trees stood what Eli somehow knew to be the Tree of Life, giving off inexpressible goodness and fragrance. It was adorned more than any other with the colors of gold and vermilion, almost flame-like in its brilliance, and covering its entirety.
Their angelic guide stopped when he noticed Eli and Azurel were lagging behind. He spoke with patience and love. “The very roots of this Tree of Life go down to the Garden at the earth’s end. These two springs give forth milk and honey, and part into two more springs, one each of oil and wine. They separate into four parts and make their quiet course round and through the great Garden. They flow between corruptibility and incorruptibility.1 The Garden itself is guarded by angels with flaming swords, yet there will come a time when their guarding will cease, and those who have found Eternal Life and goodness will once again enjoy the Garden’s delights.”
Azurel tried to follow what was said, to understand all that was implied, but his experience with eternal Good was so limited, so twisted, that he felt total confusion, and a profound sense of unworthiness. He began to gasp for breath and sweat profusely, feeling increasingly sick and weak. The Angel of the LORD looked at him with compassion and stated, “We must hurry. You will not be able to endure much longer, for as yet, you remain unregenerated.”
He stepped close to the two warriors who now had both collapsed to the ground. .Holding out his hand he spoke kindly, “Here, eat this, it will sustain you for a time.”
He held out a small white wafer for both and they obediently put it in their mouths. The sweetness, much like honey cakes, only with a purer taste, melted immediately and brought strength pulsating through them.
“Come, we cannot delay any longer. You must accomplish your mission soon!”
Both felt the urgency of his words as they pierced their hearts like a sword. With a gasp they rose to their feet, wondering what could possibly lie ahead.