Heir’s Journey of Promise

Now I was looking down on a small group of people, some dressed in black and many were softly crying. Others looked Heaven-ward, their silent moving lips speaking to the Ancient of Days. In a small cemetery, a tall man dressed in a black suit, read from the Best of Books. Through watery eyes, he at times struggled as the words broke. This went on for some time and I found myself wanting to approach him and put an arm on his shoulder, just to reassure him, for I felt that I knew this man. (But I was not permitted.) A fresh mound of earth lay neatly next to where he stood. Two little children, a boy and a girl, came forward and placed small bundles of flowers on the mound. The rest of those standing by, were now nearly all weeping, then the man who was reading, scooped up the two children and cried with them. I was easily moved to tears by this and asked my Guardian, what this was going to be. He told me to wait for several minutes and watch. Then, two huge Beings, like the Warrior who traveled with me, flashed down from above, awash in fire, hidden only to these people! They took up positions, one at the rear of the group and the other at the front with the tall man and the children. After everyone had moved inside the church, the Warrior in the front took a sentry position next to the man, who had gone forward and stood behind a pulpit. His Book was opened and he began to speak of the many Mercies and Loving- kindness, of God! The second Warrior stood outside the church in front of the doors, His enormous sword, menacing a warning to anything that might interfere. After the reading from the Word, came songs and hymns. With the singing came rejoicing, through the sorrows. Then, many more Warriors came and joined the tiny congregation, some inside and others, the more fearsome, standing guard outside the church, making sure that all would be safe inside! Then my Guardian spoke. “This is to show you the vivid contrast between the two churches. This church, its’ pastor and its’ members, are dearly loved by the Most High and His King! They have today, received much help and protection from my Ranks, to lend a good deal of comfort!” “The man, who read the Words at the graveside, is the Shepherd of this little flock. The two children are his and today, have both sorrow and joy!” “Were they very close to the one who has died?” I asked. “Yes, that is why they sorrow. There is a reason you didn’t see a wife and mother, for she was called to the King. Her work, even though she has now departed, will continue on in those she loved. The King will reward her greatly for her service to Him and others.” “And the Joy, is knowing she is with Him?” “Definitely, otherwise they would be sorrowful above all who have no Hope! These people, as I said are dearly Loved, even though from the worlds’ point of view, they do not seem to have much. They are quite poor in comparison to the first church you saw, but they are very rich in Grace, Faith and Mercy! What they do have in this world, they realize has been given to them from the King, to serve Him and He is honored to call them, His Own!” A short time later, I watched as the congregation started to depart. The small wood porch could not hold many, so the Pastor greeted them one at a time as they left. One by one and in families of five or six, through the tears and the smiles, this warm family of believers went their way. Near the end of the congregation, was a pretty woman who held the hands’ of two children of her own, while carrying a small infant in her arms. She said her good byes through her own tears and started out for home. A light flurry of snow had started in this country, slightly blocking the sun that had settled slowly behind the hardwood covered hills. The single pipe chimney in the rear of the church slowly bellowed the homesick odor of an old coal stove. There were no great comforts here. These dear ones didn’t have a life of ease, but they did love their Lord and one another. They loved His Book and obeyed it and their reward was much Grace, thankful hearts and a good deal of Faith! Two of the men stayed behind after the others had left, to lend encouragement to the Pastor. One of the men’s wives took the children to a small kitchen in the back of the church, where a good amount of food and drinks, had been prepared by loving member. There, she cheerfully made plates for them, all the while trying to console and encourage, doing her best at hiding her own grief from their view. The pastor and the two men gathered around the old coal stove and prayed. Most of the lamps had been put out now and only the filtered winter light, shone through the western windows. Even though it was cold outside, inside, it was a place of warmth and comfort and aside from the Kings Land; I couldn’t imagine any place I’d rather be! Now, as they prayed, the Kings’ huge Warriors that had been outside, silently surrounded the Pastor, the men and the children, all of whom were oblivious to their presence. After about an hour, handshakes, hugs and more words were exchanged. The damper on the stove was turned down and the few lamps still lit, were blown out. I watched as the Pastor, lovingly gathered up his children with the help of the woman who had entertained them and slowly walked toward the front door, over the well-worn hardwood floor, past the hickory pews, the songbooks and the Bibles. With the help of the men, he made his way out the door, out into the snowy, early evening dusk, closing another chapter on a day which wouldn’t soon be forgotten. Then I asked my Guardian another question. “What will become of this fine man and his little family?”