Imagine!™

There were nods of affirmation all around. Then Allen asked, “How many animals?” “We pondered that question for a good long while,” Jesus explained. “Then Gabriel calculated that the dimensions of our ship would hold a pair of all the wild animals and seven pairs of all the domesticated species. This would give Noah’s family and their new world a great start. The Ark would be large enough to separate animals from each other and hold enough food for a long time.” “The Ark?” Michael inquired.  “I guess that’s what you call the boat?” Gabriel back into the conversation, “Yes, Michael, that’s right. We even thought about the fierceness of some of the animals and the massive amounts of clean-up that would be necessary to maintain proper sanitation on board the ship?” “With the approval of my Father, we are hoping that those two issues could be handled with some supernatural help from above?” Jesus clarified with a questioning glance at his Father. “I think that can be

Looking at his Father directly, Jesus said, “Gabriel, you go first.” “Thank you, Jesus,” Gabriel stood holding one of the large rolled pages they had brought to the Throne Room. “Well, we were basically charged with developing a plan to destroy mankind while at the same time saving Noah and his family. We decided to do all of that mostly using natural principles and phenomena.” “How in the world did you manage that?” It was Allen who couldn’t keep quiet. Gabriel continued, “At first it wasn’t easy. We agreed that since water covers almost 75% of the Earth’s surface, we should use that element as the main method of destruction. The springs and the depths could open via earthquakes and other geological events. Rain from the atmosphere would fall on all the land formations. This wouldn’t be just a light shower. The deluge would last, by our calculations, for about 40 days and nights. These forces from both within and over the Earth will be enough to flood the entire planet to

A short time later Jesus and Gabriel approached the Throne Room carrying several large, rolled-up sheets of paper. The Father was just entering from His private Meditation Room behind the throne. With God was the entire Discovery Team. Their presence was no surprise to the two architects, because God had informed them that He had just been in the latest update meeting with the team. God had suggested that the team be present to hear the unveiling of Jesus’ and Gabriel’s plans. Since there was no objection from the project planners, all immediately took their seats around the Throne. When everyone was sitting comfortably, God opened the meeting. “I would like for the Discovery Team to report first. Raphael, can you   please give us the team’s latest assessment   of life on Earth?” The Father asked. Raphael paused for a moment as he looked around the room at the faces of his colleagues. Then he began, “As you all know, the man Noah was born shortly after our last meeting. It’s

Gabriel looked at his fellow worker and said, “Jesus, how long’s it been since your Father assigned us this task? Seems like forever.” “No, not forever,” Jesus alleged, “just several centuries. What’s the latest from Raphael and the Discovery Team? I haven’t read the Heavenly Herald in quite some time.” Gabriel straightened eagerly, “I make time to read it every day. No wonder you don’t with all we’ve been working on…the boat, the animal list, and your rainbow idea. I never thought this whole project would be so complicated.” “I know what you mean, Gabe; but the Father wants this all done right. We’re just about ready to report our ideas to Him. What do you think?” Gabriel stated excitedly, “I say let’s do it!” Equally elated, Jesus said, “Okay, I’ll let Him know we want a conference as soon as is convenient.” [to be continued]

“There is hope,” God concluded. “We shall just wait and see. I can tell you that Lamech’s first born will be named Noah, because he will comfort his family in the labor and painful toil of their hands caused by the ground that was cursed by me following the sin of Adam and Eve.”             Enoch inquired, “Hopefully I don’t seem too presumptuous in asking how long will you wait before you destroy everyone?”             God replied, “Not at all, Enoch. Jesus, will you respond, please?”             Jesus stated, “Yes, of course. Enoch, my Father and I discussed this and came to several conclusions.  First, we’re not rushing into anything. We might not take any action for a thousand years.”             Allen interrupted, “You’ve told us many times that with your Father a thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years.”             Jesus continued, “That’s right, Allan. Time only has real meaning on Earth for humans. Also we will wait and give Enoch’s great-

The scene around the throne was similar to what it had been for the previous meeting. Again the new arrivals took their places in the circle of chairs and all eyes turned to the Father. He began quickly, “Well, you have been gone just over three weeks. First, I appreciate each of you and the roles you played in this discovery mission. Zerub, you did a great job of bringing Rafael’s reports back here. Rafael, your articles were succinct and informative as usual. We appreciate your efforts. Michael, you and your warriors must’ve done your job well; I understand there was not even a shadow or hint of the presence Satan and his marauders in your vicinity during the entire trek?”             Michael replied a little disappointingly, “Didn’t see hide nor hair of any of that bunch.”             “Good,” the Father stated. “And Enoch, how did you enjoy your homecoming.”             Enoch answered, “Thanks for allowing me to spend a little time with my son Methuselah and my grandso

            A knock on the door interrupted Enoch’s relaxation. “Enoch? It’s me, Rafael! God wants us now! You about ready?”             Enoch reacted, “Thought He said we could rest and refresh awhile before reporting to Him?”             “He did,” Rafael answered. “But that was over three hours ago.”             “Oh! I must’ve dozed off,” Enoch said. “I was more exhausted than I realized. Be ready in just a moment.”             Enoch exited his room, joined the angel reporter, and the two walked hastily toward the Throne Room. [to be continued]

Several hours later the narrative, mainly delivered by God and Jesus, was concluded by Michael. “So you see, with every inclination of the thoughts of men’s hearts being evil all the time, the Father is deciding the fate of mankind.” “The fate of mankind?” Enoch asked. God stated seriously, “I am trying to decide whether to destroy everyone and everything and start from scratch or if perhaps there still lies the possibility of salvaging mankind.” Rafael took up the monologue, “So the Father wants me to investigate the situation and report back to Him what I discover with recommendations and suggestions.” Gabriel chimed in, “It’s one of those times when God has chosen NOT to entirely rely on His omniscience.” “That’s right,” stated Jesus. “And He thought that Enoch might enjoy accompanying Rafael on his mission of discovery.” God continued, “So, what do you say Enoch? Are you up for a little adventure including a return trip to your homeland on earth?” “Wow!

God and Jesus sat in the Throne Room in deep discussion with Michael, head of the angel army, and several other key angels including Gabriel, Allen, and Rafael. Suddenly the door banged open and in rushed messenger angel Zerub with Enoch in tow. They were both breathing heavily as though they had been racing for quite a distance. The new arrivals hurried forward and stopped before the Father’s throne standing rigidly at attention. Zerub was the first to speak nearly shouting  between breaths, “Messenger Angel Zerub and human Enoch reporting as ordered, Sir!” The Father responded, “ I believe the term in earth lingo of the future is, ‘At ease.’ Rafael, it seems that article you wrote in the Heavenly Herald about military traditions among mankind of the future has caught on.” “In my defense may I say it was Michael’s idea,” Rafael stated. Michael retorted, “I just wanted to know about earth armies of the future. I asked Jesus to use his omniscience to share some military

"You can choose to sing in the choir, help construct dwelling rooms for other humans, assist me with the gathering and writing of the news in the Herald, or even visit Rainbow Bridge." " Rainbow Bridge? What’s that?" Enoch inquired. " That is an amazing part of heaven created specially by Jesus. Dogs, as well as some other animals, that have been the fond companions of humans on earth are given a special place her in heaven. They are free to romp and play with no worries of predators or other dangers they frequently faced on earth, while they wait for their masters to arrive someday. They can be adopted by angels or even by you,” Rafael concluded with a big smile. “But I never had any special animals in all my 365 years of life,” Enoch reminisced. “I know that, Enoch,” Rafael continued. “It’s a choice as with everything else in heaven or back on earth. You may find you are really attracted to a pet.” “Pet?” Enoch raised an eyebrow. “Yes, pet,

Several earth hours after the welcoming ceremony concluded, Enoch was sitting comfortably in his special room to which he had been accompanied by the angel reporter Rafael. “That was some celebration!” Enoch stated appreciatively. “And all of it just for me.” “The Father wanted to make sure you felt accepted and at home quickly,” Rafael assured him. “Everything that’s done here in heaven is done with quality and careful planning.” “That’s obvious,” Enoch agreed. “You should’ve seen the gala we had after the six days of creation!” Rafael exclaimed. “Now THAT was a festival indeed! If you’d like to read about it, I could get archived copies of that and other events chronicled in the Heavenly Herald for your entertainment pleasure and perusal.” “That would be wonderful!” Enoch responded. “I know you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, Enoch, with the recent events,” Rafael suggested. “You’re probably tired and should get some R & R.” “R & R?” Enoch queri