In the beginning…14a. Throne Room

In the interim, God returned to heaven and made his way to the palace where he knew Jesus and others would be waiting. It had only been a relatively few minutes, yet those still gathered in the throne room at the conclusion of the gala were extremely eager for news of what had or was occurring. They weren’t to wait much longer.

God entered the throne room and walked thoughtfully to his throne before turning to gaze at his Son and the friends still present. He seated Himself on his throne and relaxed with an uncharacteristic sigh. He began slowly, “Jesus; Michael; Gabriel; you, too, Allen; and the rest of you as well, thanks for staying. At a time like this, your presence is a tremendous comfort.”

Jesus was the first to find his voice, “Father, what’s the matter? What has happened?”

God proceeded to relate the details of the last few hours on earth starting with Lucifer taking the form of a serpent and beguiling the woman and man into eating from the forbidden fruit of The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He spoke about finding Adam and Eve hiding and adorned in fig leaves, of the transformation of the snake, and of His manufacturing clothing of animal skins for the Eden inhabitants. All, even Jesus, sat aghast until the story was completed.

Again the Son was the spokesperson for all their thoughts, “What now, Father?”

God hesitated a moment as if in thought. Actually, He was simply resigning Himself to the proclamation He felt forced into declaring. “Son, I know how much time and effort you put into the creation of the Earth, and Eden, and mankind.”

Jesus interrupted somewhat fearfully, “You’re not going to destroy the Earth and man, are you, Father?”

“No, I wouldn’t do that just now; there may come a time, though, when that is necessary. Then we may have to determine if we want to start again or chalk it up to a bad idea and let sleeping dogs lie.”

“Father?” Jesus queried.

“Sorry, Son, that’s a phrase man is destined to use to indicate when he doesn’t want to begin some failed task again,” God explained his use of the unusual phrase. “There are several tasks that must be performed immediately, though.”

“You can count on me, Father,” Jesus assured Him.

“Me, too!” exclaimed Michael.

“I’ll help,” Gabriel jumped in.

“Anything I can do, Lord,” Allen voiced his willingness as well. Others in the group – which was growing all the time; word spread quickly in heaven and many had discovered God’s return – added their voices affirming a desire to be of service.

God thanked them all and then outlined the plans that needed to be accomplished post haste, “I appreciate all of your encouragement. I would expect nothing less from you. Thanks,” He paused. “The first task is to expel Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.”

An audible gasp went up from the entire group. What did this mean? They had all watched the miraculous events of creation just the day before.

God held up a quieting hand and the hush returned to the gathering. In a moment He continued, “Michael, I would like for you to go to Earth and escort Adam and Eve out of the eastern boundary of Eden. Then, in order to disallow their return and the possibility of their eating of the Tree of Life; Zerub, I need for you to select three of your closest friends to aid you in the task of standing guard with a flaming sword on the east side of the garden to ensure they can’t return. Stand with the sword flashing back and forth; so that you are easily visible and to discourage any interloping.”

“Yes, sir,” Michael and Zerub both answered simultaneously. Each sounded more eager than he felt.

Jesus inquired, “Anything else, Father?”

“Yes,” God continued, “Gabriel?”

“Yes, Lord?” Gabriel was all attention.

“I need you to,” God began. He didn’t finish as a commotion erupted from the back of the crowd. 

[to be continued]