The Judgement-Part One
By Basel Wheeless
I stood at the massive gate, it glittering with an array of colors, dark and light blues, and golden yellows and oranges, with a dash of red buried deep within. I had never seen such beauty; and, yet as I studied even further I realized that that which I was admiring was one gigantic pearl. A gate so large, so grand and so magnificent made from one pearl, just as I had read. Could it be so true that the words I studied my entire life have now become real?
I gazed inside past the great entrance, beyond the large pearl, and was partially blinded by the glitter and sparkle of the golden street. Its appearance was that of a colorful sunset filtering through western clouds. There were people moving about, each one ornate in what appeared to be white robes, some with crowns, and some not, and some with rich stones in their crowns, and some not.
There also flowed a river in the distance that looked like glass. The reflection of its surface was so pure and clean, illuminating a never ending ray for all of heaven to see and be seen. There was no sun, no moon, and surely no stars; yet heaven provided the light for all to see.
I knew right then this was where I wanted to spend eternity. I had heard about heaven during my life on earth, but never had I witnessed such a sight as this. People have for centuries spoken about heaven, but I never imagined that heaven would be as grand, and so large that I could not see from one end to the other. I knew I would find my peace and rest in this place, this place simply called, Heaven.
All my life I postponed the thoughts of heaven and took hold of the inventions and notions of the world. I wanted to be known, to become rich, and live a life of ease and luxury.
If I had known that heaven was so much more than that of earth I would have hurried here as quickly as possible.Yes, this was and is the bliss I have always desired. Yes, this was and is the treasure of my heart. And yes, this was and is the location where I want to spend my time that has no end.
I felt fortunate. I felt blessed. Oh, I was so certain that this was the place for me, and would be the place where my soul would find rest and comfort. Yes! Heaven, the location selected for me to discover everlasting peace.
“Just a minute, sir,”said a voice to my right. “You cannot walk through the gate unless you are allowed.”
“How do I know I am allowed?” I questioned. “Surely, a person such as me is permitted. I know who I am, and I see no reason why I should be deterred from entering.”
“I am sorry,” said the man clothed in white. “You must first pass the test.”
“Test…what test? I never heard of any test to enter heaven.” I was displeased with this robed man, whose crown was blinding my eyes. I was wondering if he had such authority to prohibit my entrance.
“Yes, my dear friend,” said the guardian of the gate.“No one can enter heaven unless they are approved and justified by the giver of life and death. You must first present yourself before the Almighty God, the Supreme Judge of inexhaustible life or punishment.”
Against my wishes, I was taken to a deep hall that was neither light nor dark, far into the cavern of the pearled gate, a place I had never seen or heard about before.It seemed as though we had traveled for miles and my feet began to grow weary and tired. I felt the burning within my soles and wished to rest them in a cool pool of water, but there was none about. Besides, the guardian was traveling much too fast for me to think of stopping even for only a moment.
I pleaded with him.“Kind sir, could you please provide some comfort for me just to rest my feet and legs for only a little while.”
However, the man was stern and insistent, “I am sorry, but there is no time for rest.Your Master is waiting just for you, and we must not delay Him.This is your time sir, and you must make the best of it.”
It seemed like forever, but we did finally come to a place in the long corridor where I could see the reflection of a brilliant light shinning just as I had seen through the gate of pearl.I thought to myself, “Oh, could this be the chamber where I will find the great and mighty God of the universe?”
Then I became worried.“What would He ask of me? What would I say to Him?Was I dressed appropriately?”
I reasoned and remembered the many interviews I had had acquiring the various positions within my profession on earth.The interrogations were not difficult for me then, surely there will be no difference now.I said to myself, “Yes, I can do this.This will be just another interview.” I was confident that God would allow my presence and acceptance, because I knew who I was and believed myself to be a worthy subject, an individual God would want.
I was led by the guardian to a massive chamber in which there was a giant bench crafted of gold and jewels and gems and pearls.There were no windows, but I could see the clouds of heaven, the birds of the sky and angels, oh yes angels, floating about within and without the room.I knew I was in a holy place.I knew that this would be the place I would finally see God.I now had my chance to come face to face with the Almighty. I was glad. I was pleased.
I had confidence that He would be proud to have such a person as me in His heaven. With my talents, there was much I could do.First I would align the stones I saw lying askew at the gate; they were out of place.
And then I could organize a great effort to train others to sing songs about heaven.I could also teach about the Bible to the small children who have left their parents, and are now living in heaven.I believed myself to be well fitted for these tasks since I had already accomplished them while on earth.
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©2008Basel Wheeless.