Michael patiently awaited Gabriel’s arrival at the entrance to Heaven’s Throne Room. While he waited, he spent some time admiring the Glory that continuously flooded the room, spilling out into the halls of the Father’s celestial palace. Michael never tired of the beauty that emanated from the Father’s dwelling place. In fact, every time he experienced it, the Glory felt newer and stronger than ever before.
“It never gets old, does it?” Gabriel’s voice whispered from behind Michael.
“Never,” Michael agreed. “Just think about it. Those seraphim that stand above the Father have been singing His praises since the moment they were created. They behold His Glory, eternally, and never tire of it.” Michael then turned to face Gabriel. “It has been a while, my friend. What is the latest report from Earth, among the Chosen People?”
“Not great,” Gabriel sighed. “Since David died a few hundred years ago, things seem to have gotten worse, little by little, and even much by much!”
“How so?” Michael asked.
“Let’s start with his son Solomon. He was a great guy for the most part. He even chose wisdom over any earthly treasure he could have asked for, which is great, except he didn’t seem to exercise wisdom in his own personal affairs. Toward the end of his life, he, despite all his wisdom, decided to allow idolatry into his life and the kingdom. After he died, his son allowed a civil war to divide the kingdom, so now the Father’s people are two divided nations, each confident they are the chosen ones. Each kingdom has had its share of good kings and bad kings; some really good, others really bad, some that start out good and go bad, and thankfully, some that start out bad and become good!”
“What about the prophets that the Father sends them?”
“Mostly killed,” Gabriel replied. “Those people do not like being told what they are doing is wrong. Although a few of them have outlived their enemies. One of them even cheated death. He had an angel escort into Heaven.”
“I do recall that one. I was driving the chariot,” Michael smiled.
“I thought that was you!” Gabriel said. “Anyways, despite all the efforts of the prophets, the people, at best, listen and repent for a few generations, and then they’re back to their old routines of sin and selfishness. If ever there was a time for the Father’s Plan to come to completion, now would be it.”
“I feel the same way, brother, but not just yet. Despite their great persecution, the Father will continue to use the prophets to an even greater degree than he has yet. This brings us to your next assignment. Are you ready?”
“Absolutely, but why are we meeting here?” Gabriel questioned. “Not that I mind. I’d be happy to meet here every time.”
“Because here is where your mission lies.”
“Here?” Gabriel asked. “Aren’t our missions typically on Earth, where the people are? After all, that’s the whole purpose of the Plan, right?”
“Yes, but today, we are bringing our mission here,” Michael said. “Actually, the Spirit will bring him here.”
“Hold on a second,” Gabriel interrupted his mentor. “We are bringing a human here?”
“Yes.”
“To the Throne Room?”
“Yes.”
“Won’t that kill him?” Gabriel protested. “Even the seraphim, who were created to praise the Father, cover their faces when they’re near Him.”
“Usually, yes, but the Father is making this exception,” Michael explained. “He will keep this visitor from perishing at the sight of Him.”
“The Spirit is bringing him here and the Father is sustaining him,” Gabriel marveled. “Amazing, but why are we here?”
“Our job is to make preparations for his arrival.”
“Great! I’d love to tackle a mission in the Throne Room. What do you want me to do?”
“Build a fire,” Michael simply stated.
“A fire?” Gabriel asked.
“Yes,” Michael answered. “On the altar in front of the throne.”
“I guess I never realized the Throne Room had an altar in it.” Gabriel peeked into the throne room and made a startling realization. “Actually, I never noticed before how much of the Throne Room looks identical to the temple in Jerusalem.”
“It is difficult to notice anything other than the Glory of the Father when standing in His presence,” Michael assured Gabriel. “The earthly temple is a replica of the Heavenly Throne Room, but on a drastically smaller and much humbler scale. This is why the Father was so specific when giving Moses the instructions for building the tabernacle, the temple’s predecessor, and its articles, to the last detail.”
“Amazing!” Gabriel marveled. “So, the earthly temple serves as a sort of reminder of Heaven?”
“Indeed. But it also serves as a sort of portal. Our guest will soon visit Earth’s temple, where the Spirit will transport him here, to the Throne Room. This visitor is on his way to the temple as we speak, so please make haste and build the fire.”
“You got it! I shall be hasting!” quipped Gabriel.
“And Gabriel,” Michael said, grabbing his apprentice’s arm. “When in the Throne Room, you must show the utmost respect and reverence.”
“Of course,” Gabriel said soberly. “Most assuredly.”
~~~~~~
“The altar’s ready, sir,” Gabiel said. “The fire has been lit, and the coals are red hot.”
“It took longer than expected,” Michael observed. “Did you have any difficulty?”
“Not at all. I had the fire built in no time, but when I finished, I was filled with such joy and awe that I had to spend time joining in with the seraphim in their heavenly chorus,” Gabriel said, smiling as he recalled the splendor of the moment. “Sorry I took so long.”
“It is completely understandable, my friend,” Michael assured Gabriel. “And there is no worry about the delay. Our guest has been spending many long hours praying at the temple lately. He is mourning the recent loss of a great friend and king.”
“Uzziah,” Gabriel sighed. “He had such a great beginning, but in the end, like so many men—and one particular angel—pride led to his downfall. It’s a shame, too. He even had a promising young prophet who tried to help him out, but sadly couldn’t convince him to lay down his pride and honor the Father.”
“Yes, it did break that prophet’s heart,” Michael said. “Which is why he spends so much time in the temple, mourning the king’s death, and blaming himself for the loss.”
“Isaiah?” Gabriel reasoned. “The Spirit is bringing Isaiah into the Throne Room?”
“As we speak,” Michael confirmed.
At that moment, light flooded the already dazzling Throne Room. Gabriel peeked in to see what had happened. This was not his moment—his mission was complete—but he needed to find out how his brief mission fit into this whole event and what would happen to Isaiah. Gabriel had grown fond of Isaiah over the last several years of observing the kings and prophets. He had seen him grow from a foul-mouthed juvenile into a brave mouthpiece for the Father. He wasn’t perfect, by any means—he still had a tendency to use “creative” vernacular—but he served the Father with all his heart.
“Do not worry,” Michael reassured Gabriel. “He will be fine—better than fine—when this is over. And the coals of the altar are perfect.”
Gabriel watched as Isaiah wailed for his life, knowing the sight of the Father would undo him. He winced as a seraph touched Isaiah’s mouth with a coal from the fire he built. He stood in awe as the Father purified the prophet and anointed him for the calling He placed on the young man. Fiery bands leapt from the throne into Isaiah’s chest. Gabriel could see words inscribed on these bands, as if the Father was imparting a scroll into Isaiah’s heart. Soon, the event ended, and Isaiah disappeared from the Throne Room like a vapor.
“That was amazing,” Gabriel said breathlessly. “But…”
“Yes?” said Michael.
“What was that fire that flowed into Isaiah? It looked like words were written onto a flaming scroll, then woven into Isaiah’s soul. I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
“What kind of words?” Michael prodded.
“I couldn’t see them all, but I saw—the virgin will conceive—a child is born—Immanuel—root of Jesse—pierced for our transgressions.”
“The Father was placing His words into Isaiah’s heart,” explained his mentor. “Words, not for today but for a future date. Words that will foretell the arrival of the Righteous One with such detail and accuracy that, once fulfilled, cannot be contested.”
“Incredible. The Father truly thinks of everything.”
“We know not the half of it.”
“I would love to see those moments when Isaiah realizes what the Father has placed in his heart and gets to share them with the world!”
“And you shall,” Michael said, smiling. “Gabriel, you have proven yourself time and again to be a worthwhile steward of the kings and prophets. It is my honor and pleasure to inform you that you have been promoted to the position of Messenger to the Messengers, effective immediately. The Father has much he wants to say through His prophets, Isaiah being just one of many. He wants you to be his personal messenger to them. Do you accept this promotion?”
“I—you—well!”
“For once in your eternity, you’re speechless, Gabriel,” Michael said. “Just say yes.”
“YES! Thank you so much! I won’t let you down. You can count on me!” Gabriel beamed as he left the entrance to the Throne Room. After a few steps, he stopped for a moment, then turned to face his commander. “Does this promotion come with, perhaps…a trumpet?”
Michael said nothing. “Later,” Gabriel shrugged. “We can discuss that later.”
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