Chapter 2: THE COMMISSION AND THE FAMILY SWORD.

BRILLIANT WITH LIGHT was the throne and He who sat upon it. I seemed exceedingly small as I gazed up into the dazzling light that hid my heavenly Father's face. His chest, arms, legs, and feet glowed with an equal inner light; His flowing garment spilled out onto the sea of glass. I dropped to my knees with my face to the floor. "Daddy," I said in a choked whisper. "We have been waiting for you," He said. "Daddy." I lifted my head slightly. "Terrible things are happening on earth." "And what are you going to do about them?" "Me?" I gasped in shock. I looked up and saw Jesus standing to the right of our heavenly Father. Jesus was clothed in gleaming silver armor and was intent on my answer. Before Him was a huge sword on which He rested both of His hands. He seemed primed for battle and concerned about the loss of any minute given to discussion instead of action. "Who am I, Daddy?" "Who indeed?" He replied. Jesus spoke: "Anna, you cannot defeat the supernatural with bullets or bombs. This enemy is immortal." "We must do something," I pleaded. "We are preparing a counterattack right now, but with supernatural weapons, which we issue to our family." "And," my Father said, "I see that you yourself are not wearing your armor." "Oh," I said, looking down at myself. He continued, "All receive armor when they come into the Kingdom, but not everyone puts it on." I felt a bit sheepish.

"You wish to help? Very well. Stand to your feet," my Father said. "Fit her for battle," He called to a nearby angel. Immediately that angel and others stepped forward carrying pieces of shining armor like Jesus'. These angels also were attired in armor. I wondered if all of Heaven was preparing for war. My Father continued to speak even as He watched them buckle me into each piece. "This armor must be tested before you go into battle alongside My Son." "To the battle below?" I asked. "In order to serve, you must be prepared," He stated. "When the armor is tested, you will be ready."

"Hand her Our sword," my Father called. A ripple of sound ran through those on the sea of glass. Then He addressed me: "You were given a sword for writing, but for battle, you will need the sword of the Spirit." Reverently, armored angels brought the sword and knelt before Him. He lifted the sword, which shone in His hands and amazingly sang out. It seemed as though it could not hold back the joy of being in the Father's hands. There was equal delight from those on the sea of glass. He lowered the sword and handed it to me. It was both heavy and light at the same time, heavy with His glory but light in the handling. I sheathed the sword.

He paused as if sizing up the situation. A tight smile came to Jesus' face.

My Father turned to a large, armored angel standing to His left. He must have been six feet, eight inches in height, but I could not see His face. My Father continued: "Ruach will go with you; He is both family and friend and will strengthen you in times of need." The tall angel stepped forward. The other angels showed Him deference as He took His place at attention by my right side. Though I could not see His face, His body and armor were translucent. Great power emanated from Him, and His bearing seemed more than that of an angel's. He stood at attention like a military man.

"Now," my Father said in a manner used to transition from one subject to another. It was as though my arrival had broken into court business, and He was ready to reengage it. "As to the matter that has been brought before Us, whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?"

I realized that He had moved on to broader concerns, concerns of the Kingdom-perhaps of the world. What He asked sounded vaguely familiar. Then I remembered the call that went out in Heaven in Isaiah's day when Isaiah boldly answered before the others assembled, saying, "Here am I. Send me!" And he who was not a part of the heavenly court was allowed to go. Could I do the same? Suddenly I felt emboldened and flushed with the thought that I might be able to help.

"I will go, Father," I said in the zeal of the moment. "You, Anna?" There was a rustle among the angels and the redeemed. Jesus spoke to clarify the mission. "Anna, we need an emissary that will extract a beneficence that was locked away in Our garden when it was shut to mankind and its entrance guarded. After the flood, it was taken and hidden in black caves. This was many years ago. In this hour, we have need of it for the coming battle." "Now that you have heard the need, Anna, do you still wish to go?" my Father asked. "Yes!" I exclaimed, hardly able to contain my excitement. Then I thought, "Where is it?" "Stolen," Jesus said, reading my mind. "We received a taunt this very day."

A taunt? Who was arrogant enough to taunt the living God to His face? I remembered that the enemy used taunts in biblical times. But this would not unnerve God Almighty. It was an affront, that's what it was-satan was mocking our God. I felt a fury growing in me even as David did when the giant challenged the God of Israel, mocking Him. Jesus lifted a scroll. "May I, Father?" He must have received an assurance from our Father because He read: Where midnight sun is swallowed by the vanities of men Cradled by a bitter root, warmed by serpent's skin, Deeper than the brave will go Hid where worms may seek The beatific, priceless prize Found only by the meek. We mock You high and lowly One. You ruler of the weak. Eternal chains await them all Your spineless, gutless meek. A wave of consternation ran through those assembled.

"Father, it is underground," Jesus concluded. "Anna?" my Father questioned as if giving me another chance to refuse. "I will go," I said, now burning with indignation. There was a cheer that went up among the redeemed. I had almost forgotten about them. "Very well. So be it," my Father confirmed.

My heavenly Father continued to me: "I will bestow upon you the very help you need for this challenge and beyond." Then He lifted His voice and said, "Bring forth My mantle." There was a buzz among the redeemed and also the great number of angels assembled. Angels, gold in body, hair, and clothes, brought forward a beautiful long-sleeved cloak. It shone brilliantly with bands of multi-faceted gems that caught the light with every movement. I had never seen such a glorious garment-it was truly fit for a king. As the angels drew near, the jewels began to change. That puzzled me for the jewels became moving neon lights, rolling in a never-ending display of hot primary colors-like the marquees in Times Square, New York. "What in the world?" I thought. "This cannot be right."

But even before the angels reached my side, I was grateful that my Father was giving me greater understanding. He was being merciful. He gave me to understand that my body could not survive the shock of wearing His mantle immediately because I was still flesh. He had to "step it down" until I matured enough to be able to withstand the increased power.

My Father spoke: "As you complete the stages of your training, the moving lights will become jewels from My own crown. Only when you have completed the last test will the mantle properly represent Me. But you are never to use My glory to create your own." Then, as if that was not amazing enough Suddenly, the angels turned the robe inside out-thereby displaying another garment entirely. The Father's mantle was double-sided. This side was a drab, worn, camel skin-probably as John the Baptist wore in the desert. "Let Me help you, Anna," Jesus said. He stepped to my back and helped me put on the double mantle. I noticed that the drab cloak completely covered the gleaming armor I now wore. The cloak left me looking like a wandering vagrant. (It is funny what you think about in times like these. I found myself grateful that the skin did not smell like a goat.) At first, I thought it strange that the ruler of the universe would wear such a drab garment. Then it came to me that our heavenly Father was as Jesus showed Him to be-humble. Of course-of course! I understood, not only the reason for wearing it, but also I understood more about my Father's character. This revelation made me even more grateful for the mantle-honored and blessed, really. If I sought that which only the meek could find, how desperately did I need to put on the humility of Christ?

"Step forward," my Father said. I stepped closer into His blazing light. He placed His hands on my shoulders, and lightning shot through me. "Go forth," He said, "in Our authority and return to Our army that which was taken illegally by the enemy." Great power continued to surge through me. I tingled as though electricity was running through my veins.

"Bless you, My child," He said. Then He removed His hands. I leaned into the light, overpowered by His love and also very light-headed. I hugged the lower part of His garment. "Ruach," He said to the faceless angel, "take care of her." The angel bowed His head and then helped me to be more of a soldier by pulling me away. I squared my shoulders, clumsily standing at attention before I left. Jesus smiled at me. Ruach and I were gone.