At The Table

SPRING 2005
By Ernie Knoll

 In my dream, I find myself reclining[1] on my side at a long, long table.[2] I look at the other side of the table and I recognize family members.[3] We talk and laugh.[4] As I look to the left and right, I can see people of different sizes. Some are very tall.[5]

 I now see that the place where I am reclining has my new name[6] engraved in bright gold symbols that describe my character.[7] As I look at it, I repeat to myself, “That describes me; that describes me.”

 I then look up and notice what seems to be long, iridescent birds flying through the air, but I do not notice the wings. They sing a beautiful song in four notes at once.

 Quite some time has passed at the table, but there is not a sense of urgency. As we wait to be served, we marvel at the variety of food.[8]

 I also notice my guardian angel[9] standing behind me. He is tall and wears a dry misty-looking white robe. He possesses a very noble appearance and has a kind and gentle smile. I speak with him quite often. I almost want to cry and apologize for all the things I did on earth, how I put him through so much in guarding me and all the times he watched me sin.[10] In a soft voice he says that I need not worry or mention anything about it as all that is in the past.[11] He tells me that Jesus, the great Host, would have done all[12] that was needed to have me at the table to serve me.

[1] The Day Star, January 24, 1846

We shouted Hallelujah, glory, and entered into the city, and I saw a table of pure silver, it was many miles in length, yet our eyes could extend over it. …We all reclined at the table.

 [2] Luke 22:29-30  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at  my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

 [3] Revelation 19:9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.

 [4] Isaiah 35:10  And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

 [5] Genesis 6:4  There were giants in the earth in those days.

 [6] Revelation 2:17  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

 [7] Child Guidance, p. 161

A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next.

 [8] Early Writings, p. 19

And I saw the fruit of the tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruit.

 [9] Psalms 91:11  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

 [10] 1 John 2:1-2  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

 [11] Hebrews 10:16-17  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

  [12] John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.