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.