Perished

CREATION

ETERNITY PAST

Lucifer looked around in confusion. I was about to speak to Michael. Why did I stop?

Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted.

"Behold, I am God, the Beginning and the Ending, The Everlasting One. Out of nothing I created you. I have designed each of you for a specific purpose, a certain service to perform.

"Michael, thou wert created to lead My armies into battle and to guard the battle mounts of heaven. I have made thee an archangel and a Chief Prince. Under thee shall be one third of all the angels able to wage war.

"I have set thee as one of the three and thou shalt be mighty in all that thou shalt do.

Gabriel, thou art created to rule over all communication. Your task is to ensure My messages and commands are delivered to whomsoever I desire. I have given thee a third of the angels equipped to carry out your tasks. You are an archangel and one of the three.

I already knew that, Lucifer thought.

"And Lucifer, to thee I have given great beauty. No creature shall have greater beauty than you. As an archangel, and one of the three, thou also shalt lead one third of the angels of heaven in singing My praises. You are over all manner of instruments of music and praise, which shall be to My glory!

But I have also made thee the covering cherub and thou shalt guard the Thrones.

Lucifer looked at Michael and Gabriel, who didn't appear to be puzzled at all. But he found himself wondering: Why is the Holy Father telling us our duties. We have been doing them forever. And what is this about creation?

What does He mean He created us? We have been around for a long time.

Pondering Lucifer's intriguing question, Michael thought back and couldn't remember a single time when he hadn't been an archangel.

Looking around, he saw everything looked normal. The walls look the same as always; built with glorious gemstones sitting upon each other in perfect symmetry. And as immense as ever! Is it possible they’re just created?

What about these mansions that have been tended regularly by countless angels for ages? It is true they are empty, with no apparent purpose. But that’s always been the case.

And there are just as many mansions as ever. Everything is just as I remember. Even the gold pavement looks the same!

It appears that way, he replied. Everything is as it always has been. I do not remember a single thing that is different. But if the Holy Father says that He just created us it must be true. The Elohim is truth.

It does seem strange, agreed Gabriel. "But as Michael stated, the Elohim is truth. Yet we remember everything as perfectly normal.

"I do admit that I cannot remember any specific event. I remember every structure, but cannot recall a single moment when any were erected. I should remember where the gems came from for the walls. But I do not.

"I believe we have been created with complete memories enabling each of us to do our assigned tasks better. My job is to head up God’s communications. Yet I don’t recall a single message He has sent. The only way I can understand it is if I have been just created.

Also, He has given each of us unique talents. And beside your talents, He gave you great beauty, Lucifer. They are the Elohim and can do whatever They want!

That sounds reasonable to me, Michael said. That would explain how all this, he paused spreading his hands indicating the entire City, is so familiar to me. God placed the memory of it in my mind.

You must be right, of course, Lucifer acknowledged. But inwardly he doubted.

The three archangels broke up, each going his separate way. Lucifer could not remember what it was that he had been about to say to Michael. He shrugged and departed.

&&&

Lucifer sensed the excitement as the angels were buzzing with excited whispers and tensely alert. Something big is about to happen. His attention was suddenly riveted upon a huge empty window appearing over the City’s highest spires. At that moment the Holy Father spoke:

Behold as I, the God and Creator of all things great and small, create the earth out of nothing. I declare that there shall be seasons and times.

All the angels watched as the Holy Father spoke and the window suddenly filled with a solitary, fiery mass. Lucifer and all the angels were rooted in astonishment.

It took on a definite oval shape. The entire host of heaven watched as the Holy Spirit moved upon the water causing it to vibrate. Lucifer wasn't sure if he was hearing the vibration or sensing it, but its effect upon the water was obvious as wave after wave cooled the fledgling planet. Now the Holy Son spoke:

Let there be light.

Immediately the dark planet was ablaze with light. Lucifer was mystified. Where is the light coming from? Suddenly he knew. The Holy Son is Himself the Source of the light!

Next, the Holy Son did an amazing thing dividing the light into night and day. Earth started rotating on its axis. Watching, Lucifer immediately understood the planet would complete one rotation in 24 hours, which would be divided into minutes and seconds.

The beginning of time! The Holy Son has created something interesting. It looks like these hours not only lead to days, but also to weeks and weeks to months, each having 30 days.

Curious, Lucifer studied the planet intently. Although he was impressed, Lucifer wasn't overwhelmed as he imagined such power to create was his as well.

On Day Two the Holy Son spoke again: Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

Thus God divided the waters so that they were above and below what He called heaven. Lucifer nodded with sudden understanding. This heaven was the atmosphere. But why the water above the atmosphere? The answer would have to wait as the second day ended.

On Day Three, the Holy Son said: Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place and let the dry land appear.

The angels watched in awe as God took the waters together into seas. For the first time, land rose from under the water. Amazingly the land was dry, except for rivers appearing here and there.

Something happened causing all of heaven to cry in sheer delight, impressing even Lucifer. The Holy Son created a living thing! Grass, herbs, trees, fruit, and vegetables were created with ability to reproduce after themselves.

On Day Four the Holy Son created all the stars of heaven. But Lucifer noted, with surprise, the sudden existence of galaxies and solar systems populated with their own stars and planets. Amazingly each was created fully formed with the appearance of age and moving through space as though from an explosion!

The sun was created replacing the Son's light. He placed a moon in orbit around the Earth reflecting the sun's light during the night.

Now Lucifer understood the purpose of the waters above the earth's atmosphere and surrounding the planet. It acts like a filter! It shields the earth from the sun's rays. But why? Again his silent question went unanswered.

On Day Five, God moved again.

Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth. There appeared fish, whales, dolphins, sharks and sea creatures! The air was filled with all kinds of birds.

Be fruitful, God commanded, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.

Lucifer shook his head. Not only was he impressed with God's demonstration of power, but he was also deeply disturbed. Why are the Elohim creating a planet with such primitive life forms? Of what purpose do they serve?

On Day Six, the Son ended with two great acts of creation. First, He created all animals.

Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind.

Soon the dry land was populated with a variety of animals, some very small and others gigantic to the point of towering over some of the trees. As with aquatic life, each had the ability to reproduce itself after its own kind.

The creation of human life stunned and troubled Lucifer the most. The Son said to God the Father and God the Spirit, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

A hush permeated the heavens as God prepared the earth's soil and carefully, almost tenderly, formed the first man. All of heaven looked upon the still creature in awe.

Lucifer had to admit the Holy Son had done a masterful job. And he was impressed with the ingenious idea of the water surrounding the earth. He now realized that the filtering affect would also protect the humans.

It took all Three to accomplish these creative acts. I could’ve done the same without any help.

Maybe I can do things God cannot do. And why create man when the angels of heaven are available to accomplish His will? In what possible way is mankind better equipped than the angels to rule over the Earth? Why does He regard man so tenderly?

&&&

Taking the still creature, God breathed the breath of life into it and immediately its chest started rising and falling rhythmically. The angels erupted into choruses of praise.

As the creature became conscious the coolness of the morning caused him to shiver. Opening his eyes, he looked up at God, Who smiled down at him.

I am Eloahh, your Creator. Thy name is Adam: for out of the earth were you taken. Arise and see what I have done.

Deity! Recognition brightened Adam’s face.

God extended His hand and pulled Adam upright. It was in that moment that Adam looked at his own body in wonder.

Holding his hands outward, he noticed the slender fingers and how he could easily move them. His arms were thick and muscular while covered with very fine hair.

Looking down, he took note of his chest tapering down to the belly, which was hard and flat. Like his arms, his legs were covered by fine hair. They were short, powerful legs resting upon feet having five toes that were similar, yet different, to the five fingers of each hand.

Again God spoke: In six days I created the earth and the heavens and all that is in them. You have I created after My own image. I have loved you from before the beginning and shall love you always.

A puzzled look crossed Lucifer’s face as he watched and listened to the scene below.

As for Adam, he would later remember this event in great detail.

"God lifted me up to where He was and I found myself looking upon the circle of Earth with the darkness of space behind it. I can still picture the vast variety of blues that were the seas surrounding the land. And there were the browns, greens and a wonderful display of colors covering the ground.

In the midst of it all was a large, dominating, barren place where nothing grew at all. But even in its starkness there was a strange, alluring beauty about it. It is a shame no one will ever see what I saw that day. It was beautiful!"

After showing Adam the earth as seen from outer space, God took Adam back to Earth and hovered above the barren plateau he had seen. Looking down, Adam saw a vast land that was carpeted with full-grown trees, shrubs, plants and flowers.

He saw mountain ranges to the north and to the south. Momentarily his eyes rested on a mountain range to the southwest that pointed skyward like the fingers on his hands. It was the most majestic sight amongst so many grand sights. Even from the distance, he saw the varied shapes of the pinnacles.

And the colors! Purples, browns, reds, oranges, and every color imaginable dotted these mountains. But the strangest sight was the barren ground below him, which stretched for miles in all directions. It struck Adam as being out of place in all the vast beauty."

Behold! I create a special Garden for you.

Before Adam's startled eyes, God covered the plateau with a thick blanket of rich soil hundreds of feet thick. He planted trees, bushes and every kind of vegetation imaginable before placing animals, a pair of every kind, within this beautiful Garden.

Then God transformed it into a magnificent paradise. It was the most beautiful place that he would ever know.

Looking down, Adam watched in amazement and awe as the mountain he had earlier stood upon, collapsed forming a series of hills. Adam would later write of this moment:

"Seen from above, the Garden was astounding, a sheer delight. I still remember the towering trees rising from the Garden’s fertile ground pointing towards heaven.

I think some of the trees were over two hundred feet high. From heaven looking down, it was like a roof. Not made of bricks, wood and mud as today's homes are made, but of leaves overlapping leaves.

It was so close and looked so firm that I felt like I could walk upon it. Far below, I later discovered that under that tree canopy there were areas of complete darkness, so dark that it was almost like night!

The garden is not a small grove or even a sheep range, but much larger. In the 40 days that Eve and I lived there, we never saw all that existed within its borders.

Hanging suspended in the sky and looking down, I could see its whole expanse. Circling the garden is a huge hedge, which I have touched. It is strong and impenetrable.

I have since learned that on the other side are briars that can tear a man's skin. Whether they existed from the beginning, I don’t know. I suspect they are part of the curse.

Inside the garden is every tree imaginable, plus gorgeous flowers, plants and much more. The sheer beauty took my breath away!

Blanketing the Garden were large flowering plants blending together to make a beautiful and colorful covering. It is a tragedy that no one else will ever see it as I did.

But that’s not my greatest memory. It was Eden River flowing from Lake Eden in the west to the Falls in the east. Lake Eden was, and probably still is, startling in its beauty. I wanted to see it up close, to experience it!

However, if you were to ask my wife, she would tell you her favorite remembrance is the Grove. This is where some of the most delicious fruits are found.

The Grove is located south of the river and stretches to the southern hedge. She and Serpent explored this area every day.

And she would return with new and exciting fruits which she named. She would share these with me and later, in the cool of the evening, with God. It brought her great joy when God would taste of her discovery and praise her.

However, the Garden of Eden is more than a beautiful place with fine foods; it is where we walked with God. With tears I remember those precious times we spent with Him every morning and evening.

Sometimes He would guide us to something He wanted us to see, but most of the time He would simply sit and talk with us. It is with great joy and bitter tears I remember the day when He created me and placed me within its borders!"

The memories of the Garden would remain with Adam throughout his life. It would even influence his future home.

Chapter Two

NEW ACQUAINTANCES

DAY 1

Adam stood in a small glade next to a wide, slow moving river he named Eden River. He saw many animals. I wonder what they are called.

Whatsoever you name on earth, so shall they be named in heaven, God said.

God led him to a spot where there stood two tall, beautiful trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Then the LORD God commanded Adam: Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Die?

Adam shuddered. He didn’t know exactly what die meant, but the very word suggested something that ceases to exist. And is separated from God! I never want that to happen!

All around was beauty. A breeze gently caused the trees to move and cool his skin. He sighed. So much to see, where do I start.

Walking over to a tree, he held a leaf to his nose and sniffed it. Satisfied, he began exploring the rest of the glade, checking the sights and smells. Yet a vague feeling enveloped him.

God spoke again, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

God caused the animals to come to Adam for his inspection. Throughout the morning they came in single file and waited. Each came and submitted willingly to his careful examination. He passed his hands over each looking for any imperfection, finally pronouncing a name.

The list wasn't very long. There were apes, bears, cats, deer, elephants, giraffes, goats, sheep, wolves, and a few others. Out of these few would grow multitudes of animals that would populate the world.

Each inspection took a few minutes and the whole ritual was completed before noon. Adam noticed immediately the pleasant, intelligent faces of the next to last pair of animals. Both the male and female had droopy ears, alert eyes and a long snout. But what attracted his attention the most was the soft, grayish white coats covering them. He touched it. This is wool.

Studying the male, which was looking at him expectantly, Adam thought of a name.

Thou art Ram and your mate is Ewe. You will be greatly used of God and shall benefit man.

I am Ram, the animal responded with pride. Turning, he led Ewe away.

Then the last two creatures came forth.

Adam instantly sensed something very special about these gorgeous creatures, especially the male. It stood weaving before him in glittering beauty, seeming to reflect the light. It was the creature's ability to speak rationally and intelligently that really impressed him.

Adam asked several questions and received thoughtful answers. The others had spoken, but not with the same clarity. He is wise. I name him Serpent, the shiny and wise one.

The instant bonding of man and beast took place that day. But the bonding of Adam and Serpent was of greater depth. Adam started playing, exploring and enjoying the garden with Serpent. Throughout the afternoon, they rejoiced in their friendship and companionship.

Much later in life, he would write:

"I will never forget that day. The friendship that I had with Serpent was special. Not like the love of a man and woman, but unique in it's own way. I have never since found a friend quite so close. And that friendship changed after Eve was created! I guess Serpent considered Eve an intruder. In any case, while our friendship lasted until we sinned, it was never the same again.

We spent that first day discovering many of God's creations, such as trees, bushes and rocks. Although Serpent spoke with a stutter and ambled rather than walked, he would eagerly point out something new, asking me W-what i-is i-it? In each case I would name it, we would rejoice and praise God for His goodness. It was wonderful!"

It was still early afternoon, they had already discovered some of Eden's treasures and they were still excited. Pausing, they watched monkeys swinging through the treetops.

One tree fascinating Adam bore figs and had roots coming down from above, which wrapped themselves about the tree's trunk. Large leaves grew skyward preventing the sunlight from penetrating below.

A noise captured their attention. He spotted a woodpecker high above his head. This beautiful bird with a streak of yellow feathers on the back of its head was very busy as it pecked at a tree.

Looking for food, Adam said to Serpent. Then he noticed others. There are five of them! They are looking for food or building nests. Either way, they make a lot of noise.

L-look.

Adam turned to see what Serpent had discovered. He recognized the Tree Sloth with its small, flat head. It was moving slowly using its hook-like claws to move along the tree limbs. Adam and Serpent watched, thoroughly enjoying the animal's antics.

Toward the end of the afternoon, Adam and Serpent found a place to rest. Not so much from being tired, as they had plenty of energy, but from a mutual desire to enjoy the view and contemplate what they had learned.

Adam knelt down digging into the soil and letting it trickle through his fingers.

This is great soil, Serpent. It’s no wonder trees grow so big and bare such tasty fruit!

G-God g-gave i-it t-to y-you.

Yes, Serpent, He did.

Adam rose and walked over to a tree where he found several branches lying on the ground.

Looks like someone broke these off.

W-Who?

Possibly Bear, Adam answered, distractedly, as he looked over the branches.

W-What's t-the m-matter?

Just wondering what would happen if I rubbed the branches together.

W-Why?

No particular reason. I'm just curious.

Bending down, he picked up two branches and found a comfortable place to sit. The earth was cool to his skin causing a slight shiver. His body quickly adjusted to the chill and his thoughts returned to the branches.

Taking a branch and laying it across the other, he began moving it back and forth. He had no idea what would happen. But natural curiosity had raised a question. What will happen if two sticks are rubbed across one another?

He was already learning to trust his inquiring mind and to attempt an answer. This trait would be associated with him for the rest of his life.

Serpent eagerly drew closer, curious as to what his friend was doing.

Adam fell into a rhythm with the branches as he rubbed them. He watched intently with growing anticipation. Several minutes passed by and still nothing happened. I might as well quit. It was probably a foolish idea.

No sooner had the thought entered his mind than he suddenly noticed something. A small wisp of smoke appeared. Excitedly, he began rubbing the branches harder and faster. The wisp of smoke thickened with the branches getting warm, then hot - too hot! He quickly dropped them to the ground.

They landed upon a flat rock and, to Adam and Serpent's surprise, began to smolder. They watched until the smoke disappeared, revealing blotches of white and black upon the sticks. It was then that Adam reached down and picked them up again. They had cooled sufficiently enough for him to hold them in his hands.

W-What h-happened?

It got hot all of a sudden. I wonder what would’ve happened if I had held unto them?

T-Try a-again.

Maybe tomorrow. It’s time to return.

The two of them headed back to where they first met. Upon their arrival, both Serpent and his mate left, leaving Adam to himself.

&&&

Loneliness swept over Adam as he watched Serpent and his mate disappear into the forest. Unexplained sadness engulfed him. Throughout the day he noticed every animal had a female like itself, between which a special bond existed.

But he had no one! Even Serpent, his dear friend and fellow explorer, had not filled that void. Now, even as he contemplated this fact, God spoke again.

Adam.

Yes, my Lord?

Behold, I know the thoughts of thy heart. I have placed them there. Lie upon the earth and I shall make thee a helpmeet thou shalt love and cherish all the days of thy life.

Immediately Adam obeyed, bracing himself for the cold earth. But as he settled down, he realized the earth had warmed under the sun.

As the sun’s rays warmed his body, his mind was alive with questions. Was a helpmeet someone like Serpent’s mate? Would it look like me?

In spite of himself, his eyes grew heavy and a deep, sleep overcame him. The host of heaven watched in silent awe as God reached in and removed a rib from Adam's side, and shaped a new creature. The operation took merely seconds but when God closed up the opening there was no scar.

Adam, awake, arise! Behold your helpmate.

Adam opened his eyes and stood. He looked expectantly to God wondering what was coming next. God pointed to the inert form lying on the ground. Curious, Adam watched as God knelt down and blew upon her. Immediately life began as her breasts rose and fell.

Moments later, God brought her to Adam so he was the first creature she saw. The affect was instantaneous; she loved Adam completely.

Her beauty stunned Adam. She is more beautiful than Serpent with all his glitter!

Standing before him with gorgeous black hair cascading down her back, she struck a pose that he would come to love by placing her hands upon her hips and silently appraising him.

He noted with approval her eyes were like deep lakes of green water that were inviting and trusting. Her nose was short but slender, while her slightly parted lips were full and red. The neck was short, powerful yet delicate. Her arms, each delicately shaped, flowed freely from her smooth shoulders and flared outward. Her hands gently divided into long, slender fingers.

Her breasts appeared as two mountains with dark peaks pointing to the heavens. Looking further down, he noticed that her waist was much smaller than his own waist. He imagined his hands could easily encircle it.

Below her waist was a flat, smooth belly gracefully merging into her groin and the joints of her thighs. The legs were slender, smooth, yet powerful. Supporting all were two beautiful feet looking too delicate to hold up such a body.

Adam immediately loved this creature.

This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Even as he spoke these prophetic words he wondered what they meant. But such musings were of little consequence as he rejoiced in her beauty. Words of praise and thanksgiving escaped his lips.

Even as the delighted Adam studied her, she made an equally appraising examination of him. And she was pleased at what she saw!

He was slightly taller then she, almost a full head taller. The first thing that struck her was his hair. Unlike hers, it was short, but full. And deep black. She felt a desire to touch it and to run her fingers through the inviting strands.

He was handsome with intelligent black eyes, a long nose, pleasant smile, and a strong jaw. All sitting upon a short, powerful neck resting on squared, muscular shoulders extending into powerful arms and hands bigger than hers.

The chiseled chest and flat stomach that blended into his groin were suggestive of great strength and power. The powerful legs and large feet further impressed her. The entire view was of a man with great strength, yet a certain grace and kindness about him. She found it easy to picture him picking her up with little effort, yet gently holding her in his arms.

Love for Adam rose in her heart. She knew instantly that he would not only please her, but also be her companion, friend and lover for life!

Pleased with their mutual acceptance, God took the Woman’s left hand and placed it into the right hand of Adam. Then He placed His hands upon Adam's and Woman’s head.

"Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat.

God smiled upon them and left.

Never in the annals of time would there ever be a moment like this again: the first man and woman beholding one another.

Time stood still as they silently admired one another for what seemed like an eternity. Adam broke the spell and guided Woman to a spot he already considered home. As night covered them, he found joy in her and she in him.

Many years later, he would still fondly remember that first night together:

"Eve and I have shared many a moment over the years, but that first night was pure joy! Our first kiss! I was so full of love and desire. I felt like I was suspended above the earth. All sense of time fled me. From then on, Eve has been the greatest gift God has ever given me, except for His precious grace.

"She is a vital part of my life. Not just because she