Epilogue

 Lapis opened his eyes, and immediately put a hand to his jaw. There was no pain. It had been part of him long enough that he noticed the absence before taking his first breath. The air smelled of honey.

He sat up, stretched out on cool, green grass. The sun was shining, but it didn’t burn. He’d never felt such gentle sunlight on his face before.

“Welcome back.” A woman’s voice said warmly.

Lapis turned, and saw a woman with pale skin, dressed in a colorful tunic. “My name is Piper.” She said brightly. “It’s good to meet you, Lapis.”

“Where am I?” Lapis asked reflexively. “This isn’t my home.”

“No.” She agreed. “We are some distance from Egypt.” She glanced at a thick tome in her hand. It was made of many, many thin sheets, bound along one side. Lapis had never seen a codex book before. She bit her lip and stuck the codex under her arm. “Tell me, what’s the last thing you remember?”

Lapis thought. “I was… in my home. The healers were meeting with my master; saying that…'' His voice hitched as he recounted the memory. “They were saying that I didn’t have long left.”

“They were right.” Piper said gently; and pulled something else out of her tunic. It looked like a flat stone, polished to a shiny black. As Lapis watched, it lit up and began showing images. He stared at it in disbelief; but his guide seemed to think it was perfectly normal.

Lapis stared at her. Unusual appearance, magical artifacts, and apparent healing of long-agonizing illnesses. He’d heard stories of such things for most of his life. “This is the otherworld? I… died?”

“You did.” She said gently. “But no. This is not the afterlife, or otherworld, or whatever you called it back then. This life is very much real, and physical. You are no less flesh and blood now than you were when the healers gave up on you.” She held out a hand. “Go slowly, brother. You’ll have many questions. I’m here to answer them.”

Lapis struggled to think. “The last thing I remember…” His face changed as he looked up at his guide. “I was dying?”

“From descriptions, it looks like you died from blood poisoning. An infected tooth, I understand.” She looked up from her device. “Too much chewing tobacco? But you preferred opium poppies, right?”

“You seem to know a lot about me.” Lapis observed. “How, if you’re not a spirit being?”

“I read the life story of someone you know.” Piper said with a grin. “Your name was mentioned several times. Joseph mourned for weeks when you died.”

Lapis felt his expression change. “Joseph? He is here?”

“Oh yes.” Piper smiled. “Your timing is interesting, as a matter of fact. He’s due to be honored at an event we’re throwing, to celebrate the return of all those who put their faith in Jehovah throughout history. Those that did not do so… They get their chance as well, but they’re apparently coming later.”

“I… was not a follower of Jehovah.” Lapis objected.

“You are unique. A small group.” Piper said warmly. “Not many from your generation prayed to Jehovah for the good of a loved one. Back then, before Genesis was even over, there was little more than one extended family walking with the true God.”

“And their servants.” Lapis admitted, though he had no idea what ‘Genesis’ meant. “When things were bad… I asked Jehovah for help first. Before I even thought about going to a temple.” He glanced around, as if afraid to be overheard; suddenly talking very fast. “The temples were crowded with people, and the rituals sometimes didn’t say what I needed to, but when Zaphenath-paneah talked to Jah, it was always-”

She patted his shoulder. “Don’t be embarrassed, Lapis. You were privileged to live in a time and place that is of great interest to servants of Jehovah. Ptah couldn’t have fed Egypt. Hathor could never have brought you here. Jehovah did.”

Lapis believed her. “Brought me here?” He repeated. “Why? Where are we?”

~/*\~

"Brothers and Sisters!" Benedict declared to the crowd. "On behalf of all the Tribulation Survivors, let me just say this right away: Welcome Back!"

His words set off a roar that lasted a long time, even through the speakers. The Returnees had been part of the world for fifty years; which was long enough for them to realize why everyone wanted to know them.

"For those of you who are fairly new here; we'd also like to say this: Thank You!" Benedict said, addressing the large section of seats right in front of him. "We know that you didn't expect anything like the Reception you got when you arrived, but know that we're thrilled to see you here. In no small part, a lot of us are here today thanks to all of you! You set examples and precedents that resonated with the Faithful for centuries after even your deaths; so that we can all share in the long-promised reward! That's something that no other eras can truly say, and we thank you for it!"

There was a strong round of applause, which quickly grew into a standing ovation.

They were watching it happen on a screen, which was more than Lapis ever imagined the future would bring. Piper smiled broadly at him. “You’re part of a very select group, Lapis. So far, the Returning has been limited to the people who followed Jehovah throughout history. I’m guessing you honored Him in your life.”

“Him, and his Servants, though for much of my life there was only one of them to be found.”

She gestured at him grandly. “Maybe two. God has almost always had an organization and a set of principles for His people to live by. You predate almost all of that.”

(Author’s Note: The order of the Resurrection is covered more clearly in the ‘New Earth’ Series. It’s not a major plot point here, except for this scene. In that series, I had the followers of Jehovah return first. Lapis believed in Jehovah, but was still involved in Egyptian Worship. By my own rules, that might have disqualified him from an Early Return, but I made an exception since he predates all organized true worship in the Bible. For Lapis, belief, support, and prayer are enough.)

Those in the front section of the televised convention came to their feet, looking around at the world. By simple matter of population growth, the Returned Ones from the Bible Times were a minority; and the screen scanned in closer, taking in some of their faces. Lapis lurched closer to the screen when he recognized Jacob, and Joseph, and several of his brothers. With them were others that Lapis didn’t recognize.

"We know this won't be how it stays forever!" Benedict continued from the stage as the applause wound down at last. "God's word is sure, and his promise is that everyone gets a second chance. In a century of wonders, we ask you to remember this above all other things: When Jehovah God first created the world, his intention was a world where everyone would be healthy, safe, free. Forever young, forever happy. Bad judgment delayed the fulfillment of that dream, but now we're seeing it finally come to pass. This isn't some brave new world, it's a return to the sanity that we were always meant to have!"

The on-screen crowd roared again, thrilled at the prospect.

Lapis was awed. “Perfect world.” He breathed. “Joseph always said there would be others to come after him. He didn’t know who, or what they would do, but he seemed certain that his God would not work out His entire Purpose with just one servant.”

“What did you think?” Piper asked, interested.

“I thought that Joseph was just a teenager when I first met him; and I saw what he had done for the world when he was working alone. When seventy more servants of his God came to join him, I thought for sure I was witnessing the start of something glorious.”

“I must say, Lapis; you’re taking this well.” Piper smiled at him. “So many people from nations where the gods were… well, let’s be honest, the center of their lives; don’t take well to arriving in a Christian Paradise.”

“‘Christ’ wasn’t even a word when I prayed to Jehovah.” Lapis said plainly. “I saw some of the things Temple Leadership did when nobody was watching. I saw what Jehovah could do too. One god gaining prominence over all others is what every Priest wanted. If Jehovah is a God without Priests; who elevates slaves and prisoners into holiness…”

“That simple?” Piper commented, her expression awed. “I suppose where you come from the idea of gods working to their agendas and exercising control over the earth is a simple fact. In my generation, anyone who believed in any God was condemned. Even in danger.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say it’s easy for me. Every single thing I see is… different. Gods running the world is easy. Doing so without shrines and temples… You’re right: I have a million questions.” Lapis commented.

Piper smiled. “Ask them. I have spent nearly a hundred years learning everything I can, in preparation for the day someone like you would ask me questions.”

Lapis laughed delightedly. The statement was ridiculous, but he had no doubt she was telling him the truth. “Well, for starters: Where is Joseph now?”

~/*\~

Ellis and Del were watching people stream out of the convention. Somewhere, one group was singing one of the songs as they went. Nobody was in a real hurry to go, catching up with friends; or letting the moment linger.

“It’s not like the old days, when we had to vacate a rented site.” Del commented. “This place can have people stay and eat, converse, even stay overnight. We built it that way.” He grinned. “Remember the ‘Now on Earth’ Convention. Twenty four hour marathons. Most of us were sitting out on hillsides, listening to a broadcast.”

Ellis grinned, holding up his device. “Well. I’m glad we could stay local for the Centennial; but our number has come up. We ship out in a few days.”

“That soon?” Del sat upright. “Where are they sending us?”

“Far East.” Ellis reported. “One of the old states where the ratio of non-witnesses was much higher than the average.” Apparently, our population centers have stabilized enough that it’s time to start repopulating them.”

“Those places were ghost towns after A-Day. Nature would have demolished most of it by now.” Del commented.

“‘Most’ being the keyword there.” Ellis explained to him. “The buildings are being broken down, but some of them are just about to fall, some of the places have wide, deep sewer lines running down the middle of every street; or subway lines running under built up areas… We need to start making room for the influx of resurrected people, and cities get built in resource-rich areas, just like in OS.”

“Sounds risky, pulling up half collapsed cities to build new ones over the top.”

Ellis smothered a grin. “It’s a whole new job for a site inspector.”

Del scoffed. “I remember once, we were talking about how God saw us as what we could be under His rule. I remember saying that one day I’d ask about that conversation; and we’d see what God had made us into. Turns out we’re more or less doing the same job, only better.”

The two of them laughed, as Eleanor came over to join them. They filled her in on the news.

“Our team’s mobilizing that soon?” Eleanor was thrilled. “I’ve heard from friends on other reconstruction teams. Almost a dozen are getting their assignments earlier than planned. You’d think that we, of all people, would know how well a construction job can go, huh?” She turned to Ellis. “Have you told Piper? I heard she was asking about coming on the Building Circuit with us.”

“That was the plan, but she got a Letter recently. Nobody I recognize, but apparently he’s from a long way back. He’s going to need a lot of attention until he acclimates.”

“You sure you want to come along, then? If she needs backup, who better than her father?”

Ellis shook his head. “We talked about it, but decided it was fine. How many times did we say we’d gladly make a living on JW sites if we could? Piper doesn’t want me to wait for that because of her.” He glanced over his shoulder, as if sharing a secret. “Personally, I think she was just self-conscious about having her father there to watch. She’s been throwing herself into her studies to get ready for this.”

Del chuckled. “Her Returnee, whoever it is? If they’ve come from that far back, it’s going to be a long journey for them to get their heads around the world now. Piper came the long way round on the Truth herself. She’ll make you proud, Ellis.”

“She already has.” Ellis rose, ready to start the next chapter. “Hey, Del? You were half right. This world might have put us to work in the same jobs, but we’re nothing like what we used to be. And we aren’t even close to finishing yet.”

~/*\~

With all the faithful returned, and honored, going back to Abel himself; the world was swiftly putting together a greater picture of how things really were in the ancient past. As a result, there were testimonials, artworks, whole films with total accuracy of how the world had played out, both in the Bible Record, and between the verses.

Every Returnee was trying to identify their place on the timeline, figure out where in the story they belonged. The people welcoming them back needed to know too, responsible for educating their charges on what they’d missed.

Lapis had missed more history than most, and had a lot to learn. But looking around the world, Lapis couldn’t fault it. It felt like the world described by Joseph. A joyous paradise, full of loving people.

“Perfect world.” Lapis heard himself say again. “The first time Joseph told me about ‘Jehovah’s purpose’, I thought he was talking about good leadership, or an end to hunger. I didn’t understand why he would be focused on something as small as honesty in the workplace. Seemed like an odd thing to care about, since it didn’t seem to make any difference.”

Piper smiled broadly. “And now I know why you were assigned to me. Believe it or not, that question was one that came up a lot when my father was first trying to teach me about Jehovah. I guess what dad did for me, Joseph did for you.”

“What’s that?”

“Demonstrated that being honest in your dealings was important, even when the world scorned you for trying.” Piper offered. “Convinced you that Jehovah was real, and that He cared enough to see when you were trying to do right.”

Lapis was silent for a moment. “He never replaced me. Even when I was too sick to work for him, he had his personal physician attend to me until… well, until here. I wasn’t ‘disposable’ to him.”

“Or to Jehovah.” Piper nodded. “After all, he isn’t replacing His servants. He’s bringing them all back, keeping them forever.”

The coach pulled up to let them out at a large lake. The entire shoreline was busy with people. The region was still crowded with visitors after the last convention, and many of them were having reunions of their own in the peaceful nature spot; but they respected each other’s space. Jacob’s family was immediately visible. It was the largest family reunion in the area, all of them flown in for the Centennial.

Jacob was standing waist-deep in the lake, baptizing his adult sons, one by one.

(Author’s Note: There’s no specific scripture to speak on whether or not resurrected ones will have to be baptized as Christians. According to the Insight book, the first human authorized to perform this act was John the Baptist. Many of those returned will predate Christ. But water baptism is a symbol of accepting Jesus’ Ransom, which is still valid until the thousand years are over. Though these men came before the Messiah, their Resurrection is made possible by him. It stands to reason that they will all make the same dedication, once they learn who they’re dedicating themselves to.)

Lapis gestured for Piper to hang back with him. He’d never seen a baptism before, but he recognized a holy ritual, and knew not to interfere in it. “I was glad to see him honored by the crowd.” Lapis said softly. “Israel was a humble man, given his responsibilities. When he and I first met, he wondered if anyone would remember the part we played in Jehovah’s purpose for the world.”

Piper laughed like that was the funniest thing she’d ever heard. “For generations that followed you, Jehovah spoke of Himself as ‘the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’.” She said warmly. “It’s not politics that give you eternal recognition, Lapis. Politics are tiny. Even Empires are fleeting. If you want your story to matter, there’s only one way to get there, and that’s to be part of a story that’s being told for all time.”

Lapis blinked. “I thought the story was over. We’re here. What else is there?”

Piper opened her Bible. “As for the heavens, they belong to Jehovah, but the Earth He has given to the sons of men.” Piper looked up at Lapis. “Including you and me. These words were written thousands of years before I was born. The Prophets never said my name; but Jehovah remembered me when I was in trouble.” She smiled. “The story is ongoing. It’s been called ‘the greatest story ever told’, and you’re part of it. Forever.”

Lapis stared at the page, unable to read the words, but having no doubt she had read them correctly. “If Jehovah can save all my people with one lone servant, still a boy; locked and beaten in a cage… We aren’t ‘replaceable’ to Him.”

“We are not.” Piper promised. “There’s only ever been one of any of us. Jehovah knows that.”

Lapis shivered hard. “Israel said that Jehovah had a purpose. If this world was that purpose, then it’s right to be part of it.”

“Amen.” Piper agreed.

Joseph and Jacob finally noticed them, and clearly recognized Lapis; waving him over excitedly, running to meet him halfway. Lapis broke into a run to join them.

Piper hung back. She wasn’t part of this reunion. She had several reunions of her own yet to come. Reunions were fast becoming the global pastime, and they were all personal.

Jehovah God, she prayed. I know we’re not meant to make ‘celebrities’ over these men, and I know they’re not that dissimilar from us. Men and women who answered when You called, in critical times. I did the same, when Tribulation began… But those men over there? They’re literally biblical.

The thought made her want to laugh. Everyone I’ve met from Bible Times has questions for me. Not just about the future, but about You. About Your plan for the world, and how it came about. About the end of the old world, and the wonderful new one You put in place. All of them ask the same question I did: Did they matter? We can do nothing against You, so it’s easy to assume we’re not that pivotal to the Cause. But that man down there? That’s Joseph, son of Jacob. Lapis has no idea how blessed he was to be of help. And until they came back, neither were we. The Bible never mentioned him. Or me.

Thank you that we can matter so much, though the old world forgot us so easily. Thank you for always remembering us. Thank you that we matter to You.

Amen.

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