Kingdom Testimony: Walking in the Kingdom of God

Bertha and her husband make their first visit to the Crystal Sea. Frank declines to go, and we find out later it is because they are welcoming their son and his wife at the shore there. I am puzzled why some arrive at the shore of the River of Life and others at the Crystal Sea, she doesn't seem to explain this, only that those there are a multitude there, standing on the shore, wearing spotless robes. Some also are carrying musical instruments made of gold; yes, harps are there. But why not? David played a harp and "it pleased the Lord." 

Rebecca/Bertha is told by her brother that her husband is coming to heaven. He warns her, however, that he will not be able to recognize her right away. It isn't spelled out why or seems even that that is the case when he arrives, but I think he was warning his sister-in-law that her husband, Frank's brother, will have much of the earth-life still in him and will not recognize who Bertha has become since she has been in heaven so long and has gone to the River of Life  many times. She discusses much about the missions to earth to visit people still on earth. I am not sure this is biblical but how can I know? She said before that they do not recognize these messengers' presence when they are near. I guess we'll find that out later. But, it is a happy reunion nonetheless.

A very interesting chapter! Bertha/Rebecca accompanies her father on missions and the one described here is very telling. A son did things on earth that many would say made him unfit for heaven. However, he was a repentent man, son, murderer, who fell into a bad situation, and now must meet his mother. This chapter describes how going through the river in paradise is essential for cleansing and healing. This is discussed in the Bible as well. We are going through this book to see if her near-death experience matches up with the Word. So far, there are things that have made me go, Hmmm. But many others I believe do not contradict the Word of God. 

Bertha/Rebecca talks of all those she has met in heaven, too many to recount, and some conversations too sacred to repeat. She has an interesting conversation with her Aunt Ann, also. They talk some about interactions with loved ones on earth.

Still on their journey, Frank takes Bertha to a vast forest, then they continue on and can hear the waves of the crystal sea in the distance. They ascend up a hill and there is the Temple where the throne of God is! She describes the temple somewhat in detail: pearl steps, channels of crystal water from under the altar, a dome upheld by pillars of gold, four angels with trumpets praising God...the glory of the Lord fills the Temple. Both are overcome with emotion and awe. As they travel home by boat down the river on the other side, they see their loved ones - in windows or on flowered lawns - at twilight, enjoying their domestic lives. They are still in awe and are mostly travelling in silence. She ends the chapter vowing to "reach the standard of perfection You have set for me, my Savior". Quite touching.

Rebecca/Bertha finds Jesus with about a dozen children at the lake; He is telling them stories and lessons of the earth-life. Her brother Frank meets up with her and commends her on her fast growth in heavenly knowledge. He tells her he will be able to show her more things because of it. She narrates that there is much she is not permitted to share, nor can she describe it because it is too wonderful. They travel by boat; the boat does the propelling of itself, and she sees a musical instrument and a book in the boat. He takes her to the great city, where there are businesses and parks, libraries and art rooms, etc. Much happy activities go on in heaven, just without the contentions, jealousies, or any of the sinful motivations of the earth life. 

Bertha goes back to the lake later in the heavenly day and there are golden, glorious shades to the water. The waves seem to vibrate and chime in singing, "Holy, holy, holy," and she sings along with them. She floats to an area she has not been before and meets another person from the earth-life, Maggie, a shy woman who is weaving draperies. Bertha asks if she will show her how and soon she is quickly weaving them with her. Maggie prefers a more solitude life and it seems that has been granted to her by the lake's edge. 

Bertha goes to the lake more often now, on one of her visits she runs into her other brother-in-law Oliver who is getting ready for her sister to arrive. She visits their home and is shown its intricate beauty. Soon afterward, there is a grand reunion as all of the family greets their newest member, Oliver's wife and Bertha's sister, Lu, to heaven. They spend time catching up and then Lu also must rest. Lu, for some reason, has taken on the beauty and youth of heaven more quickly than others. Oliver explains to Bertha that her youth has also been returning, but more gradually. This may be why she visits the river and lake so often.

Her brother takes her to a grand auditorium where Martin Luther and John Wesley are going to give a talk. Everyone is excited to hear them speak. After they speak, there is much heavenly singing and then Jesus presents Himself on stage and speaks to everyone. The author describes the sweetness of His voice being beyond the melody of the heavenly choir, and that "Earth has no language by which I could convey their lofty meaning." She explains that there is such a mystery to that divine life that she cannot even describe it.  

Bertha/Rebecca meets up again with Mae, a childhood friend, and they catch up on things. They again see Jesus conversing with others in heaven. Mae talks about how she was allowed to comfort her mother on earth, but her mother didn't seem to recognize her presence. She also went to her brother's room where he lay sick and she felt he recognized her presence more than any of her family. She wanted to let everyone know at her funeral that she was there and alive but the Master said it was not the Father's will. Later they rested at the "golden twilight", as there is no night in heaven, but there is rest.