A Time Fully Come

By Mary McKinney

Presenting a unique twist to end-time novels, A Time Fully Come presents the era before Noah to the very day of Gods judgment by flood. Antiquitys intriguing history and truths are timeless and bring critical realities to light that are relevant and vital for today.

Azurel and Eli are an unlikely mix of a condemned warrior from the giant race of the Nephilim (offspring of the sons of God and the daughters of men), and fragile humankind. The true questto deliver an ancient scroll written by Enoch, one of Gods favored servants, to Noahdemands full reliance on the great God Jehovah.

Gripping life issues, tender moments of personal renewal and love, and amazing God encounters challenge readers to expect the unexpectedthat to this very day, God is ever-present and active in the affairs of man.

A Time Fully Come is an engaging, and thought-provoking read, as well as presenting moments of humor that propels you effortlessly into the rest of the story. Highly recommended! Elizabeth Hickman, President H&M Investors

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781449796037

Mary McKinney

Mary has authored Shadow of Fear and Another Day, Another Dilemma. Part of NW Christian Speakers’ Bureau, she does conferences and workshops. She and husband Jim do Campus Ministry in Southern California.

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Copyright © 2013 Mary McKinney.

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-9602-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-9603-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013909257

WestBow Press rev. date: 05/29/2013

CONTENTS

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Epilogue

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Notes

DEDICATION

M y heart-felt gratitude goes to the most precious love of my life, the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the inspiration of His Holy Spirit that flows through the Word of Truth, the Holy Bible! How privileged we are to be able to say ‘Abba, Father’ and sense God’s most awesome love and Presence! I am also grateful beyond words to my husband, Jim, and my three children, Amy, John, and Beth for all the encouragement they have given me to continue my writing and explore the many possibilities of how to express my love for the Lord. Special thanks to Jim, my rock-climbing husband, for page 97 in this venture!

PROLOGUE

T he shepherds sat around the campfire, telling tales and expounding on rumors of giants and evil beyond imagining. The youngest sat wide-eyed, listening to their tales, and grateful his memories were only filled with the comfort and simple life style the Grasslanders offered.

He glanced towards the meadow’s edge as the long shadows of evening began to fall. Just then he saw a silhouette that did not belong to the trees and shrubs that outlined the pasture. What’s that? he shouted, jumping to his feet.

The other men glanced over, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. They laughed at his naivety and threw more sticks on the fire. But he continued to stare, determined to prove his worth. Long minutes passed and he finally turned away. Settle down, he scolded himself. You’ll never gain any respect if you let every shadow become a threat!

It was at this opportune moment that the very large figure slunk away into the woods. No sound was made, no threat seemed imminent, yet mental notes were made of the vulnerability of these simple folk and their nearby village.

An easy target to destroy—this will be fun! Soon even our Exalted Leader will have to grovel at my feet!

CHAPTER

I

The Village of Ussador (Sweet Reprieve)

(Pre-Flood: The land of Sumar)

E li pounded the pegs into the board, hoping to drive them straight. His inexperienced fingers fumbled and the hammer just grazed his thumb. "Aagh, carpentry isn’t my skill! I’d much rather be gripping my sword!"

Young Jair grinned, enthralled to be helping this most intriguing newcomer. His twelve summers were heightened by the introduction of this able warrior into the village two years before, and now, into his very family!

My sister won’t even notice if there are mistakes, Jair laughed. You already have the bricks set in place. The finishing touches can wait until you and Tirzah marry!

Not if your father, Jehiel, has anything to say about it, Eli groaned. The house must be prepared to receive the bride—fully prepared! Out of habit, Eli rubbed the jagged scar on his hand and looked around at the almost completed addition to his home.

Eli, trust me, Jair insisted. Father is definitely ready to welcome you into the family. Tirzah walks around in a daze—and all she can speak of is your upcoming wedding day!

Our wedding day! Eli’s eyes lit up as clear as the cloudless sky above. He stood straight, shoving the dark strands off his face. Soon, very soon! he grinned. And this will be the best home I can offer!

He scanned the open prairie-land, stopping to enjoy the symmetry of the date palms that edged the grain fields beyond. Eli could just hear the soft gurgle of the stream that wound its way through the land, offering close refreshment, and reliable watering for the gardens he promised to plant for Tirzah. The stream itself was hidden by scrub brush and a few trees that promised shade and coolness to the weary wanderer.

With a determined sigh, Eli gave the peg a final hit, driving it deep into the rich cedar door frame. As he grabbed another board his thoughts carried him to the past. He drove the next peg in with passion, amazed at the turn of events in his life.

Ever since he had arrived at Ussador, hungry and in despair, he had been welcomed as a most honored guest. Now, two years later, he found the gentle grasslanders, swarthy as the rich soil they so skillfully tilled, a fresh balm of healing to him. Of course, Tirzah had much to do with this, as she and her adopted father, Jehiel, had been the first to take notice of Eli, and reach out with shelter and comfort for the distraught young man. Eli had at first resisted. He was determined to stay angry and ready for battle against the ruthless Nephilim who had destroyed his village.

Their whole existence is to plunder every town and village, and lay waste all of human kind! He shuddered at the thought, knowing it was just a matter of time before Ussador would be targeted by their bloodlust!

Yet, despite his determination for revenge, Eli finally had yielded to Tirzah’s intense passion for life. Her exuberance and joy won over his heart, and the terrible memories had begun to fade. But Eli had to admit to himself that he still held a deep hatred towards those ungodly hordes.

To help him overcome his torment, Eli made himself repeat Tirzah’s passionate words often, Life and hope rise far beyond revenge and death. Let it go, Eli. The Great God Jehovah will have His way! Eli at last was able to embrace the truth of which she spoke. And it was with that admission that their hearts turned to love. Now, their year-long betrothal was approaching its culmination.

If I could ever get this extra room completed, we could be married! Great God Jehovah, give me wisdom beyond my natural skills. I can’t take this waiting much longer!

Jair interrupted Eli’s silent lament as he let out a shrill whistle and looked skyward. Yani, Jair’s pet dove, flew toward the two with reckless abandon. Jair held out his arm for her landing, but at the last moment she pulled up and swooped so close over their heads her wing ruffled through Eli’s hair. He grabbed his head and scowled as Yani gently fluttered to a rest on Jair’s outstretched arm.

That bird is going to miscalculate someday and really get into trouble! Eli warned.

He turned once more to the work at hand when Jair exclaimed, Eli, look. Yani has brought a date for an offering. It’s the first of the crop. She’s just letting us know that they are ready to pick. Jair took off at a run, his hunger for the sweet delicacy growing with each step.

Eli threw down the board he had been wrestling with and shrugged his shoulders. The thought of fresh dates tantalized his taste buds, and with a sigh he took off after Jair, the little dove swooping between the two of them urging them on to greater speed.

As they sat in the shade enjoying each sweet bite, Jair stared at the scar that sliced across Eli’s right hand. Where did you get that? It must have been in some great battle, right?

Eli self-consciously rubbed it and shook his head. No, Jair, it didn’t come from some great battle. My closest friend, Abri, gave it to me.

Your best friend? What kind of a friend is that?

Eli laughed as he sat forward. This scar is the best thing that ever happened to me! It’s a constant reminder that I have more to learn, and that if I ever think I’m better than someone else, I’ll probably be getting a good lesson in humility very soon.

To Jair’s questioning look, Eli explained, One day, during a break from our combat training session, I started to brag that I could conquer our enemy single-handed.

What enemy? Jair interrupted.

We had heard rumors that the Nephilim had been carrying out raids and killing everyone in the villages they attacked.

Nephilim—I’ve heard of them! They’re supposed to be evil creatures from the Netherworld!

The Netherworld? That’s an interesting way to put it, Jair. But they definitely are flesh and blood, even though I’ve heard that there is a strain of dark blood in them from some ancient mingling between condemned angels and men. It remains obscure, but one thing is true, they bring death and destruction wherever they go.

"So you were training to fight them?" Jair asked, wide-eyed.

"Yes, just to be safe, our leaders felt that the young men should be trained to defend our town. During practice that particular day I was bragging about how no one could get past me without feeling the consequence of my blade. Everyone was listening and joking with me, keeping me totally distracted. Suddenly, Abri came up behind me and shouted, ‘Attack!’

In truth, my heart about leapt out of my chest.

Jair laughed at the thought, and jumped up shouting Attack, attack!

It seems funny now, but it wasn’t funny that day. I was so startled that I turned around with my blade in full swing. I caught Abri across the arm, and he swung his knife in self-defense, slashing a big gash in my hand.

Were you still friends after that? Jair asked, wide-eyed.

Yes, but the punishment for such foolish actions was severe. It was on that day we took a big step toward manhood.

What about Abri? Was he hurt badly?

I had cut him very deep. Eli sobered at the thought and wiped his brow. His arm never fully recovered. And of course, I have this scar to remind me never to brag about bringing harm to another, even if he is your enemy.

Eli’s words brought conviction to his own heart, and he realized that he continued to harbor deep anger toward his adversaries. Just then, Jair broke into his thoughts as he reached over and touched the jagged scar.

Taking a deep breath, Eli forced a smile. Are you ready for more dates? He stood and pulled down a bunch off the ripening tree. Here, Jair, take these. After settling back under the tree, Eli exclaimed, That little bird of yours amazes me sometimes! He looked up to the branch she was perched on, and called, Thank you, Yani.

Yani immediately swooped over his head and fluttered back to the branch, looking rather smug. They both laughed and settled down with the fresh bunch of sweet fruits.

Suddenly, the little dove swooped down from her perch and dove into the scrubs by the stream. Before the two could wonder at her abandoning them, Tirzah stepped out from the very place Yani had disappeared. She pointed at the two lounging under the date trees and gorging themselves. So, you two choose to be idle instead of working like upstanding young men should, she scolded. Remember the prophet’s words, ‘He who does not work does not eat!’ That set the two off laughing even harder as they offered some rich dates to Tirzah. Eli loved to watch her when she was angry, her eyes flashing like green jewels aflame.

Tirzah noticed his smirk and tossed her bronzed hair back in defiance. Fine, you two can just stay here—through the night for all I care. But it is too bad. Mother has made your favorite meal, Eli, and I for one am not about to save the olive loaf she just baked. Tirzah gave a glance back at the two and started for home. Hmmm, I believe I can smell the bread from here, just waiting to be smothered in freshly-pressed olive oil…

Wait up, Tirzah, Eli called. He hurriedly caught up and gave her a quick squeeze around the waist.

Eli, you shouldn’t do that. We’re really not even supposed to be seeing each other. Not until we’re officially married! Her intense look melted as she added, But when we are… that’s a different story.

Eli’s heart thumped wildly and he reached over to give her another hug but Tirzah sidestepped him and ran ahead, laughing. Come on you two. Mother will be most upset to have her meal get cold. I just hope you left room for it.

No problem there, Jair assured her. Those dates were just enough to get me really hungry. Eli and Tirzah laughed at the growing young man. His appetite seemed never to be satisfied, and it had become the joke of the village how Jair was always chewing on something—anything edible he could find!

Too many thick slabs of the rich goat’s cheese, too much freshly baked bread, not to mention lentil stew, zesty vegetable dishes smothered in sauce, and sweet bread pudding to top it off. Mara, you are the best cook in the land! Eli complimented.

Inwardly, though, he groaned, regretting the eating of those many dates before he sat down to the ample supper. He slowly pushed back from the table too full to even be comfortable. He didn’t dare admit that he had ruined his appetite, so he ate what he could vowing to himself to not eat again for two days. Thank you so much for having me over for supper, Jehiel, Mara. Your meals far surpass my feeble attempts at cooking.

Mara bowed her acceptance of the compliment as Jehiel rose, patting his full stomach and said, Come, Eli, let us find our comfort in the gardens.

Eli was led to the small enclosure filled with the sweet smell of herbs and spices. A small patch of clover offered a soft, cool place to sit under the overhanging grape arbor. He felt a little nervous, knowing that Jehiel would question his preparations for the wedding. He was anxious to complete the addition to his small home, but his skills as a carpenter had only just been stirred. If they could only appreciate the training and intense schooling I went through in my home town, Japhlet. But these are a peaceable people; they would only consider a warrior’s skills as offensive, or at best, unnecessary dross to life.

So, Eli, how is the building coming along? Jehiel asked with a twinkle in his eye.

It goes as well as can be expected, Jehiel, Eli sighed. I just don’t seem to be able to get my measuring down without double checking the figures, not to mention the boards that were cut wrong… . It slows the whole process down.

Jehiel laughed, long and hardy. Honesty is a fine quality, Eli. Too bad you can’t mix it with a little carpentry sense!

Eli only shrugged, having gotten used to admitting his lack of expertise. Well, young man, he winked knowingly, I would think that you are getting a bit restless waiting for your preparations to be ready. He leaned forward as if to tell Eli a great secret, and whispered, How about if I bring my friends over for a little building party? I think they are all anxious to help you two love-birds get together.

Eli lit up with excitement. Really, Jehiel? They would do that for us?

Of course, he stated matter-of-factly. Many of the men around here have had family members and friends help them. It is time for us to gather together and bring this betrothal to an end! To Eli’s relieved grin, he added, Besides, my sweet wife and the other ladies have begun the cooking preparations. We better be ready for the feast! Jehiel stood and gave Eli a hardy slap on his back. Be off with you, young man. We will be coming early on the morn.

Eli stared at the rough-hewn beams of the ceiling as he lay on his pallet, excitement keeping him from his much needed sleep. Great One, Your ways amaze me. I never could have imagined that anyone as wonderful and full of life as Tirzah would fall in love with me! As he pondered the coming wedding, his joy began to stir a familiar ache in his heart. How my family would have loved to see this day. My mother would be busy preparing the feast, my father Uriel, he would be so proud, sitting at the gate and sharing with the elders. Eli smiled to himself, remembering with fondness a special day when he was just a small boy.

Father, he whispered, you let me carry that great bounty from the vineyard all by myself that day! I paraded into town with my treasure—the grapes so large they were almost the size of my fists.

It had promised to be an outstanding time for the already thriving village of Japhlet. With a whoop of delight, Eli had run into the still-wet fields that the morning mist so amply watered each day. Uriel laughed at his enthusiasm and allowed him to bring in the first fruits for the traditional thank offering.

How my arms ached, but it was worth it all. That day I became Eli the Strong—Eli the Blessed! He remembered how he had struggled on with his prize, the heavy bunches of grapes hanging below his knees and weighing him down. Yet he would not let Uriel help. His father nodded and smiled, letting him take the lead.

This year we will have more food than ever before, Eli announced to his now avid followers. The children broke ranks once inside the gates and swarmed around the handsome lad, chattering their excitement at the amazing sight. The offering was gratefully accepted by the local priests, and Eli’s family gave heartfelt praise to the Great God Jehovah for His unwavering provision. It surely would be a jubilee year!

Reveling in the memory, Eli laughed out loud. What a wondrous time that was, the entire town gathered to see the bounty, and Father stood back, beaming.

Eli sighed, How I wish you could be here for my wedding day! He stopped a moment, his happy thoughts darkening as he recalled the fateful day of the Nephilim’s raid. He braced against the pain-filled memories that threatened to suffocate him. His frustration with the neighboring town’s refusal to rally together in case of possible attack brought a burning in the pit of his stomach. Eli closed his eyes and shouted in his head, NO! I refuse to allow this horror to rob me of my joy! He steeled himself against his own thoughts and forced himself to sleep.

Hours later he awoke