The Crystal of Nimrod, Chaptes 25-27

Chapter 25

 

The two Jeeps whisked halfway to Hillah.  In the first vehicle, occupied by the Vaclavs, Carl inquired of his father.

 

"Dad, what did the writing on the wall say?"

 

"Nowadays, son, we'd probably call that Christian graffiti!  But to answer your question, it was the inverse of what the Tower of Babel symbolizes."

 

"Come again?" Carl was confused.

 

"Well," Ian offered, "the Tower of Babel was man's way of saying  'I don't need you, God!  I want my independence!  I can save myself.  And united together, we, mankind, are more potent than you are.'  That's the message of Babel!  It's the message of humanism and the New Age-we are our own gods, our own saviors."

 

"Right," Carl responded.  "And that's why God confused their languages and divided up the earth-to keep man from uniting against Him forever."

 

"No, not quite right, Son.  Not forever.  But until the right time!"

 

"What do you mean?" Sarah inquired.

 

"Well, do you remember when you kids were little and you would fight over something.  You know, 'I want to hold the new pet,' and 'she won't let me have a turn.'  Do you remember how we solved that?"

 

"I remember," Sarah reminisced.  "You and mom had one of those wind-up timers.  You'd say, 'Okay, Carl can hold the kitten for five minutes.  When the bell rings, it'll be Sarah's turn.'"

 

"Right," Ian continued.  "And what happened at Babel was nothing more than God winding up a timer.   By confusing the languages and dividing the landmasses, He retarded man's ability to unite against Him.  God's timer has been clicking away.  All these thousands of years have gone by with a divided world slowly moving toward getting back together.  But we're beginning to see that change, aren't we?"

 

"You mean the United Nations and things like that?" Carl asked.

 

"Yeah, the European Community, the fall of Communism, the downed barriers.  The world is becoming one, economically and culturally.  But that in itself is not wrong.  Uniting is not necessarily wrong-but uniting against God is.  And in the future, the Antichrist will lead a united world against God and His people.  In the last days, the timer will ring, and things will pick up where Babel left off!"

 

"Wow-I never thought of that!"  Sarah exclaimed.  "But what about Carl's question?  What did the writing on the wall say?  You said it was the opposite of Babel, but what does that mean?"

 

"Oh, I'm sorry, kids.  It was a quotation from Proverbs.  'The fear of Yahweh, the LORD, is the beginning of wisdom.'"

 

"You're right," Carl reflected.  "That is the opposite of Babel!"

 

***********************

 

At the cave, the men of the order scaled the brick heap and assembled near the array of Babel's bricks.  All of a sudden, the Brazzi guard called them into the outer cave.  "I see a few soldiers on the hillside.  Saddam's men."

 

The Brazzi leader stationed his men around the front of the cave while he called in more reinforcements with his communications device.

 

He and the other five men escalated the quest for the foundation stone and the legendary crystal.  "Once I find the crystal, I shall have Saddam's men under Nimrud's power.  We only need to buy some time."

 

While combing through the bricks one of the Brazzi struck a match to light up a cigarette.  That one miniscule act would change the whole course of the expedition.  Instantly, the whole terrain was traumatized by a massive explosion!

 

*********************************

 

The explorers were at Hillah.  Where should they go first?  They resolved to head to the police station.  The official on duty eagerly stepped out to greet them.  He pointed toward a doorway as he told them that Fred Bartman was anticipating them in the lobby.  Their experiences made them all feel unusually sentimental, so one by one, they gave Fred giant bear hugs.  Even choleric Tim was in tears.

 

"We're all safe; praise the Lord," Gwen cried.  "We're all safe!"

 

"I'm glad we didn't know what we were getting into," Ian philosophized.  "It'll be years before we can forget the look of those dead bodies.  I think we're all in for some nightmares!  But, yes, praise the Lord, we've found the tower!"

 

The happy time was interrupted by the constable's accented voice.  "Sir, I am afraid I have some bad news for you.  There has been an explosion at the site!"

 

"An explosion!" Ian gasped.  He muttered a few words to himself in Slovak.  Then the Vaclav patriarch shared the news with the rest.  After returning his attention to the constable, Ian asked question after question.  The constable responded repeatedly, "I do not know.  I have told you all I know."  Finally, Ian got the point.

 

After a few moments, Gwen brought sanity back to the group.  "Let's get back to Baghdad, huh?  We are so drained, so dirty, so sore, so emotionally exhausted!  We're bruised, cut, limping-we can't take any more now.  Let the authorities worry about the site tonight, huh?"  Gwen sounded very American when she was tired.

 

No one challenged her logic.  Some of the local officials offered to drive the unlikely adventurers to Baghdad in police vans.  They eagerly accepted the offer, napping on the way.  In a few hours they awakened to the white stucco of the Hotel Albeit.  Its familiar appearance seemed like a touch of home.

 

Ed was anxious to catch a flight out of the country.  He had already juggled as much of his schedule as he dared.  After bidding adieu to the group, he summoned Tim to a quiet corner.

 

"Tim, Fred is a good man.  He may occasionally blow it like we all do.  But I trust him.  No, more than that.  I respect him.  I hope you can learn to do the same."

 

Tim nodded positively.  "He is quality stuff, isn't he?  I feel ashamed of myself.  I think I have a lot of apologizing to do!"

 

Ed Kramer headed toward the door, waving and smiling as he left.

 

They trudged up toward their new suites.  Tom, Tim, Fred, and Doug shared a second suite.  Their emotional energy was totally dissipated.  They required a complete recharge.  Yet Fred found energy to phone Sharon.  The brief but emotional conversation brought some relief to the diplomat.

 

In the Vaclav suite, Gwen commented, "This thing has left me more fatigued than childbirth!"  Gwen was usually a never-ending spring of energy.  While she showered, the other Vaclavs were drawn into a heavy, deep sleep.  Gwen joined them as they snored in four-part harmony!

 

No one slept less than twelve hours.  Everyone was assembled for what felt like breakfast but what was really lunch.  Tim had steered them to the best restaurant in the area.  "Uncle Sam will pick up the tab," he reminded a money-conscious Tom.  They sat around a large rectangular table that was really a conglomeration of three small square ones.  Doug put his arm around Sarah.  Sarah cuddled up to him.  Seeing that spurred Ian on:  he snuggled up close to Gwen.

 

Despite their anxiety as to what was going on at the cave, they focused on their need to have their physical, social, and emotional facilities renewed.  They were in a subdued, groggy daze as they experienced a drought of adrenalin.

 

Ian's puffy face looked playful.  He stared at Tim's sluggish countenance as he half-jested.  "Is it constitutional for me to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for our food, since Uncle Sam is footing the bill?"

 

Tim responded on a more serious note, to everyone's surprise.  "I think you should lead us in a prayer of thanksgiving because God has helped us survive this ordeal."

 

Although everyone had whispered silent prayers to the Almighty for their deliverance, no one had suggested thanking God as a group.  It was especially monumental that such a request came from Tim.

 

"Let me lead the prayer," Tom requested.  All eyes turned toward Tom just before they shut.  Tom's heartfelt prayer was seconded by all with an "Amen."

 

Tim suggested the group try some food generally palatable to Americans.  He ordered "kibbi," a coated, fried, Middle Eastern meatball.  Then they sampled some "homos" and "falafeel."  

 

When they returned to the hotel, a government official awaited them.  "I'll take care of the inquiries," Tim offered.  Even though Fred was his superior, Tim had more clout in the country of Iraq.

 

Doug, Sarah, Gwen, and Tom remained in the lobby.  Fred and Ian had a few moments to chat alone.  "Fred, I think the Holy Spirit is getting a hold of Tim.  What do you think?"

 

"I think so, too.  Let's hope we're right.  I know he has postured himself against me, but I am trying hard to love my enemy.  I just wish he would stop being my enemy and become my brother!"

 

Changing subjects, Ian spoke up.  "I think it will take twenty years to assess all that we have experienced!  Once we get back into that cave, I think our minds will be absorbed for life!"

 

Tim interrupted the chat.  "I'm afraid you won't be going back into the cave, fellas.  None of us will.  From what I have gathered, the explosion was big time!  The government experts have concluded that a vein of natural gas was somehow exposed in the cave.  Something ignited the gas, and boom!  The whole section of the ravine dropped!  The hill is now level with the lowest part of the ravine.  Even if we could excavate it, it is unlikely that anything will remain!"  Tim was genuinely grieved.  "I really am sorry, brothers!"

 

Ian and Fred felt their ears bounce.  Did he say, "brothers?"

 

"You heard me right.  I want to become one of you.  Contemporary Magi who seek Jesus!"

 

Both Ian and Fred had previous experience in leading people to Christ, but no one had ever approached them in such an aggressive manner.

 

"Tim," Ian asked, "I am glad you are ready to accept Christ as your Savior.  He loves you and died to pay the penalty for your sins.  Why don't we take you to Tom over there.  He has a pocket New Testament on him, and he can show you from the Word of God how you can be forgiven."

 

Tim wasted no time.  Neither did Tom.  It wasn't long till Tim offered a prayer expressing his faith in the work of Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for his sins.

 

"Dear God, I know I am a sinner.  I know Jesus shed His blood to pay the penalty for my sins, and then rose again.  I now turn from my sin and trust Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  Help me follow Him.  In Jesus' Name, Amen."

 

Ian and Fred looked at each other.  They could not believe their ears.  Things were ending strangely, but they weren't complaining.  On the one hand, they were devastated that they could not continue their quest, yet on the other they were overjoyed that Tim Timmons was now a brother in the Lord.  Though a contradiction in terms, they felt a subdued ecstasy.   Events both good and bad had to be sorted and filed in their minds and hearts.

 

 

There was a glut of loose ends, a lot of unanswered questions.  Sarah sat near Doug and Carl began daydreaming of Dorie.  Tom was in a daze in his own world.  As for Gwen, she was attempting to assimilate all that had happened.  The question kept ping-ponging in her mind,  "Has our mission been a success or a failure?"

 

Fred, Ian, and Tim joined them in the lobby.  Fred spoke to the group, "Let's do something from a psychology textbook-"

 

Ian interrupted with an ill-timed tease, "Yeah-written by Sigmund Fraud!  Ha!"

 

Fred ignored the failed attempt at humor and picked up right where he had left off.  "Let's talk about our feelings and views of what has happened here.  Let's ask our questions."

 

Gwen catapulted right in.  "Tim, I wanted to know what kind of a deal you and Al-Sheba struck.  He was enraged about you joining the party, but then he was ecstatic to have you."

 

Tim was brisk to respond.  "Oh, that's easy.  Up until I found my faith today, I was like most people in the political world.  Shall we say, 'careless with the truth?'  No, now that I follow Christ, I'll say it the right way.  I was a liar!

 

"I told Al-Sheba that I suspected there might be some validity to the Crystal of Nimrud stuff.  I said if he found it, I wanted to become one of his leaders.  I could help him gain control of America.  I told him that if there was such a powerful crystal, I would have nothing to lose.  At least it was an old friend who would be at the top!  If the crystal was a myth, I could go on with business as usual.  Of course I never believed it could be.  Yet now I wonder.  But I would never betray my country.  I think you know that!

 

"It's funny how you can be friends with a man and not really know him," Tim remembered as he wiped the tears from his eyes.  "We were good friends in college.  Lots of memories."

 

His heart ached over Al-Sheba's death.  But he was also grieved that the governor had used him.  Perhaps his claims that he tried to convince Saddam Hussein against invading Kuwait were false, as Ruel-Ali had informed Fred.  Perhaps he did instigate it.  Not that Saddam needed much persuasion!  But his friend had used him as a dupe.  And Tim had been party to bugging Fred's office for the Governor!  It sent chills down his spine to think of how things could have turned out.

 

"Was there really a crystal?" Doug asked.

 

"We may never know," Ian answered.  "But I don't think so.  Notice that the Magi said nothing of it.  If there had been such a crystal and the Magi had been aware of it, they would have no doubt dropped it down a bottomless pit somewhere."

 

"What about the Brazzi?" Gwen inquired.  "Do you think they'll cause more trouble?"

 

"Naw," Sarah answered.  "If they are in the mood to cause trouble, they'll get their spades and dig for the crystal instead.  They may come up in our backyard!"

 

Sarah was not usually quite so extroverted and seldom a teaser.  But she was different now.  The depth of the adventure, the development of her faith, her feelings for Doug, and getting a little older had altered her.  She was not the same young lady that flew into Cairo from O'Hare International Airport.

 

"What caused that gigantic explosion?" Carl inquired.

 

Tim was once again instant in response.  "The area near Hillah is not only rich in oil, but also in natural gas deposits.  Perhaps the first explosion, the one that killed Al-Sheba, opened a crevice in the cave chamber.  The gas began to fill the chamber while we were there, but we could not smell it.  Natural gas has no odor."

 

"It sure smells at home when the pilot lights on the stove go out," Sarah contradicted.

 

Tom arose to Tim's defense, "The gas company adds that odor to protect its customers from gas leaks.  It doesn't come that way naturally."

 

Tim continued.  "The gas either gradually accumulated or the crevice opened wider, and then all it took was a spark.  Ka-bloom!  The cave, and perhaps a lower cave which had been like a big gas tank, became history.  Of course, we'll never know."

 

The first round of discussion was over.

 

Tom availed himself of the opportunity to redirect things.  "I'd sure like to go to the hospital to visit Mohammed.  Maybe share the Gospel with him.  Anyone who speaks Arabic want to join me?"

 

Ian offered to go, but Tim stepped in.

 

"Not only can I translate.  I have clout to get you inside.  We are foreigners, Tom.  And Americans at that!" 

 

Looking at Sarah and Doug, Fred muttered softly to Ian.  "Looks like one day we may become in-laws to the same family."

 

"It does appear that way," Ian responded.  Gwen picked up on the conversation.

 

"You guys are already like family," she teased, addressing Fred.  "It'd be a shame if we had to see more of each other."  The idea was positive, but it would have to wait a few years.

 

*************************

 

Tim and Tom talked things over as they proceeded toward the hospital.  "It's a shame those men in the cave died," Tom commented.  "But that's par for the course when you're obsessed with power.  Tim, did you know that it was that lust for power that turned Lucifer into Satan?  The "Star of the Morning" became the "Adversary," or Satan, because he wanted to call the shots.                  

 

"Something like that happened in Eden.  And again at Babel.  That's the heart of sin, Tim, the determination to control one's own life-or others' lives.  We don't want to take orders from anyone, especially God.  That's what sin is all about."

 

"You're a good teacher, Tom," Tim responded.  "Too bad you couldn't stay out here for a while."

 

"Well, I would like to work with Omar, and maybe even Mohammed, if he's interested.  And I'd really enjoying showing you the ropes of the Christian life.  The technical term nowadays is 'discipling,' or 'mentoring.'  But you get the point:  I want to work with you.  What do you think?  Something you'd like?"

 

"Like it?  I'd love it.  I guess I can pull a few strings and retain you here for a month, maybe two."

 

"I'd appreciate it, brother," Tom responded.

 

"You know, Tom, it wasn't finding the tower remnants that convinced me to become a believer.  It was the way you folks acted, thought, and that special, inexplicable Presence about you.  Your whole way of thinking was so, so out of this world!"

 

"I'm not surprised, Tim.  People don't believe just because of evidence.  Folks saw Christ resurrect the dead, and yet they didn't believe.  Individuals come to saving faith when the Spirit of God gets a hold of them.  But that'll be one of our first lessons."

 

They continued the rich conversation.  The medical facility popped into view all too soon.

 

****************************

 

Everyone except Tom traveled together back toward Cairo.  Tim's stay would be brief.  This time, the 707 was nearly full.  And who sat down next to them, but Mr. Smithers?

 

"Well, fancy meeting the Atlantis party!  Any luck, old chaps?" Smithers quipped.

 

Smithers was interrupted by the hostess.  "Would you like some gum for your ears?"

 

Before Ian could say a word, Tim silenced him with a stare and playfully offered, "Allow me."  He then addressed the hostess, "But how will we get it out of our ears when we're done?"

 

The hostess boiled with anger and reacted verbally, "Don't get smart!  If I have to, I'll report you to the Captain!"  She left in a huff.  The party went absolutely hysterical.

 

Tim turned his embarrassed face toward Ian.  "What did I do wrong?"

 

Ian's response was predictable.  "Well, some of us have it, and some of us don't."  They chuckled some more.

 

After regaining his composure, Smithers restated his question.  "Any luck?"

 

"Yes and no," Tim Timmons answered.  "We found what we were looking for, the remnants of Babel's Tower."

 

Smithers was taken aback, then he calmed himself.  "I didn't see it in the papers.  Are you teasing me, Timmons, you old snake?"

 

"Not at all.  Let me tell you what happened."  Tim condensed the adventure.  Smithers' eyes were open wide.  He snorted out a response.

 

"Tell me, then, what proof have you of your discovery?  Sounds like everything has been blown to-please excuse me-Atlantis."

 

Ian spoke up.  "I do not have proof, per se.  I have only evidence."  Ian pulled out a piece of brick from his pocket.  "This piece broke off when I clobbered Mohammed."

 

Smithers examined the evidence, and commented.  "Well, you'll have little difficulty proving its antiquity, but that could have come from many ruins!"

 

Gwen interjected her response.  "It may prove nothing to the world, Mr. Smithers.  But it will prove that the Vaclav family trust has been faithfully executed.  And we have the testimony of each of our party, and Mohammed back in Iraq, as well as his brother."

 

Smithers knew the Vaclav family was a hopeless cause.  He directed his conversation toward Tim Timmons.  "Yes, yes.  But Timmons, you sound like you are convinced.  You know, there could be many explanations for those ruins."

 

"Mr. Smithers, you are correct.  Perhaps those ruins were not from the genuine Tower of Babel.  But whether they were or were not, I am convinced that such a tower did exist because the Bible says so.  And the shoe fits, so I prefer to think we did see the genuine article.  You see, Smithers, I have given my life to Jesus Christ.  And I am now proud to be among the naive who dare to believe God's Word is actually true and reliable.  I hope you will consider doing the same."

 

Like most new believers, Tim's attempt to witness was a bit harsh and needed more tact.  But his spiritual family was proud of him.

 

Unfortunately, Smithers did not wish to discuss spiritual matters, preferring instead to discuss climactic trends.  He thought to himself, "A strange disease these people have.  These Americans are given to such naive fanatacism."

 

************************************************************

 

The reunion at the Bartman residence was an emotional one.  They chattered so much their throats were sore.  Their eyes leaked tears as their lips radiated smiles.

 

The Vaclavs would spend a pleasant week in Cairo before heading home.

 

 

The odor of sauerkraut managed to blend well with the aroma of sweet potatoes and turkey stuffing.  The fresh and smoked Polish sausage had been cut diagonally into three-inch pieces.  It was a great Thanksgiving dinner.  Ian had beautifully carved the turkey.  

 

"Before we pray," Ian began, "I'd like to share part of a letter I received yesterday from Tom."

 

I have enjoyed discipling these new believers out here so much, and even Mohammed has come to saving faith!  But I now know what God has for my near future.  I have applied to the Evangelical Fellowship Mission for a one-year term.  I'm not sure of the country, but I am sure of the calling.

 

"Isn't that great!"

 

"Well," Sarah interrupted, "you may not believe this, but I want to share something Doug wrote me."  She, too, pulled out a letter.

 

Honey, I have two more years until I finish my degree.  And I expect it will take me another year to get settled in a career.  But I want you to think about this:  one day-perhaps in two years or so-I am going to ask you to marry me.  Begin praying and thinking about it now, so you'll be ready to answer.

 

"The letter goes on,"

 

And please excuse the coffee stains on this letter.  I had a little accident, I'm afraid, and I don't have time to copy this over."

 

Gwen quipped, "I think he'd make a fine son-in-law.  He seems like family already."

 

It took five minutes before they could stop laughing.  Then Sarah addressed her brother.  "And you, Carl, didn't you get a letter from Dorie yesterday."

 

Carl's face mimicked a ripe tomato.

 

It took a few more minutes before the group could consider praying.  Carl began the prayer, passing the baton to his sister.  After Sarah and Gwen prayed, Ian concluded the prayers of thanksgiving.  They had much to be grateful for.  As Ian began to serve the turkey, he knocked over a pitcher of water right on the carved bird!

 

"Oh no!" Gwen gasped.  Smirks lit up faces as they blotted the mess.  There was no harm done.

 

"That's the man I married and would marry a million times over," Gwen broadcast with a gleam.  Ian basked in the sunlight of her loving words.

 

**********************************

 

Jerry Glassman was on the edge of his seat.  He sat back, realizing that Ian's dramatic presentation was over.

 

"Oh, by the way," Ian added, "this is the brick I brought back from the tower.  I am sure you want to see it!"

 

"To think that this is from the Tower of Babel," Jerry exclaimed.

 

"Oh, I forgot, please don't mention it.  You see, I brought this out of Iraq quite legally, but, well, if some Iraqi higher-ups find out about it, they might recall it."

 

"I understand," Jerry replied.  "Yes, Mr. Vaclav, I am sure we will publish your book.  It will hang on your own credibility."

 

"Thank you, Jerry.  I am overjoyed!"

 

Before long Ian was on his return drive to Congress, Indiana.  He put the brick back in his pocket, never realizing that it was the very brick that the Brazzi called the foundation stone.  If there was a Crystal of Nimrod, it was in Ian's pocket.  But he drove off in the simple bliss of a man who had been believed.  He was a man who had fulfilled a sacred family trust, a hero in the Vaclav lineage, a man who had fulfilled a dream.  But above all, he was a Christian who followed His Lord to the ends of the earth.  Perhaps this adventure would one day fulfill a greater purpose in God's economy.