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Busybody Reports

THE ELEVATOR

such an one caught up to the third heaven.

"Hi-de-ho everybody. This is Michael Jay Busybody about to enter one of the many fine buildings that line the busy main street of Anytown USA. I have an appointment with my Physician Who has His office on the third floor. All these impressive buildings are attached to the same third floor I'm led to understand, so it makes little difference which building I choose, they all have elevators that will take me where I want to go. The building I've chosen is the busiest in town, and the most noted for its furnishings and its exquisite elevator. I will enter now.

"Indeed the door man was most gracious and hospitable, and the lobby is certainly a sight to behold. All the modern convenience can be found here. There is even a huge TV on the wall that appears all the world the size of Greyhound bus. Ah, here's the elevator."

"Where my I take you sir? My name is Wainscot Fundamental and it is my pleasure to take you wherever it is you wish to go."

"Well, I thank you Mr Fundamental. And to be sure I am very impressed with the hospitality of your fine establishment. I certainly never expected such a gracious reception. I would like to be taken to the third floor if you please. I have an appointment with my Physician and His office is on that floor."

"Certainly sir. That is our most popularly called for floor. Going up! Third floor sir. And have a nice day."

"Um, Mr Fundamental, I think you've made a mistake. You see? We're still on the ground floor. Is your elevator broken by any chance?"

"No indeed sir. Our elevator is in tip-top condition. You are now on the third floor. You can be sure of that."

"I'm sorry to disagree with you Mr Fundamental, but this is the very same room I entered the elevator from. Take a look at the sign above us. The sign says Lobby. We haven't left the ground floor."

"You are mistaken sir. This is as high as this elevator goes. And I might add if I may, you are the first to express such an observation. I can assure you sir that there is no other floor higher than this. Please sir, if you will step out so I may go back for other people who are waiting for the elevator."

"Certainly Mr Fundamental. But I can see from the street that there are two more floors above this one. You see...."

"Going down!"

"I must declare, that certainly was an odd experience. Oh well, I'll try this building. It's not as nice as the first one I tried, but as long as the elevator takes me to my destination it makes little difference its appearance."

"Good morning sir. Where to?"

"I would like to go to the third floor if I may. Your elevator does go to the third floor doesn't it Mr, Mr...."

"Yes it does sir. The name's Axial Pentecost. Step to the back of the elevator if you will sir. Going up! Here we are sir, the third floor."

"The third floor Mr Pentecost? This is the second floor. See the sign? I would like to be taken to the third floor, not the second."

"I'm sorry sir, this is as far as the elevator goes. There is no floor above this one, that I can assure you."

"Indeed. That is surprising since my Physician resides on the floor above this one. I'll try another building."

"Have you ever felt frustrated in your efforts to achieve what you've set out to do? When you know something can be done, and you set out to accomplish what you have in mind to do, and all evidence points to the fact that what you desire to do is not in the realm of possibility, it can be a lonely road. I think I can understand just a little bit of what Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers must have gone through. I'm now standing before a very old decapitated building. It's not one I would really desire to set foot in, but it may have access to where I desire to go. I'll give it a try."

"Where to Mac? And ain't you got no etiquette? Step back so other folks can get in this here elevator."

"Oh, I'm sorry sir. I didn't see anyone else about. In fact it appears this entire building is empty except for the two of us. I would like to go to the third floor if I may."

"Yeah Mac, business is slow this time a' day. Fact is, you're the first guy I seen for a week. Folks likes to be catered to if you know what I mean. They likes the highfalutin places like the ones next door. We ain't got no fluff if you know what I mean. No pretty talk an' stuff. All we gots is good solid stuff, if ya' know what I mean."

"Indeed you are rudimental Mr, Mr....?"

"Name's Victor Overmaster. What's your's Mac? Third floor, all out!"

"Third floor? Are you sure Mr Overmaster? I expected to see bright lights and grand furnishings. This reminds me more of a testing ground than the office of a Great Physician."

"You got it Mac. The office of the Grand Physician is beyond this here testing ground. On your way now, lest you want to go back to the ground floor like most ever'body else does. Folks wants for the top floor, til they sees what they gots ta' do for it. Always the other buildings you know. Take your pick mister, 'cause I'm closing the door."

"Decisions, decisions. Is it possible that my Physician has given me the wrong address? I'm not so sure I wish to venture through such a trial to see Him. On the other hand, I've been shown what lies beyond that testing ground, and what I've seen is very appealing. Decisions, decisions. I can see why so many people have settled for the ground floor and are willing to believe they have reached the third. Decisions, decisions."

¹It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. ²I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. ³And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) ⁴How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (2Cor 12:)

⁷He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Rev 2:)

¹³These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ¹⁴For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. ¹⁵And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. ¹⁶But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. ¹⁷By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, (Heb 11:)

¹⁰That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ¹¹If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. ¹²Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. ¹³Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, ¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. . (Phil 3:)

⁶greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: ⁷That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1Peter 1:)

¹²Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: ¹³But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1Peter 4:)