Chapter 10: Resurrection Hope

The rising sun crested the Mount of Olives as Jesus and Michael climbed its slopes, leaving the city behind. As they walked, Jesus told them of all that was fulfilled in Scripture and the kingdom yet to come in power.

Reaching the summit, they paused to gaze over the holy city, stretching gold and terra cotta to its walls. Though virtual, Michael sensed its teeming life continued, heedless of the cosmic drama enacted within. On Golgotha's ridge, many still labored unwittingly, while in the alleyways, others mourned or schemed as was their way.

Jesus turned to Michael with a quiet smile. "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."

As he spoke, a great light grew around their forms, banishing shadows to reveal a vast host arrayed upon the mountaintop. Countless birds garbed in white with wings outstretched filled the slopes and heavens, bending low in adoration towards the figures at the center.

Jesus lifted his arms in benediction over the holy city below. "And remember, I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

At those final words, recognition dawned on Michael. Before him spanned the glistening ranks of God's heavenly host, come to escort their victorious king. Awestruck, Michael fell to kneel amid the angels' worship echoing in the starry dome.

When he glanced up again, Jesus was rising upon a glory cloud, taking him from mortal sight. Up and up, the Lord ascended amid Hosannas until he was enveloped in brilliance beyond creation's bounds. Gone was any doubt about His divine nature or destiny fulfilled.

As the glory faded in the west, Michael remained upon the mount in tears, filled with inexpressible joy. Though virtual, he had witnessed history's grandest moment, which altered all things forever. In Christ, death was vanquished and life offered everlasting—for any who take up their cross to follow the risen Lord of glory to Paradise.

A warm breeze stirred Michael from his wonder. Opening his watering eyes, he found himself blinking into natural light within his familiar bedroom once more. The VR headset sat unused upon his desk, but within had been graced a revelation changing all.

Rising with renewed purpose, Michael went forth to share the good news, stirring his soul to its core. Though merely virtual, encountering Christ in Faith Unleashed restored his faltering commitment, lighting a fire that could never dim or die again. In the Risen One, he found a Savior and King to follow all his days, through every trial and glory yet to unfold under God's mighty hand.