The Love Of A King

A few days ago I watched a Christmas special on TV.  There was lots of singing followed by a Christmas message by pastor and author, Dr. David Jeremiah.  He shared a story he had been told many years ago.  He said it impacted him and broadened his understanding of God.  I was intrigued and listened carefully.  This is the story he shared:

Centuries ago there lived a King in a faraway land.  He was a good king, paying attention to the poor, doing what he could to help them.  One day he noticed a peasant girl.  Her clothes were rags.  His heart went out to her and in time he admitted to himself that he loved this peasant girl.  This was a great dilemma for him.

He longed to have the company of this girl he loved but their worlds, though near in proximity, were far apart in every other way.  What could he do?  As the King, he could command the girl be brought to him.  He could demand she marry him.  He could dress her in the finest of clothing and adorn her with expensive jewels.  He could have the girl; he only need speak the word.  But no, he wouldn’t do that because he knew that was not love.    No, he decided firmly, he would not demand anything of her.  He thought and thought.  Finally, it all became clear to him and he knew what he must do to let this peasant girl know how much he truly loved her.

The King gave up his throne.  He left his riches behind.  He became a peasant and lived among the poor, working hard every day just to earn enough for bread and sometimes porridge.  He befriended the peasant girl.  He showed his love for her and in time she gave her love to him.  They married.  Years later the King revealed that it was he who had been king of the land.  She was astonished.  She asked why he had left all the comfort of his palace?  He replied simply, “Because of love, my dear, I became as you, to feel as you, to experience as you do.  I gladly left the glories of my home to show you how much I love you.”

When Dr. Jeremiah finished the telling of this story I, too, was impacted with a fresh wonder at what Almighty God did all those years ago in sending His one and only Son, Jesus.  Jesus left the wonders of Heaven to become one of us, to live as us, to experience as we do.  He gladly left heaven so we would know how much He loves us.

“So the Word became human and made His home among us.  He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.  And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”  John 1:14

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in His will not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

Merry Christmas, everyone.  I hope you know Jesus.  The life He gives us is out of this world!