There was once a great and mighty ruler of the land who had three
grown daughters that lived far away. Plans were made for a celebration
upon their return visit.
The ruler’s first daughter arrived with heralds singing. She was a
huge success in the world, intelligent as the ruler was, she was top
in her field, recognized by worldwide scholars as brilliant. She was
meticulously flawless as she climbed the steps to the ruler’s side to
embrace him, with every hair in place and a most stunningly practical
dress. The ruler beamed as he welcomed her with open arms.
The second daughter climbed the steps to the ruler’s welcome
embrace, even more elegant than the first. Known world over for her
beauty and talent, she had married well and was everything the ruler
could ask for in a daughter. There was vivaciousness about her as she
swirled and danced around the ruler. The ruler was most proud of both
his daughters.
And then the third daughter emerged holding something bright in her
hand. Though the heralds sang, it was a labored attempt to match the
gaiety of the first two announcements. For this daughter was dirty and
ragged, her dress was tattered and stained. She walked up the steps
and could feel the weight of the world’s stare as the ruler struggled
to hide his disappointment. She embraced him and said, "Oh Da, I have
traveled far and wide in the darkest corners of the world, searching
for something and I’ve found it! It’s the most wonderful joyous gift
in the entire world! LOOK!" She opened her hand to show a gleaming
light, which she held as the most precious treasure in all the world.
In her eyes, there was nothing that could compare to the purity and
truth she held in her hand.
The ruler looked and all he could see was a small white bird,
nothing special about it. Puzzled, he looked at the grime of her hand
more than what she held, as he considered the mental state of his
daughter.
"Don’t you see it?" she asked, longing for her da to comprehend the
amazing gift of salvation, the wonder of God’s mercy and the grace of
the Gospel. She held it in her hand as the most costly jewel, far
worthier than beauty or intelligence or position. The world was
stubble and hay compared to the divine radiance she held before him.
But the ruler couldn’t see it and he hugged her in spite of his
disappointment and her wretched clothes.
The celebration continued into the night, and the third daughter
tried to relate to family and old friends with laughter and merriment
about worldly things. Courageous attempts were made by many to accept
her as she was, while all preferred to pretend the small white bird
she held didn’t exist, which grieved the third daughter.
Days later, as she traveled home, she stopped by a brook on her way
home, sat on a stone and wept bitterly. She felt empty and alone, she
knew she was a disappointment to her da, she didn’t measure up to his
expectations and he couldn’t see the beauty of the Light. She saw
herself in the mirror of her da’s eyes and was horrified of what she
knew he saw. She never felt so empty and alone. Then she heard a
whisper, a still small voice, which said, "Would you rather give up
the Light and BE one of your sisters held so proudly by your da?"
She thought about it. She imagined herself twirling in the
beautiful gown of her sister without a care in the world, laughing an
empty laugh, ignorant of the priceless Light. A sense of coldness
consumed her. It froze her heart. She tried to imagine spending hours
studying science and philosophizing the worlds ways as her first
sister of renowned fame, loved by everyone for her knowledge and
success. That, too, felt icy and empty without the Light. The thought
of forsaking the pure and simple truth in her hand broke her heart.
She knew, with everything she had and was, that the Gospel far
outweighed anything the world could ever offer. A relationship with
Christ her Savior could never be given up at any cost.
"No," she answered. "I could never deny what God has given. I could
never live a life ignorant of the truth in the frost of the world’s
success, no matter how bright the smile or the shimmer of the gown."
"Then take heart, daughter," He said. And she felt flooded by the
comfort and love of her Father in heaven. Somehow it helped to know
she wouldn’t trade places for anything. She wasn’t a failure as the
world saw her. She had beheld a warmth beyond understanding, she was
significant in the eyes of her Father, He loved her, He died for her,
and she chose His everlasting treasure.
If you cannot share your faith with your parents, family or
friends, if someone dear in your life has rejected the glory of God
that’s known within you, take heart. God knows your sacrifice better
than you know. He saw it from the cross, and more than you will not
forsake Him, He did not and will never forsake you. The trials and
tribulations that we endure we do not endure alone. God is with us, He
will never leave us, and as He ministers to you in your sleep, know
that you are intensely significant and loved, God sees every slight we
endure and the Bible says to LEAP for joy because of it. See yourself
through the eyes of God, which are full of grace. Drink deep the
message of His love for you and some day you will see Him face to
face. On that day He will wipe away every tear from your eyes which He
knows intimately every one. This world is not your home, and an
everlasting joy awaits you. Take courage, beloved, God is near, He
surrounds you, His very breath is upon you. Drink deep the love that
lasts forever. He asks that you work in this world for now, but it
will not always be so. Christ has come, Christ has risen, Christ will
come again. Be vigilant and be ready. May the joy of the Lord be our
strength. Amen.
