The King

By Joe Byrne    2nd May 2002    0 responses

The people were expectant, waiting. They knew that someone was coming to help them – the King had promised this to them. They had been waiting so long – surely it must be the time? The village elders were corrupt, elitist and swindled them out of money and their homes and foreign invaders ruled the whole village. But the King was going to send someone to liberate them, to set them free.

At first no one noticed him, he didn’t look very special. He had no armour, no weapons, no horse and no soldiers. He wore only a simple robe and cloak and lived in relative poverty. After a while he had a dozen or so hangers on, none of whom were particularly remarkable people. One had even worked as an agent for the invaders. He had an incredible aura and spoke very powerfully. He was even able to heal people instantly of the most horrific diseases. He spoke of a feast, a celebration that was open to all who accepted his invitation. The people flocked to hear him, but he certainly got under the skin of the elders; he accused them of being hypocrites and twisting the King’s laws for their own ends. Then, he made a dramatic entry into the village on a mule and was greeted by the people, as if he was a king. Just a few days later he was arrested and charged with impersonating the King, he was then handed over to the invaders on charges of treason. They took him away and had him tortured and executed. After a few days, rumours surfaced that he had reappeared to his followers, but the elders ignored them. Even when large numbers of villagers and people from other villages began following him, the elders rubbished it – how could you follow a dead man?

Years later, the elders, along with all the people, were summoned to go to the palace. As they entered, the King greeted them and sure enough, it was the man they thought they had killed. To his followers he said, “I came to you, I lived amongst you and I experienced your life, your trials and temptations. I invited you to my feast and you accepted. Welcome inside.” All those who had followed him were invited inside to join the feast and enjoy the King’s presence. To the others he said “I came to you, I lived amongst you and I experienced your life, your trials and temptations and I invited you to my feast and you rejected me. Leave this place.” The elders and those who had rejected the King were sent away to a place of famine and darkness.

Likewise with us, God made the first move. Of his own accord, he left the splendour and majesty of heaven to come and live on earth. When on earth, he did not even live in earthly luxury, but led a simple life, a life of poverty and humility. Finally, he gave up his human life in horrific and gruesome circumstances, experiencing more pain and suffering than we will ever have to endure. Despite his perfection, he carried on himself the full weight of every wrong thing we have ever done. At any time, he could have called it all off and ended his torment. But on that day love, not nails, held Jesus to the Cross. It was because he loves us that he did this much. God became human, suffered and died. The King left his palace to come and give you your invitation, in person, to the feast. What will your response be?

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By Joe Byrne

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