WOOING AND WINNING US

WOOING AND WINNING US

The influential Danish theologian, Soren Kierkegaard, penned a simple story that aptly describes the amazing grace of God.

Once upon a time, there was a very rich but somewhat unhappy king, unfulfilled because he lived all alone in a gorgeous but empty palace.  How he longed so deeply for a wife with whom he would share his life.

One day the king spied the most striking beauty ever, walking through the streets of her city.  Royal enquiries revealed the fact that she was merely a peasant girl, but the king’s heart had been completely captivated.  He made up his mind to ride past her house every day, hoping to catch just a glimpse of his true love.

The king had a logistical problem that loomed large.  How would he ever win her love?  Of course, he could draw up a royal decree commanding her to appear at the palace and become his queen.  But then he would never be sure he had won her love, for she would be required by law to comply with his royal decree.

Perhaps he could call on her and try to win her over, appearing in all his regal glory and sweeping her off her feet.  But under these circumstances, he would never be sure whether she had married him only because of his great power and riches.

Ultimately, he came upon the perfect plan.  He would enter the life of his beloved as an ordinary peasant. That would be the only sure and practical way to positively win her love.  

So the king abandoned his palace.  He left his riches and creature comforts behind to don peasant’s clothing and to embrace the living conditions of his people.  He made the sacrificial decision to live among the peasants, to work with them, to share their sufferings, to participate in their feasts – until he would woo and win the heart of the woman who had so completely captured his own.

And so it is with our God.  Jesus Christ became one of us, lived among us, worked among us, suffered along with us and greatly honored us by way of his loving presence and purposefully muted glory.  All of this was done to win our hearts.  And now, we have become the beautiful bride of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 25:1 – Revelation 21:9)  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!