The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe
"Kings - Giving and Taking"
As the King of all things freely gave His Son to a needy world, an earthly king decreed a tax on his domain. One gave. Another took.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16).
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed" (Luke 2:1).
Only one Lord exists to whom we can safely entrust our hearts. False kings - idols - of whatever nature, ultimately take from us, even as they promise happiness and fulfillment. God made us for Himself. He alone can serve as the Lord who lovingly seeks our redemption and eternal benefit. People, possessions, places, reputation, careers, pastimes, and all earthly enjoyments and endeavors may serve as blessings of God. They cannot be our God, however, and take from us if viewed as more than they are meant to be. The true King of our hearts, conversely, initiates relationship with us by gracious giving His Son to dwell therein, freely forgiving us, and promising to freely give us everything required to make possible our loving and joyful service to Him.
"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God" (I Corinthians 2:12).
To born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle John concluded his first epistle with the warning: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (I John 5:21). Indeed, false kings of many modes and measures abound who offer much, but ultimately take all. The entrance of the Lord Jesus into the world, bestowed as Caesar taxed the world, speaks to the challenge we all face to realize that only One exists who sees our hearts as beloved recipients rather than serfs of which to take advantage. Satan, of course, lurks near when we find ourselves tempted to trust and submit to anyone or anything other than the living and true God as the true King of our hearts. Thankfully, our Lord dwells nearer, and works to implement His blessed and generous Lordship, even as our enemy offers much as he seeks to take all.
"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
(Matthew 11:28-30)
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
(John 10:10)
"He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"
(Romans 8:32)
Weekly Memory Verse
Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord.
(Colossians 323).
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