Friend of the King

by melissa bradshaw

At the age of 17 Abbas the First became the king of Persia and ruled for 41 years, from 1588 to 1629. He was a compassionate king who cared for the well-being of his subjects. He would often disguise himself as a poor man and spend time with ordinary people to learn more about them. He wanted to know if they were happy under his leadership.

A story is told of the day the king stopped and talked with a craftsman who was stoking the fire in his furnace. Their conversation continued until mealtime, and the man shared his meager lunch with the king. The king left shortly after their meal together, but returned on multiple occasions as he enjoyed talking with the craftsman.

One day the king decided he should let the man know who he really was and wondered if the man would request help or wealth when he learned the king’s identity. Too surprised to speak, the man made no requests, but felt honored that the king had visited him, talked with him, and had eaten his humble food. The memory of his time with the king was enough for the humble craftsman. He would forever cherish those precious moments with the king.

The Christmas season is a time Christians focus on the birth of Jesus, and the shepherds and Wise Men who journeyed to Bethlehem to visit Jesus, the King of the universe, who came as a baby for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). Jesus walked the streets of the common people, healing them of their diseases, eating with them in their homes, laughing with them, crying with them, and filling them with hope about the day they could live with Him forever. He wanted the future subjects of His heavenly kingdom to be happy.

Jesus is still King! He is alive and in heaven, preparing a place for you and me. Every day Jesus wants to meet with you and make sure you are happy. Every day we have the privilege and honor to spend quality time in the presence of Jesus, the King of the universe, when we pray and read our Bible. 

Take advantage of this opportunity every day. Get to know Jesus and be ready to spend eternity with Him.

This article is provided by My Place with Jesus, a ministry of It is Written, a Christian media ministry based in Chattanooga, Tennessee that has been proclaiming the message of God’s love since 1956. Check out more fun and games on the My Place with Jesus website!