The Riches of His Love
Imagine with me a little village, tucked away in a beautiful valley. Set high on a hill overlooking the village sits a mansion, surrounded by stately trees and perfectly manicured lawns – the home of a king and his daughters.
The village itself consists of a few dozen neatly thatched cottages and a few tidy shops. The only blemish in this picturesque scene is a decaying hovel on the outskirts of the village. Most of the villagers avert their eyes when passing by.
On this particular day a young woman is seen making her way to the door of this neglected home. It is clear from her attire she is no common citizen. She is, in fact, the eldest daughter of the king. In answer to her knock, the dilapidated door creaks open – and she steps inside.
“What brings you here, Rose? I thought I made it clear the last time. I cannot come.”
As her eyes adjust to the darkness, the young woman notices a pile of colorfully wrapped gifts stacked in the corner of the dingy room. They, along with everything else in the small house, are covered with dust. She turns to her sister.
“Don’t look at me like that Rose. I don’t know why he keeps sending me gifts. I’m not worthy of any of it.”
“He loves you, Mara. His love isn’t something you have to earn.”
“You don’t understand. I know he loves me, and I love him. But it isn’t enough. Every time I get to the place where I think I’m doing well, I fail. It’s the same old pattern over and over again. The last time I saw him, I promised I would change, and not two days later I found myself right back in the same old pit. I fail him over and over again. I don’t deserve to be loved like that.”
“Please come home with me, Mara. Your lovely things are waiting for you. Father is waiting for you. He loves you. Nothing you could ever do will change that.”
“I want to believe that Rose. I do. But it’s no use. I’ve made too many mistakes, failed far too many times. You have no idea the awful things I’ve done.”
“Father said he’s written to you – many times. Have you not received his letters?”
Mara turned away. The silence was broken only by the sound of the wind stirring the branches outside the small window. Rose moved closer to her sister and gently turned her around. She wiped away the tears on her sister’s cheeks with the tips of her fingers. Mara took her hand.
“Please go now. I’m sorry I can’t come with you. Tell him I love him.”
Rose took a few steps toward the door and turned to look at her sister. “Mara – you’re living like a pauper when you could be living like a princess.”
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“Behold I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before Me.” Isaiah 49:16
“…I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”Jeremiah 31:3
Blessings,
Linda
wonderful post.
Powerful message about His incredible love for us.