When I was 13 years old, I got the chance to meet royalty…and it changed my life forever. For years, I had heard of this modern-day king, and though I had never had any actual experiences with a “king” before, I had a great imagination of what he would be like. I was way off in my assumptions. I knew that he would be powerful and commanding. I knew he would be strong and courageous. I knew he would be worthy of respect and reverance. What caught me off guard, though, was his love and compassion. Power and strength are crucial to being king. Love is not a critical characteristic. A king can rule with an iron fist and still hold the position of king. However, a king is under no obligation to rule with tenderness and understanding (in fact, in most royal circles, this would be a sign of weakness). But this king was different.
Though I knew a lot about him already, I was surprised to find out how much he knew about me. Imagine that…a king…interested in the life of a “beggar.” I was certainly unworthy of his time and attention. In fact, I told him that…and his response blew me away…his whole life is focused on “beggars”…he already knew my situation and my reputation…and it just didn’t matter. He still wanted to spend time with me. He still wanted a relationship with me. In fact, by the end of the conversation, I realized I would be a fool to reject the offer of this king. So, that night – October 13, 1988 – I talked with him, but not like I had talked with him before.
I told him of my shortcomings and my screw-ups. He agreed that I had really messed things up from time to time. I told him of my insecurities and fears. He told me he understood. I told him that I had destroyed several friendships and relationships. He told me that I could never destroy his relationship with me. I told him that I was unworthy of his friendship. He already knew that.
So, with nothing left to get in the way, I asked him if there was any way he could forgive me for my stupidity and disobedience. He said there was…his Son had already “paid” my debt…so he forgave me. I asked him to guide me and teach me how to live a life that would be worthy of respect. He agreed. I asked him if there was any hope for me. He said there was…hope unlike anything I had ever known before…hope that would last even beyond my life here on earth. That night, he went so far as to seal our relationship with an eternal adoption. That night, he told me I could call him “Dad”. That night, he called me “Son.” I called him “Savior.” He called me “Friend.” I called him “Lord.” He called me “His.”
When I met God personally, my life changed. I met the King. I met the Creator. I met the Famous One. I have never been the same.
Thank you God for the love you showed for all of us. Thank you God for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus. Thank you God for the life you offer us. Thank you for changing me.
P.S. His offer is available to each of you as well. I would love for you to know more about Him. Email me if you want. Or check out this video if you would prefer. Whatever you do, don’t give up on exploring faith in the God that “loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.”
