May 14, 2004

THE GREATEST LOVER

"When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end" (John 13:1, RSV).

There is a Greek legend with a moving love story. A prince, his wife, and two sons were taken prisoners by an enemy king. The king had the captive prince brought before him and asked, "If I let your elder son go free, what will you offer me?"

"I will give you half of all I possess," replied the prince.
"And if I let your younger son go free, what will you offer me?" inquired the king.
"I will give you the other half," replied the prince.
"And if I free your wife, the princess, what will your offer be?"
The prince replied, "If you let the princess go free, I will give you myself."

The monarch was so impressed by the reply that he set them all free! On their way home, the prince said to the princess. "Did you see the king's face when he set you free?"
"No," said the princess.
"Did you see the majesty of the king's court?"
"No."
"Well, did you see the splendor of the royal throne?" asked the prince.
"No," replied the princess. "I had eyes only to see the one who was willing to give his life for me."

Jesus' love for us is unconditional, eternal, and self-giving. Paul reminds us that Christ also has loved us and has given Himself for us (see Ephesians 5:25).

Not only has Christ died for us, but through His mediation in heaven, He seeks to draw us closer to Himself. Like the grateful princess, may we too have eyes to see only the One who loved us so much that He gave Himself for us. "The contemplation of the matchless depths of a Saviour's love should fill the mind, touch and melt the soul, refine and elevate the affections, and completely transform the whole character."--Lift Him Up, p. 43.

My Prayer Today: Lord, may I truly have eyes to see only the one who gave Himself for me. Amen.