Tuesday 23rd April 2019 Prayer Devotion
Scripture Reading:- John 3:1-36
Topic:- Wasted Life Versus Fulfilled Life [2]
Text:- John 3:16
Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the Soldier, promising to hang the Picture above the Fireplace. A few hours later, after the Soldier had departed, the old man set about his Task.
True to his word, the Painting went above the Fireplace, pushing aside thousands of Dollars of Paintings. And then the man sat in his Chair and spent Easter gazing at the gift he had been given.
During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy’s life would live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of Wounded Soldiers before a Bullet stilled his caring Heart.
As the stories of his son’s gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The Painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which Museums around the World clamored.
He told his Neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received. The following Spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The Art World was in anticipation.
With the collector’s passing, and his only son dead, those Paintings would be sold at an Auction. According to the Will of the old man, all of the Art works would be Auctioned on Easter day, the day he had received his greatest gift.
The day soon arrived. Art Collectors from around the World gathered to bid on some of the World’s most spectacular Paintings.
Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim, “I have the greatest Collection.” The Auction began with a Painting that was not on any Museum’s list. It was the Painting of the man’s son.
The Auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the Bidding with $100?” He asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the Room came, “Who cares about that Painting? It’s just a Picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff.” More voices echoed in agreement.
“No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the Auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man and his son spoke. “Will you take $10 for the Painting? That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it.”
“I have $10. Will anyone go higher?” called the Auctioneer.
After more silence, the Auctioneer said, “Going once, going twice. Gone.” The Gavel fell. Cheers filled the Room and someone exclaimed, “Now we can get on with it and we can bid on these treasures!” The Auctioneer looked at the Audience and announced the Auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the Room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a Picture of some old guy’s son. “What about all of these Paintings?” There are Millions of Dollars of Art here! I demand that you explain what’s going on here!”
The Auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the Will of the father, whoever takes the son… gets it all!”
Just as those Art collectors discovered on that Easter day, the message is still the same – the love of a Father – a Father whose greatest joy came from His Son who left his home and gave his life rescuing others. And because of that Father’s love… whoever takes the Son gets it all, [John 3:16].
Prayer Points:- I refuse to live a waste life, oh Lord God, help me to life a fulfilled life in You henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
