The Wedding Gift

But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life. – Titus 3:4-7

There once was a rich man who had all the world could offer. But the pride of his life was his son. He arranged a marriage for his son to a beautiful young woman from a fine family. The marriage would be lavish, the presents extravagant and only the best and brightest of musicians would play.

Finally, the day arrived and the ceremony began. In the midst of the quiet hush however the sound of a person sobbing could be heard. A marriage should be a happy event! Who could possibly be weeping at such a time? The rich man sent his servants and a distraught young man was brought to the powerful father. “Why are you weeping on such a happy day?” he demanded. The boy replied that he and the bride had loved each other for years but because of his recent financial losses her parents had instead arranged for this marriage into a rich and powerful family.

The father called for the bride and asked “Is it true that you loved this boy all your life?”

She replied, “Yes.”

“Is it true that you love him the most?”

“Yes,” she answered, “it’s true, I love him the most, but my parents won’t let me marry him!”

The rich man said, “Thank you so much for telling me the truth. Thank you so much! Son, do you hear this? I’ll find you another girl who will truly be your soul mate. But now, go back to the house. Take this boy with you and give him your tuxedo.” He turned to the crowd and shouted,

“Today these two will be wed, and all the money and gifts that I was prepared to give my son I am giving to this young man.” The guests all agreed that they had never seen a father dance at the wedding of his own son with as much joy as this rich man danced at the wedding of a boy he didn’t know but whom he had reunited with his intended bride.

God has done such a miraculous thing for us. He has taken poor, blind, dirty orphans with no hopes or expectations and made them co-heirs with His own Son. He has made us the owners of the universe and granted us immortality. And He dances with joy whenever we accept His gift. All He expects in return is our loyalty and gratitude. Is it so much to ask?