The Antidote
December 25
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:17
There once was a King who loved his subjects, and those who loved him lived within the walls of his kingdom. Those who did not return the King’s sentiment chose to live outside the kingdom walls, yet even those the King treated with respect and kindness.
One day the King’s only son came to him and said, “Father, there is an epidemic that is killing untold numbers of people outside the kingdom walls.”
“And you believe we should help them,” he said rhetorically.
“Yes, Father. I do,” he said nodding.
“Do we have an antidote?” the King asked.
“We do,” the son replied.
Knowing his son well, the King knew there was something his son wasn’t telling him, “I sense there is a catch?”
“Yes, Father,” said his son. “The antidote must be delivered to doctors outside the kingdom gate. They say that whoever delivers it must not reenter the kingdom for fear of infecting those inside.” The king waited, knowing his son wasn’t finished. “I cannot ask anyone else to make that sacrifice. I will take it myself.”
A mixture of pain and pride swept over the King, “And you are willing to sacrifice yourself for those who hate us?”
The father knew his son’s great love could never allow the answer to be no, “It is the right thing to do.”
“Then go, my son,” the King proclaimed. “And may the antidote bring healing to all who are sick!”
†
Those who live outside God’s Kingdom have a terminal disease and they, like the people in today’s story, have no cure.
Those who live inside the Kingdom know what they need, because God, in His great mercy and love, has provided the Antidote.
When you’re lost you don’t know it. But if someone lovingly presents God’s plan to those who will listen, telling them about the power of Jesus to set lost souls free, they might be saved.
And the King speaks, “I’m looking for volunteers to take them the Antidote.”
Prayer
“Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus as the Antidote for our sin. Lead me to the ones who are lost that will listen. In Jesus’ Name, amen!”
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