On a cold wintery night, an old beggar approaches a forlorn castle, seeking shelter from the one inside. Yet instead of taking her in, he disdainfully casts her out. Oh, if only he knew! For the old woman was not who she appeared to be -- she was actually a beautiful enchantress, who would curse the selfish prince, for he could not see past her outer shell to see the person within.
We all know its a fairy tale.
But perhaps we're more similar to the prince than we realize. We too forget that there's royalty in our home.
We forget the words of the rightful King:
I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me ...Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25
Jesus implores His disciples: when you care for the weak and the helpless -- for the "least of these" -- you are indeed caring for Him.
Every faithful act of every faithful parent is indeed real service to the King. The most menial tasks of your day -- feeding, clothing, changing, caring -- can in actuality be the most significant, for you are actually serving royalty.
Most children will outgrow the helpless stage, the need to be fed, clothed, served, cared for when they're sick. But not all children.
Some of you may be spoon feeding your 6-year-old.
Speaking for your 8-year-old.
Dressing your 10-year-old.
Changing diapers on your 12-year-old.
Reading to your 18-year-old.
Making decisions for your 30-year-old.
Some kids, in some areas, may never outgrow their helplessness. Your faithful, long-suffering, care for the "least of these" children, is in fact a gift of faithful service to the King of Kings.
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