The Priceless Gift 

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14

One of the great monarchs of Persia was known well as a champion of the common people. To relate to their needs and problems, he would mingle with them in various disguises.

On one particular occasion, he went as a poor citizen to the public baths. In a tiny cellar, he sat down beside the man who tended the furnace. He talked to the lonely man, and at dinnertime he ate some of his plain food. In the weeks that followed, the monarch visited the poor citizen and grew to love him dearly.

One day, the shah revealed his true identity to the man. He expected to hear a request for some expensive gift or money, but instead the poor man simply sat in silence, gazing at the monarch in awe and astonishment.

After a long period of silence, the poor man finally said respectfully, "You left your palace to sit with me in this dark place, to eat of my coarse bread, and to care whether my heart is glad or sad. You may give rich presents to others, but you have given yourself to me. Please, Your Majesty, never withdraw the priceless gift of your friendship."

You can rejoice that God came to earth as man, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, was buried in a tomb, and was resurrected three days later so that you could have salvation and forgiveness through Him and a personal relationship with Him. Are you walking with Him daily? Are you completely sold out in your relationship with Him? Jesus broke down the wall of sin that divided you and God, so that you may have the priceless gift of His friendship and love.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Thank God for His sacrifice upon the cross. Pray that your relationship with Him would flourish into an intimate friendship and love relationship.