The story is told of the day a victorious general of Cyrus, king of Persia, returned home from a successful military campaign. He was shocked to learn that during his absence his wife had been charged with treason against the kingdom. Her trial was to be the very next day. Hastening to the king’s court, he watched the guards bring in his beloved wife.
Pale and anxious, she tried to answer the charges against her, but to no avail. The general heard Cyrus’ stern voice pronounce her death sentence. As the executioner was about to lead her away, the general ran forward and threw himself at the feet of Cyrus.
“Sir,” he cried, “not her, but me. Let me give my life for hers. Put me to death, but spare my wife.”
Looking on his general, the king’s heart was touched and softened. Remembering the faithful and brave service of his general, he pardoned his wife, commanding her to be freed.
As her husband led her from the room, he said to her, “Did you notice the kind look in the eyes of the Emperor as he pronounced your pardon?”
With love shining from her eyes she replied, “I did not see the face of the Emperor. The only face I saw was of the man who was willing to die for me.”
May the One who willingly died in our stead fill our hearts and vision today as He will for all eternity.
Ed. (adapted)