The late Gypsy Smith, the well-known evangelist, tells this story: “On one occasion we went to see the King of Sweden reviewing his troops. Amid all the military show one little incident touched me the most. A little chimney sweep came running past the spot where the king was on his horse. His face was black and his feet were bare, but as he passed the monarch of Sweden he raised his dirty hand and saluted his sovereign. The king smiled upon the little fellow and returned the salute.
“Immediately afterward, a dashing officer came galloping up on a fine horse. His uniform shone like gold, and his sword rattled as he careered bravely along. He also saluted the king. The king returned the salute with all the dignity of a sovereign, but I thought I missed in his eye the kindly gleam with which he had greeted the waving of the little sweep’s dirty hand, and I said to myself, ‘This king loves the little sweep as much as the fine officer; and I love him for it.’ "
And how much the more so it is with our Lord Jesus, the King of kings. He loves all—rich and poor, great and small. He took the little children up in His arms and blessed them, saying, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:1414But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:14).
ML-05/08/1966