Once there was a little city, but not very many men lived in it. Perhaps there were many mothers there, and girls and boys and babies, but without many strong men for an army, the city was weak and in danger.
A great king came to that city and wanted to take it over, so he laid siege to it. That means that he set his soldiers all around the city and would not let anyone come in, not even to bring food or water to the people inside. There were not enough men who could fight against the king and his great army. It seemed that the poor people in the little city would die of either thirst or starvation.
And that was not bad enough. That king built a great fortress around the city. He set his soldiers to dig earth and stones and built great towers of attack against that little city, so that he would soon capture it and have the victory.
Now that seemed hopeless for the people in the little city. But there was a poor wise man living in the city. He certainly was not rich and famous. He had enough wisdom that he could have escaped, but that was not what he wanted to do. Instead, he used his wisdom to save that little city. I cannot tell you what he did, because the Bible doesn’t tell us, but I can surely tell you that his wisdom was wonderful! The great king with all his soldiers and his fortress was totally defeated! Perhaps he went back to his own country or perhaps he lay dead, but he was conquered.
Was there a parade and fame and rewards for the poor wise man who saved the city? No. The people did not remember him. Perhaps they could tell their children the story of the wonderful deed, but they did not remember even the name of that poor wise man who saved them.
Are you like that too? Perhaps you have heard the story of Calvary’s cross where Jesus was crucified, and perhaps you have seen churches and crosses and religious men in long robes. But do you remember the Lord Jesus who died on that cross for you?
Jesus was not always poor. He owned everything because He is God’s Son, and He made everything. And His home is the wonderful place called heaven. But because He loves you and me so much, He came down to earth and was poor. And when He died, He had nothing—nothing at all but a crown of thorns. Not even a grave to be buried in.
And God in His book has asked us to remember His Son Jesus who died for us, and He has told us how in 1 Corinthians 11:23-2523For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:23‑25). God’s wisdom brings salvation to us through the death of His Son. Let’s remember our Lord Jesus. His way is perfect.
ML-09/20/2015