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James 2 (ESV)
8If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. 9But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Story
Once, legend says, a king who had no son ruled Ireland. The king sent out his couriers to post notices in the towns. The notices advised that every qualified young man should apply for an interview with the king as a possible successor. All such candidates must have these two qualifications: love God and his fellow human beings.
A young man reflected that he loved God and his neighbors. But he was so poor he had no clothes that would be presentable before the king. And he did not have funds to buy provisions for the long journey to the castle. So the young man begged and borrowed, finally getting enough money for appropriate clothes and necessary supplies.
Properly attired, the young man set out. He had almost completed the journey when he came upon a beggar by the side of the road. The beggar sat trembling, clad in tattered rags. His extended arms pleaded for help, while his voice croaked, "I'm hungry and cold. Please help me... please?"
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The young man was so moved by the beggar's need that he took off his new clothes and put on the beggar's tattered ones. Next, he gave the beggar all his provision. Then, somewhat hesitantly, he continued to the castle dressed in the beggar's rags and lacking provisions for his return home. Upon arrival at the castle, a king's attendant showed him in to the great hall. After a brief respite to clean himself up, he was admitted to the throne room.
The young man bowed before his majesty. When he lifted his eyes, he gaped in astonishment. He said, "You... it's you! You're the beggar by the side of the road." "Yes," replied the king, "I was that beggar." The young man spoke, "But you are not really a beggar. You are the king! Well, then, why did you do this to me?" the young man stammered after regaining some composure. "Because I had to know if you genuinely love God and your fellow human beings," said the king. "I knew that if I came to you as king, you would have been impressed by my gem-encrusted golden crown and royal robes. You would have done anything I asked of you because of my regalness. But I would never have known what is truly in your heart. So I came to you as a beggar with no claims on you except for the love in your heart. And I discovered that you sincerely love God and your fellow human beings. You are my successor," vowed the king. "You will inherit my kingdom."
Continued... |
