The following story shared by Pastor Jim Butcher is probably not true but is a wonderful modern day parable.
Once upon a time there was a king who ruled a vast domain. He was the wealthiest person in the world with thousands of horses, dozens of homes, access to anything his heart desired. There was nothing anyone could give him that he did not already possess.
One day at the door of the throne room a young boy asked to enter that he might give something to the king. With amused looks, the guards moved to allow him to pass. One led the boy into the king’s presence and announced with a smirk on his face, “Lord, this child has come to present you with a present.”
“You may proceed,” the king said, extending his hand toward the boy.
The boy took two steps forward, cleared his throat, and began to sing a song of his own creation. He was slightly off-key, but the words spoke praise and thanksgiving to the king for the mercy and generosity the king had shown the boy’s family during the recent death of the boy’s mother.
When the boy was done, the king who owned everything, with tears on his face, descended from the throne, hugged the child and said, “Thank you for that beautiful gift. You have brought great joy to my heart.”
This is a picture of us in worship. The King we serve owns everything. There is nothing we can bring Him that He does not already possess. And yet, in our simple and imperfect words of thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude, we share a gift that warms the very heart of the King who owns everything.
What can we offer the Creator of the universe? What can we give to the Lord Almighty, King of angel armies? We cannot add anything to His unimaginable wealth. But He who has Everything deserves our praise. Even more mind-boggling, He desires our worship! He is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23).
Christina G. Rossetti (1830-1894) is considered one of the Victorian age’s finest poets. The last stanza of In the Bleak Midwinter, her well-known poem often recited at Christmas-time goes like this: “What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.” I can surrender my life to Him, laying it down at His feet. I can give Him a heart of worship and praise!
This Sunday, April 10, we will celebrate Palm Sunday at the 10:35am worship service. What an opportunity to wave our palms and sing praises to our Savior Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords! After the service, those present will join together for an ono-licious Fellowship Lunch. (Bring your favorite foods to add to the table.) Please join us at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream to both locations every Sunday morning.
This Sunday is also BGMC Sunday (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge), so kids be sure to bring your Buddy Barrels. One generous giver will receive a special BGMC prize! Please don’t miss it.
Coming Up: The following Sunday, April 17, is Resurrection Sunday. Jesus defeated death, hell and the grave! Please invite your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates to join us in celebrating Christ’s glorious resurrection. The tomb is empty! Nothing is impossible for Him.
Our next Compassion Sunday with Pastor Ron Peer will be April 24. Missionary Joyce Kitano will be with us on Sunday, May 1. She will not only share with us about her exciting ministry in Japan, but also about the miracle healing the Lord has done in her body. It will be an exciting celebration.
Aloha ke Akua!