An Exchange-In Exchange

Sons and Daughters of the Good King!
Those Who Now Belong to the Forever Kingdom of God!

For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10: 45

We were hostages, being held as slaves in a wicked kingdom.
We didn’t have rights.
We were surrounded by dark without any hope.
Living in fear, never knowing what was coming next.

Then two men show up at the door of the castle, knocking on the door.
An older man and young man.
They are beautiful Kings from distant country.

The young one enters the castle and asks the wicked king, for us by name.
We are called into the court in front of the wicked king, his jesters and yes men, darkness and debauchery surrounding them.

Then this young king, says, our name.
He says I would like to take her/his place.
And in exchange she/he can have my freedom, and follow my Dad to our kingdom.
He says I will stay here and take her/his place, and she/he can go in exchange.

The young good King asked us, do you agree with this trade.
And we say, yes, in utter disbelief, asking ourselves is this real?
So they clasp His wrists with chains and release us, pushing us out the door as they laugh, thinking they won.
The good King outside the doors, wraps His arms around us and says, Come with Me.
Now you will be a son and daughter in my home, in my kingdom.

We walk off, while the young King is put to death in our place, at the whim of the evil king.

We are taken to a new palace, full of windows of light, full of comfort.
It’s a place of peace, where we are safe, comforted, fed at the table sitting with the king, who loving puts His hand our head and says, daughter/son.

Then in three days, the young king shows up too, laughing.
The father King smiles, and welcomes Him with a hug.
The young King says, Dad, We got them, they didn’t realize I can come back to life!

They tell us, Now you are free, forever!
You aren’t a slave anymore.
Now you live with us, in safety and joy, all your days.
This is your home.
Now you are our family.
You can come and go as you please.
This is your space at the table.
This is your room.
You are safe here.
You belong here.

May we know that we know that we know, the home, the family, the belonging that Jesus our young good King gave us, when God our Good King Dad sent Him to come get us and set us free and to bring us home.

love kathlynn