The Journey
By: Maxine M

The old man was down-hearted, depressed, forlorn and sad
He had been told he was about to lose all the possessions he had
The things he'd worked so hard to obtain since he was a lad

For interest had accumulated to an enormous amount, a debt he couldn't pay
WHAT to do now?! The question he needed to assay
So it was determined that a "Forgiveness of Debt" by the King was the ONLY way

But HOW to see the King...why would a King bother with his trivial plight
A King has BIG & IMPORTANT dealings to keep his Kingdom running right
But there was no other choice, so he set off at morning's light

After many weary days, the King's awesome glorious palace was in sight
At the mere thought of SEEING the King, his eyes watered and throat got tight
But he knew, to gain access, he'd be in for a fight

At every entrance there were guards, all royally attired
All turned him away from the audience to which he aspired
Their "loyal spirit" to their King, the old man greatly admired

So after many many attempts with no success, back to his little camp, he'd retire
To sit & endulge in remembrance of how good life had been prior
Sip hot tea and eat his simple humble meal cooked over an open fire

"My, that really smells good" the old man heard a voice say...soft and mild
Frightened, he looked behind him, but it was only a ruddy-cheeked young child
"Are you hungry? Come and eat", the old man said, as more wood on the fire...he piled

"Thank you, Sir" the child said "This meal is a real delight!"
"So kind of you to share your supper and the warmth of your fire tonight"
He's only a child, the old man thought...but those eyes seem ever so bright

Grateful to have a "listening ear", the man started to tell his tale of woe
"Oh , Sir, that's so sad. But I know just where you can go"
Yeah-right!! thought the old man. You're just a CHILD, what do YOU know!

"Follow me, Sir" "NOT on that smoothe wide road over there
BUT on this NARROW road, overgrown with tares. So off they went...this unlikely pair
The briers didn't deter the child...he lead the old man with tender love and care

No Royal Guards were seen to stop them in the endeavor they sought
The child lead them right into the palace as the old man wondered, what if we're caught
Fearfully considering, what disaster have we wrought?

But the child was undaunted & bold...entered the Throne Room with youthful ZEST
Saying in a respectful voice, "Father!!, I have a request"
"I've met a friend who's in trouble. I've invited him as MY guest"

The old man was shocked...FATHER?! Oh my, the child is the King's own Son!
Frightened and trembling, he turned around prepared to run
But the gentle voice of the King said, "If you are a friend of My Son, you're a friend of Mine...My Son and I are ONE

The petition that you sought, I have granted...your debt is forgiven today
I'll even give you ENDURING riches...need not worry about rust and decay
I'll even adopt you as My child, then here with Me, you can stay

Now, YOUR life story COULD end as happily as this old man's
For we ALL owe a debt we cannot pay...when judegement demands
Durable riches we too can receive from the King's own hands

Requests and supplications, to the Throne of Grace, all can boldly bring
Find forgiveness of debt...freedom from death's eternal sting
Accept Jesus as your Brother/Friend...then, you too, will be a CHILD OF THE KING!!