Wiping the sweat from his brow, Joel trudged along the path. He was on his way to see the King, and he was tired and thirsty. Finally he saw the castle in the distance and his excitement grew as he imagined sitting down to talk with the King and telling him all about his journey. Perhaps the King would offer him a cool drink of water and a bite to eat.

Joel approached the grand, imposing gate and was stopped by the husky and intimidating guard. “I just want to see the King,” Joel said in a halting voice. He was just a small boy and the soldier was very tall.

“Go away,” said the guard gruffly, “you cannot enter without an appointment.” Joel turned and ran back down the path. He was so disappointed he finally sat down under a tree and cried.

“What’s wrong?” someone asked. Joel looked up and there stood a man with a sack over his shoulder and a walking stick in his hand. “Sir, I came a long way to visit the King, and they won’t let me in.” Joel explained.

Sitting down beside him, the man reached into his sack and pulling out an apple, offered it to Joel. “You must be hungry after such a long journey.”  he said kindly. “Yes, thanks,” said Joel. “I don’t think I’ll ever go back there.” The man rose to his feet and held out his hand. “Why don’t you try again?” he suggested, “I’ll come with you this time.”

Joel stood and hesitated, then took the man’s hand and gripped it tighter and tighter as they came within sight of the gate. “Look, I don’t want to be any trouble,” Joel stammered, “I’ll just go back home.”

“You are so close,” the man replied quietly, “Don’t give up now child, simply trust me a little longer.” Joel gulped, took a deep breath, and walked on with his companion.

The guard swung the gate open wide as they approached. “Welcome home Sir!” he saluted. Joel’s jaw dropped in astonishment. “Who are you?” he said looking up at his friend.

“I am the King’s Son, and because you put your faith and trust in me, you can enter in at the gate with me and see the King,” said the man.

“Wow! I can’t wait to return home after my visit and tell my family and friends, so they can come visit and praise the King too!” exclaimed Joel.

If you would like to meet the King, you must do as Joel learned. Have Faith and Follow His Son– Jesus!

-By R Trauger