There once was a man of great report living in an isolated village. Everyone held him in high regard. They tipped their hats as they walked past. The man spoke to each a kind and friendly word and always invited each and every one to come to visit him. Everyone was always invited for dinner at the gentle man’s house.

Of course few took him up on the offer. They were busy. They didn’t see the need. It didn’t sound like an entertaining way to spend an evening. There were a few who did go and once they did, they visited frequently. His stories were amazing. His wisdom solved all of their problems.

They would tell others and some would believe them and join them at the table, but most couldn’t believe that an ancient man could be so full of life.

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What did they miss by not believing? They never knew the truth of who he was.

Why didn’t they go? They were busy and didn’t see the need.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.  Revelation 3:20

There was a man with a certain persuasion. People looked up to him and admired him, but away from the public eye he was less than admirable. He cheated and lied and stole through tricky maneuvers. The people didn’t see these things because he had persuaded them that the things he did were okay. They believed him and then only saw what fit their belief. Others didn’t forget the King’s laws, but the king allowed this man of persuasion to be about, so they didn’t think it their place to judge him.

One day the man thought to himself that he could hold even more influence. He used his winning ways to rule larger and larger areas. He thought to himself, ‘I will one day rule the world.’ The ruler of the world heard this and laughed. He dusted off an old book and opened it on a table. “It is written that My kingdom will have no end. The word is true. This imposter cannot rule in my place. He closed the book, stretched his legs and walked to where he could look lover his kingdom.

The ruler looked over His kingdom and knew what needed to be done. He wrote up orders to give to the commanding officers of his army. The orders were to round up everyone not obeying the king’s laws. Anyone found guilty of the slightest infraction was to be taken away. There was to be no more leniency. No more patience and mercy.

The arrogant man seized the chance to raise up a rebellion against the ruler. Those who knew they would be found guilty either hid in fear or openly rebelled alongside the Man, but the rebellion didn’t even give the ruler pause. He had them collected all at once, bound, and shipped off to oblivion. They were gone.

Those hiding in fear were made to obey or be punished. Those who were found about the ruler’s business were given rewards and positions of power.

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Why would such a man disobey such a ruler? His arrogance and pride were his downfall.

Why would so many follow him and disobey such a ruler? They didn’t know him. They mistook his patience and mercy for his acceptance, even though they knew his laws.

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?  Luke 6:46

For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?” Revelation 6:17