Whoever Takes the Son

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

There is a story that has gone around on Facebook for so many years, and in so many variations. It tells of a very wealthy man and his son who liked collecting masterpieces of the Old Masters that they had built quite an enviable collection. 

Well one day the son was conscripted to go to war. The father was so sad about that, more so when he received a telegram notifying him his son was MIA. A few weeks after, the son was confirmed to be dead. The old man was inconsolable.

One day, after some time passed, the doorbell rang and the father received a visitor carrying a big package. The visitor told the story that the son had died saving his life. He said that the son was so very brave and had saved many lives in the course of the war. 

“I know you collect paintings, and this won’t have any material value, but I hoped to honor your son. I’m a painter,” the soldier said. He unwrapped the package he was carrying and showed a painting of the son, drawn lovingly from memory. The painting made the father cry, and he hugged the visitor tightly in gratitude. 

“Thank you so much! I will hang this where I will see it every day,” and he put it across his office desk where he spent much of his time. 

When the father passed away the next summer, it was announced there would be an auction of the artworks in this well curated collection. There was a buzz of excitement and anticipation and on the day of the auction many arrived to see the paintings and to bid. The first painting put on the block was the portrait of the son. All was quiet. 

“Who will open the bidding for this painting? Do I have a $100 for this painting?” No one bid, and someone even shouted in irritation, “Can we get on with the auction? No one wants that piece of garbage!” After some murmurs of agreement from the bidders, a friend of the son, someone the son had saved from enemy fire, piped up timidly, “I wasn’t planning on bidding but he’s a friend of mine. Could I have the painting for $50? That’s all I have with me but I’m willing to buy it for all I have.” 

“Give it to him!” the crowd urged, “So we can get on with the masterpieces!” 

“Going, going, gone for $50!” said the auctioneer, and he banged the gavel. Then he said, “Ladies and gentlemen, our auction is concluded.” Oh the shouting, and the cursing! “What do you mean, concluded? We came all the way to buy the masterpieces!”

“I’m sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but the terms of the will stated that whoever gets the son, takes everything!” 

Many people find that what this world offers is much more interesting, worth more of their time, than what God offers, not knowing that the glitter and shine of this world is worthless. A relationship with Jesus is priceless. Friendship with Jesus is worth cultivating, much more than getting to know Kings and Queens, and rock stars, actors, influencers, and even Taylor Swift. Yes, whoever takes the Son, takes everything. 

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)