The Choice You Make
Continued from yesterday…
Shortly afterwards her Ladyship went down followed by a retinue of servants, in case any harm might come to her. Seeing the beggar, she asked him kindly, “Well, my good man, what do you want?”
He bowed, and then said, “I have come to ask your hand in marriage today.”
Her Ladyship looked at him steadfastly for a moment, then stepping forward, said “Very well. Here it is.”
The beggar approached, bowed low, and taking her hand in his, kissed it, adding “And on what day will you marry me?” To which her Ladyship replied, “This day twelve months hence.” On hearing her reply, the beggar gathered up his crutches and hobbled away, greatly to the relief and delight of the servants standing around, who thought that she had got rid of the beggar very quickly and easily.
During the week of the festivities, many of the young nobles asked her hand in marriage, but all of them got the same reply, “I am betrothed already.” Many began asking who the ‘lucky fellow’ was, but no one could tell.
The servants, overhearing the conversations amongst the guests, began to wonder among themselves if it were really true that she had given away her hand in marriage to the beggar. At last, it came to her father’s ears that she had been asked by many, and all had been given the same refusal and that she had already given her hand in marriage to a beggar, with a promise that it should take place in a year’s time. Her father was heart-broken.
“Is it true, my daughter, that you have given your hand in marriage to a poor beggar man?”
“Yes, father, it is quite true, and it will be alright.”
The week of festivities ended rather abruptly, everyone being greatly disappointed at the news of her betrothal to the beggar. During the year, her father time after time called her to his side, saying “Oh, my daughter! Oh my daughter! Comfort me. Tell me it is all a mistake.” But her answer was always the same, “It is quite true, and it will be alright.”
At length, the year passed by. No preparation was made for the marriage, and on the day appointed, her father sent for her, and said: “You see, my daughter, there is no one coming.”
“Oh, but he will come!” she replied.
One o’clock chimed, yet no appearance of anyone coming. About two o’clock in the afternoon, however, a great noise was heard coming over the hill towards the castle. Everyone in the house rushed to the windows, and what they beheld was a wonderful procession of pipers, drummers and horsemen, in large numbers. Up to the front door of the castle came a guard of prancing horsemen, who lined both sides of the avenue. Wheeling around, they drew up, each horse facing the other and forming a guard of honour. Then, last of all, came a beautiful prancing steed, with a noble rider on its back. On reaching the steps leading to the doorway of the castle, this rider threw himself from the saddle, ran up the steps, and embraced his beloved.
Who was he? The King’s son!
That morning twelve months before he had disguised himself as a poor beggar, and came in that way lest he should be too late. Recognizing his eyes, she knew who he was, and kept his secret. So all were glad at the end.
Who is standing at your heart’s door and knocking? A beggar! One of Whom it was said, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.” A Man whose faced was more marred than that of any man. A beggar knocking at your heart’s door, seeking admission. Open the door, for He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
— Author Unknown
Meditation: “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 (NLT)
You will succeed in Jesus Name!
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