…continuation…
Joshua hurried through the filthy streets as darkness made its descent. Little children dressed in rags ran towards him with hands outstretched. “Money, mister?” Joshua stopped and looked down at them. Compassion swelled up as he stared into their imploring eyes.
“I’ll tell you what. You all come here and sit down. I want to tell you a true story. When I’m finished and you’ve sat very still, I’ll give you some money. How does that sound?”
The children looked at him suspiciously and then at one another. In silent agreement, they gathered around to listen to the stranger’s story.
“A long long time ago, before you were born, there was this beautiful kingdom called Miskana. Do you know what Miskana means?” Joshua asked the wide-eyed children. In unison, the silently shook their heads. “Miskana means the dwelling place of God.” Joshua continued. “This kingdom was paradise! There was gold and jewels everywhere!”
“Ooh!” The children whispered in awe. “Was there lots of food, too?” One emaciated boy spoke up.
“Oh, yes. As a matter of fact there was a big tree by a flowing river. This tree was special like no other tree around. It grew all sorts of fruit all year long!” The children licked their lips and rubbed their empty tummies.
“There was a mighty powerful king that ruled over the kingdom.”
“Was he a bad king, mean and cruel?” A boy asked.
Joshua chuckled, “No, he was the exact opposite. He loved his people very much and he loved talking to them and spending time with them, but then one day, the king’s highest government official became prideful and jealous. He wanted to be just like the king. So, he began to persuade other lower government workers to follow him.”
A little girl gasped, “Did he kill the king?”
“No, he did not kill the king. When the king found out, he threw the official and his followers out of Miskana. He had to protect his kingdom.”
“Yay!” The children cheered. After Joshua quieted them, he continued, “The official took over an extended part of the kingdom and over time destroyed everything that was beautiful. Now the people who live there have no hope. They are hungry, sad, and constantly fight.”
“Sounds like where we live.” A boy chimed in.
“Yes, it is.” Joshua stated quietly. The children looked at one another in astonishment.
“Knowing what was happening to the people he loved and knowing the coming destruction of them, he sent representatives to warn the citizens. Instead of listening to the warnings, the leaders killed them.”
Another gasp circulated through the group of young listeners. “That didn’t stop the King from trying to reach out to his people. He sent his son, the Prince, to help show them the love his father has for them.”
“What happened to the Prince?” A girl looked frightened.
“You will have to wait and watch for the rest of the story.” Joshua smiled sadly.
A stalky tough boy stood up, “Wait a minute. I thought you said this was a TRUE story!”
“It is. It’s a story that’s still being written.”
“If it’s still being written, then does the kingdom of Miskana still exist?” Another child piped up.
“And is the tree with all the fruit still there?” The emaciated boy cut in.
“What about the gold and jewels?”
The Prince held up his hand laughing, “Whoa! The answer is yes to all those questions!”
Still doubtful the stalky boy spoke up, “What’s the king’s name and is his son here now?”
“The King’s name is Penuel, and yes, his son is here now.”
The kid’s burst into laughter as the boy responded, “That’s a good tale, Mister. My dad says Penuel doesn’t exist!”
“And my dad said that if we speak of Penuel, we can get in big trouble with the law!” another girl stated emphatically.
“We did what you wanted. Now where’s our money?” the boy challenged the Prince.
Joshua nodded as he dug into his pockets and produced money for each of the children. As they grabbed the coins, they ran off without another look at the stranger. As Joshua turned to find his way through the darkened street, he felt a tug on his hand. Looking down, his deep brown eyes locked with brilliant blue ones. It was the little girl who was worried about the Prince.
“I liked your story very much.” She whispered.
Joshua’s heart melted, “Thank you.”
She glanced about, fearful of being overheard, “Are you the Prince?”
Joshua knelt in front of her, “Yes, I am.”
Tears filled the cobalt blue eyes. “Can I come to Miskana with you?”
“Yes, someday you can, if you believe that I’ve come to help you and love you.”
“Oh, I do!” The little girl wrapped her arms around Joshua’s neck in a quick embrace, and then raced off towards her mother’s demanding voice.
“I’ll see you soon, little one.” Joshua whispered into the night air.
…to be continued
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.- Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)
Coffee With God 