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b'READ: LUKE 5:17-26; 23:32-43; EPHESIANS 2:1-10\\n\\n\\n\\nIcy iron chains bind my hands behind me, weighing me down more and more with every step as I\\u2019m led toward the throne room. My heart pounds in my chest and sweat slides down my temple. Why did I have to be so foolish?! Why did I think it would be a good idea to steal from the King\\u2019s table? What was I thinking! The groan of the great, gold doors of the throne room opening snaps me from my thoughts, and I gulp. Up ahead is the King, full of majesty and glory. With slow, halting steps I make my way toward the foot of the throne. I barely notice the murmurs of the court as I curl into myself. I should have listened to my mother. She told me my thievery would get me killed someday.\\n\\n\\n\\nI fall to my knees before the throne, my whole body shaking with fright at what I\\u2019m sure will be a death sentence. After everything I\\u2019ve done, I\\u2019d deserve it. Stealing isn\\u2019t even the worst crime I\\u2019ve committed. I keep my eyes on the floor. For a moment silence reigns in the room; then a gentle voice speaks. \\u201cWhy are you frightened young man?\\u201d the voice asks.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cBecause I\\u2019ve done wrong against the King and the people of this kingdom,\\u201d I say, my voice shaking.\\n\\n\\n\\nThen a hand gently lifts my chin to reveal the King smiling kindly at me. He moved from his throne\\u2014he came down to be near me, a criminal. Awe washes over me and I stare, not understanding why the King of all people would be smiling at me.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cBe at peace young man,\\u201d he says kindly, \\u201cyou are forgiven, and your name is cleared. Be free.\\u201d At those last two words my chains fall, broken, to the ground, and I stare in awe as tears fill my eyes.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cWhy?\\u201d I rasp, and the King smiles. \\u201cBecause I choose to.\\u201d \\u2022 Caelin Allred\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 What stuck out to you in today\\u2019s allegorical story? Jesus is King of the universe. He humbled Himself by coming to earth, fully God and fully human, and living among us. He was on a rescue mission to forgive us, knowing full well all the wrong things we do that separate us from Him. For everyone who puts their trust in Jesus, He has secured our forgiveness through dying on the cross and rising from the grave. If you want to know more about this good news, check out our "Know Jesus" Page.\\n\\n\\n\\nBlessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Psalm 32:1 (NIV)'