Thought for the day
Perhaps you have heard this story. Many years ago, when Hitler's forces occupied Denmark, the order came that all Jews in Denmark were to identify themselves by wearing armbands with yellow stars of David. The Danes had seen the extermination of Jews in other countries and guessed that this was the first step in that process in their countries. King Christian, the Danish king, did not defy the orders. He had every Jew wear the star and he himself wore the Star of David. He told his people that he expected every loyal Dane to do the same.
The King said, "We are all Danes. One Danish person is the same as the next." He wore his yellow star when going into Copenhagen every day in order to encourage his people. The King of Denmark identified with his people, even to the point of putting his own life on the line.It's a wonderful story with a powerful point. The only problem is it isn't true.
According to Snopes.com, "although the Danes did undertake heroic efforts to shelter their Jews and help them escape from the Nazis, there is no real-life example of the actions described by this legend. Danish citizens never wore the yellow badge, nor did King Christian ever threaten to don it himself.
In fact, Danish Jews never wore the yellow badge either (except for the few who were finally deported to concentration camps), nor did German officials ever issue an order requiring Danish Jews to display it.
"Wouldn't it be great if the story was true?
If there was indeed a king who was willing to identify with his people, even to the point of being willing to die?
The true story is even greater than the one that is being passed around the Internet. The King of this universe willingly chose to identify with his people -- people who were marked for death -- and was willing to give up his life in an attempt to save theirs (ours). "Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Although he was in the form of God and equal with God, he did not take advantage of this equality. Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by becoming like other humans, by having a human appearance. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5-8, God's Word)
What an amazing King we have!
Verses
Galatians 6:9
Let us not get tired of doing right, for at the proper time we shall reap, if we do not give out.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 50:4
The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know what to say to all these weary ones. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.
Matthew 6:9
"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Proverbs 28:25
A greedy man stirs up strife; But he who trusts in the LORD will flourish.
Prayer
Father, we’re so glad for the revelation You gave to the apostle John. As he was permitted to see worship circles in heaven he gives us a glimpse of the unending praise that surrounds Your throne. Though we continue to travail here on earth, we already join our spirits with those in heaven around Your throne who declare with one voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” Amen.
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