Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son,
shared a passion for the art collecting. Together they traveled around the
world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless
works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the
family estate. The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only
child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp
business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art
collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve
his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. his
beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more
news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were
confirmed, the young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic.
Distraught and lonely, the old man viewed the upcoming Christmas holidays with
anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, that he and his son had so looked
forward to, would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning a knock on the door awakened the depressed, old man. As
he walked to the door, the master-pieces of art on the walls only reminded him
that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a
soldier with a large package in his hands. He introduced himself to the man
by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he
died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."
As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait
of the man's son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a
genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture
above the fireplace.
A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his
task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside
thousands of dollars worth of art. his task completed, the old man sat in his
chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.
During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his
son was no longer with him, the boy's life would live on because of those he
had touched. Hie would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of
wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.
As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride
and satisfaction began to ease his grief, the painting of his son became his most
prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums
around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he
had ever received.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world
was in anticipation that with the collector's passing, and his only son dead,
those paintings would be sold at auction. According to the will of the old
man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had
received the greatest gift.
The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid
on some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled
this day; greatness would be achieved as many would hope to claim, "I have the
greatest collection."
The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was
the painting of the man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid, but
the room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" Minutes passed and
no one spoke. From the back of the room came a voice, "Who cares about that
painting? It's just a picture of his son." "Let's forget about it and move on
to the good stuff," more voices echoed in agreement. "No, we have to sell this
one first," replied the auctioneer. Now who will take the son?" Finally, a
neighbor of the old man spoke. "Will you take $10 for the painting? that's all
I have. I knew the boy, so I'd like to have it."
After more silence, the auctioneer said, " I have ten dollars, will anyone go
higher?" The auctioneer said, "Going once, Going twice, Gone." The gavel
fell.
Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and
we can bid on the real treasures!" The auctioneer looked at the audience and
announced that the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, " What do you
mean, it's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son. What
about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here!
I demand that you explain what is going on!" The auctioneer replied, "It's
very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son, gets
it all."
For God So Loved the World, that He Gave His Only Begotten Son That whosoever
believeth in Him, shall not perish .... But have everlasting Life.