Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. (Romans 5:1-2)
At the time this was written, the birth of the first child of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Megan, is expected at any time. That baby will immediately be a royal child, seventh in line to the British throne, but they will have no idea of their very special status.
Imagine what it would be like if that child, upon becoming an adult, said to their parents, “Mom and Dad, I need to make something of my life in this world.” Then they leave home to become a maintenance worker that clears away the fat blobs in the London sewers. It’s hard, disgusting work and the young royal, let’s call them Alex, hates it and hates what other people think of them and the work they do. Yet Alex struggles on because they want to be loved, accepted and valued.
Time marches on and, through a series of unfortunate events, the next 6 people in line for the throne all die leaving Alex as the rightful heir. But nobody can find Alex because they are still striving underground in the dark, stinky sewers.
Harry’s faithful valet, Jeeves, remembering the conversation Alex had with their parents many years back and begins to search for Alex. Recalling a brief reference to a sewer, Jeeves descended into the underbelly of London and sloshed through the unspeakable filth of miles and miles of sewer tunnels to search for the lost royal. He ruined his expensive suit and shoes, but he did not care. Finding Alex was far more important to him.
Finally, at the very end of the last tunnel, there was Alex! Overjoyed, Jeeves wrapped his arms around them and cried tears of joy over finding them. Jeeves placed his hands on Alex’s shoulders, looked into their eyes and said, “Come with me. You are the new monarch of the United Kingdom!”
“I can’t,” Alex replied. “I have to stay here in the sewers and work so I can have a life that is worth something and be loved and valued by others for who I am.”
“But you always did have a life that was worth something!” Jeeves exclaimed. “You are the firstborn child of Harry and Megan! You are part of the royal family of Britain! Your great-grandmother is Elizabeth II who was the longest serving monarch in British history! Your grandmother is Princess Diana, the People’s Princess, who was beloved by millions here in Britain and around the world! Come and take your rightful place in the British realm! There is an important position that needs to filled and only you can be that person!”
You are that royal child. Beloved by your heavenly Father, He sent His Son, Jesus, to bring you into His royal family. You are a beloved, forgiven child of the great High King of Heaven! Come and fulfill the important role that God has for you.
Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me into the family of God. By Your Spirit, please help me to trust in You and what You have done for me. Help me to live my life as a beloved child of God. Amen.
Farewell to Shadowlands 