There was a king who ruled a vast empire with many cities and states. In this nation, there were two governors. They amassed great wealth and mistreated the people they ruled over. But calamity struck them both and they lost all their wealth; more so, they became indebted to the king. The time came for the king to settle his accounts, so he called the two governors to come before him.
The king took his seat on his throne in the presence of his advisors, governors, and secretary. The first governor was called in. The secretary proclaimed his debt to the crown to be 100 million dollars.
So the King said to the governor, “Your debt to me is great. How will you repay me?”
The governor replied, “I have done nothing wrong. The debt I owe is actually but a pittance, it is only $100.
The King became angry and said “You foolish governor! My accounts are not incorrect. I placed you in power and gave you wealth, power, and position. But you have not recognized me, paid taxes, or returned your loans. In fact, you used the money and power I gave you to mistreat and steal from the citizens of my kingdom that you rule over. They are here to testify against you. Guards! Place him in the lowest dungeon for he will never see daylight again.
So the guards stripped off his purple robe, cast off his crown, and carried him away.
The secretary then called in the second governor and proclaimed his debt to the crown; it was also 100 million dollars.
The King said to the second governor, “Your debt to me is great. How will you repay me?”
The governor fell on his knees before the king and said, “Please my Lord, let me have three more years and I will pay back all that I owe you.
The King replied, “Even if you had 10 lives you would never be able to pay back what you owe. Even your own people grumble against you saying that you have oppressed and mistreated them.”
So the governor took off his crown and robe & placed his head on the ground and cried out, “I do not deserve to be your servant, nor can I repay my debt. I only ask for mercy.”
The King stood up and cried out to his secretary. “Strike out this man’s debts! From this day forever he owes me nothing. Guards, put his robe back on his shoulders and give him the robe of the first governor. For today you will rule not only in your own state, but in the state of the foolish governor! From now on you will eat at my table every day and live in my palace all your days and enjoy all the things that I enjoy. For I love mercy and humility, but the proud I will tear down.”
So God is the King, and we are the two Governors. The only choice is which of the two Governors you choose to be. That is the message of the bible.
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16