Alfred the Great sat on the throne of England long ago. He was a Christian and a good king, yet he had a great deal of trouble. The Danes came in their ships and overran his kingdom. He had to flee for his life, and live in the forests in disguise.
One day when he and his queen were living in a cottage in the woods, a beggar came to his door and asked for bread. The Queen told Alfred that one loaf of bread was all they had and she had no idea when they would get any more.
“Give the poor man half the loaf,” said Alfred. “He who could feed five thousand with five loaves and two small fishes, can certainly make a loaf last for us until we get a fresh supply.” So the beggar got half the loaf.
And what did the great and good King Alfred get? His servants came in soon after with an abundant supply of bread, so the king was rewarded many times over for his kind act. He did it as unto the Lord, and the Lord honored him.
ML-12/25/1977