IT IS said, that one of Russia’s emperors had been in the habit of disguising himself, that he might more unhinderedly mingle with his people to learn their character and ways. One evening he went as a beggar into one of the suburbs of Moscow to ask at different doors for night lodgings. But in vain did he go from door to door and his heart sank within him on account of the selfishness of his people. He would try one more place, and behold the door opened and the scanty supper of the poor man was joyfully shared with his guest, excusing himself at the same time that he could not do more for the tired wanderer, saying that the Lord had just given them a little babe, and he had to see to all the housework. A place was soon got ready for the emperor; a hard bed it was; but the joy of having found a true and unselfish heart made him sleep sound, and in the morning he bid farewell to his host with many words of thanks.
The man in the little house had almost forgotten the incident, when a few days later the emperor’s carriage stopped in front, and the emperor himself entered the room. Our poor man was much frightened and cast himself at the emperor’s feet and asked what he was accused of. The emperor took both his hands, raised him up and said: “You have not done anything but to give shelter to your emperor who came to your house as a beggar, and have shared your scanty food supply with him joyfully. Now, I am come to reward you for it. Bring your infant to me.” As the monarch held him in his arms, he said: “He shall bare my name, I will also see to his education, and he shall later on have a place at my court. Take also this bag of gold; use it for yourself and wife, and should you ever be in need, knock at my door.”
This reminds me of the word of the Lord Jesus: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” That poor man did not know that he was giving shelter to the emperor when he took in that beggar. But it was the emperor and the reward was accordingly. Indeed everything we do in love to the Lord, every word and every deed, will bring its reward. But he who works for reward, or wages, not in love to the Lord, has his reward, that is, he receives nothing in the future.
God looks not as man looks; man looks at outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. There is beauty of soul seen in the emperor, as well as in the poor man. How little unselfishness we meet with in this world. The apostle Paul had to bemoan this; that all seek their own and not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. May we be learners of Him who in the fulness of His love gave Himself for sinners.
ML 12/23/1906