A shepherd boy, though in very humble circumstances, had come to know and love the Lord. His hope was in heaven, and that, of course, made him happy. He was watching his sheep one beautiful morning in spring. The sheep were feeding in a lovely valley between wooded mountains, and the shepherd boy was singing for very joy. It so happened that the prince of that country was hunting in the neighborhood, and after watching the boy for awhile, he called him to him and said, “What makes you so happy, my good fellow?”
The boy did not know the prince, and he replied, “Why shouldn’t I be happy? No king is richer than I am.”
“Ah, indeed. I’m glad to hear you are so well off. Now be pleased to tell me what it is that makes you so rich.”
“Well, you see, sir, the sun up yonder shines as brightly for me as it does for any king; and the mountains and the valleys look as beautiful to me as they could do to a king. I would not give these two hands for all the gold and silver, nor these two eyes for all the brightest jewels owned by any king. Besides, I have everything I really need. I have enough to eat every day, good warm clothing to wear, and I earn money enough every year from my work to meet all my wants. And then, better than all, I know the Lord as my Saviour, and He has prepared for me a home in heaven, better than any that can be found in this world. Don’t you think, sir, I ought to be happy?”
“Certainly you ought, my boy,” replied the prince. “No king can be richer than you are.”
It does one good just to think of such happiness as this. And yet this is what our Lord Jesus Christ gives to all those that love Him. This is the refreshment we may find if we come and sit under His shadow.
“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.
“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
ML 03/01/1959