The King and His Two Sons
Once there was a king who wanted his two sons to grow up to be courteous, well-mannered gentlemen. But in their youth their behavior made him wonder if they would ever reach such a goal.
He challenged the boys with this proposition: Suppose a man wanted his son to become a gentleman. Could he make a gentleman of him by proper training and education?
The first son answered, “Of course, train him right and the father could make whatever he wants out of the boy.”
The second son declared, “No, you are wrong. No amount of mere training would produce a gentleman.”
The king, seeing that they disagreed, gave the boys a month to think and study. Then they would be summoned to appear before the king, and each would try to prove his case. The one who proved his case would be given his father’s throne when the king passed to the other world.
The first son decided to think it over by meditating in a tavern. He ordered a drink (probably Coca-Cola). To his surprise he saw that his drink was served to him by a cat, a cat dressed in a waiter’s uniform, walking on its back legs. Aha! If you can train a cat to be a waiter—well, the first son knew he had the winning argument. He purchased the trained cat from the tavern owner. It cost him plenty, but he could afford it because soon he would be the king.
The second son saw what had happened. He too thought that his brother had won the argument and would soon wear the king’s crown. How the second son wanted to be king. But how could he compete with a cat trained as a waiter—and a good one at that. Then one day as he walked sadly down the street thinking of the lost throne, he saw something that made him smile.
The day came for the hearing before the king. The first son presented his trained cat. The cat was dressed in royal attire, walked on its back legs, and daintily served the king a plate of three chocolates.
Next the elegant, trained cat was to serve the king hot tea. But just as he approached the king with the steaming potion the second son opened the bag he was carrying and emptied it on the floor. Five frightened mice went running for cover. The elegant, trained cat dropped the tea, scalding the king. On all fours, the cat pounced on the nearest mouse, snarling and growling and gobbling its favorite food!
So why do I tell you a story today? I think because As good as training and discipline are, when it comes to our hearts, transformation is what we need most. The main idea in this whole devotional is that TRANSFORMATION is key. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says this: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit”(NIV). Often we try to just fix things with training, but what God wants to do is to transform you. A trained cat is still a cat, but a transformed person is no longer who they were, but now they are something different in Christ.
To help you get a picture of this, please take some time and listen to the song below.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeremy
Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)
All these pieces
Broken and scattered
In mercy gathered
Mended and whole
Empty-handed
But not forsaken
I've been set free
I've been set free
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me, oh
I once was lost
But now I'm found
Was blind but now I see
Oh, I can see it now
Oh, I can see the love in Your eyes
Laying yourself down
Raising up the broken to life
You take our failure
You take our weakness
You set Your treasure
In jars of clay
So take this heart, Lord
I'll be Your vessel
The world to see
Your life in me, oh
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me, oh
I once was lost
But now I'm found
Was blind but now I see
Oh, I can see it now
Oh, I can see the love in Your eyes
Laying yourself down
Raising up the broken to life
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me, oh
I once was lost
But now I am found
Was blind but now I see
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me, oh
I once was lost
But now I am found
Was blind but now I see
Oh, I can see it now
Oh, I can see the love in Your eyes
Laying yourself down
Raising up the broken to life
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me, oh
I once was lost
But now I am found
Was blind but now I see
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me, oh
I once was lost
But now I'm found
Was blind but now I see
Oh, I can see it now
Oh, I can see the love in Your eyes
Laying yourself down
Raising up the broken to life
Oh, I can see it now
Oh, I can see the love in Your eyes
Laying yourself down
Raising up the broken to life
Oh, I can see it now
Oh, I can see the love in Your eyes
Laying yourself down
Raising up the broken to life
Wednesday Food Sign up:
So let's talk about food and Bible Study: we would love for you to join us on Wednesday for dinner and Bible study. If you enjoy our time together please also consider inviting your friends. The more we have the merrier it will be. To make sure we have everything we need, here is the link for this week Wednesday, September 12th. If you would like to sign up for next week here is the sign up sheet for that. Wednesday September 19th.
Wednesday Night Fellowship + Kids Program:
WEDNESDAY, 6-7:30pm. Come join us for an evening for every age! The children will be experiencing pirate themed lessons on treasures in heaven. Chelsea will be doing a study on, “What is a church member?” Bryant will be working through Judges. Please utilize our invitations to invite people you think would benefit from attending! We want all of you to join us.
Men’s Retreat:
This weekend at Palomar Christian Conference Center! Talk to Bryant with any questions regarding rides/transportation to and from.
All Church Game Night:
Friday, September 21. Save the date for this fun all church evening. More details to come!
Fall Festival:
Saturday, October 27 from 2-6pm. Save the date for this fun outreach event that our church will be doing. We’ll let you know about the ways you can get involved (besides inviting everyone you know!!!) :)
SoCal District Work & Witness Trip:
November 5-12, Puerto Rico, $1200. Check out the menifeechurch.org/missions for more information or talk to Chelsea if you have questions!
Offering:
To all those who give during out service or online, THANK YOU!!! The money you give goes to helping our community and the global church. If you missed giving this week, just visit our giving page here and give online.
We also are set up to receive Faith Promise through our online giving here just make sure that you select Faith Promise instead of general offering.
Tithing is a discipline that will strengthen your faith and the church cannot function properly without your support. If you consider Mount Carmel your church home, please pray about being obedient to the Lord in this way.
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Our mailing address is:
Mount Carmel Church of the Nazarene
10060 Carmel Mountain Road
San Diego, California 92129, United States
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