Most of us had been living the shadows for a long time, but it wasn't like we had a community there. We stayed separately in our own dark misery. We lived in proximity of each other, because no one wanted us around. The black sheep so to speak.
Then He showed up. We didn't know what to make of Him. He would seek us out in our dark alley caves, just to talk. He'd tell us about His father the King, and that the King wanted us to come to Him.
Some cursed Him and told Him to shove off, and they would turn away. A few of us, with a spark of hope that someone might actually call us out of this place, started to meet with Him each night. We asked questions. He told us stories. Even in our shadows, there was light, and we shared our darkness, but with Him, there wasn't condemnation, but a call forward.
Then one night, he said, "Tomorrow I am returning to My Father. I want you to come with Me."
Hearing stories are one thing but now we all had to make a decision. I got up and walked away from the circle, stunned. My thoughts raced, "Is this King for real? Can He really make a new life for me out of the Shadows?"
I heard Him walk up behind me, as I stood staring out toward the palace, that I always thought was unattainable.
"You know you don't want to stay here. It will always be hard to believe that the King would call His greatest servants from the dark places."
He put His hands on my shoulders, and my heart let go of its reservations, and I admitted, "This is all I have ever known. And I know it is not what I want, but being here so long has taught me not to hope."
As tears began streaming down my face, He pulled me into an embrace, whispering into my ear, "I love you, and I delight to show you My Father's Kingdom. He's real and waiting for you."
We walked back to the rest of the group, everyone excited but nervous. For the first time, we stayed together that night, no one returned to their own place, but fell asleep wondering what the next day would bring. In our little circle in the darkness, with Him, it actually looked brighter.
Dawn came, change was upon us. He told us to pack nothing. Everything we would need would be provided. Again, some of us felt the chains to this place, but trusting in this One who loved us, we obeyed and followed as He led us towards the King.
The farther we trekked the lighter it became. None of us realized until we started coming out from the shadows, the heaviness of that place. Slowly smiles came on our faces, which turned into laughter.
People watched as we made our way past. Some rolled their eyes at our unkempt bunch, others smiled knowingly; we were on the way to see the King, a place they had once stood before.
A different, glorious weight fell upon us as we approached the gate. The guard saw us coming and shouted a joyful greeting to our Leader, "So the Son returns with lost sheep! Your Father is waiting in the throne room."
The two embraced like old friends, and we could only marvel as He whispered something to the guard, and then slipped a pouch into his hand. The old man smiled and choked out, "Grace upon grace!"
As we journeyed forward, awe fell on us at the beauty of the palace. Our eyes had never see such incredible things. It only seemed to grow more majestic as we went farther in. A kind of dread fell on us. We knew what He had said about His Father's love but the grandeur was more and more intimidating, as we wore only the threadbare clothes we own.
We approached a large entryway and we heard a trumpet call, and a thunderous but warm voice say, "COME."
He went before us and knelt at the throne. We all dropped to our faces. My heart was pounding in my chest, certain that death was immanent.
"Son, welcome home."
At these words, I dared to look up again. The King caught my gaze and before I jerked my head back down, I saw the tenderness in His eyes. "Rise beloved. Everyone stand up. You have the rightful place to stand in this throne room. My son has purchased that for you."
Standing up, we saw that our old dirty clothes had been replaced by clean, white robes. On the Man's hands I saw the scars for the first time. It was clear the sacrifice He had made that we could be here.
Amazed, the King walked up to each one, speaking quietly into each person's ear. I was the last. He placed His hands on my shoulders, leaned in, and said, " Beloved, there is no condemnation, no shame. You now have both and inheritance and an authority in My Kingdom. For a time you will remain here and learn My Kingdom, be with me, then I will send you as I sent My Son. You will bring others back. This is the new life I offer you, will you accept it?"
Humbled and assured, I nodded my head. I took my place.
I glanced up from the fire and studied each of the other faces in the circle. Each one sat silently. I told my story and I knew that some of these would return to the palace with me in time. Others would reject the King and slink back into the dark recesses, either way, I was new, and filled by His love for me as I told of the day that I was brought out of the shadows.
