Why?

A child sits in the darkness, alone, confused and depressed. His arms are wrapped around his legs and the tears flow freely down his young face. As he opens his eyes, he feels a warm, gentle touch on his shoulder; the hand of a Father, a Brother, a Friend.

“Why?” the boy asks with the simplicity of youth.

“You know the answer, son,” the owner of the gentle hand says with the wisdom of ages long gone and even those that have yet to come.

“No. It makes no sense!” the child responds, shaking his head violently, flashing his tears into the darkness. “You didn’t have to!”

“No, I did not,” the child’s Father gently tells him. “But you must accept it.”

“Did your Father threaten you? Was he gonna hurt you if you didn’t?” the boy asks, still refusing to accept the Truth.

“Of course not. You know that.”

“But you went through so much…” The tears still flow; he still cannot accept.

“Do not feel sad for me,” the child’s friend says.

“But… why? Being human is suffering enough… but scourging? Crucifixion?” the child sniffles. “Why did you do it? I’m not worthy…”

“True. You fall short of my glory, but my love is for everyone. You must accept it, my child, and let me in.”

“So… You suffered ’cause you love me?” the boy realizes, the door of his eyes and his heart finally opening.

“Yes, my son,” the Lord says, his gentle grip tightening as he dispels the darkness, summoning light such as the boy has never experienced. “And if you needed any more saving, I would do it again… and again…”

The boy wipes away his tears, gets to his feet and takes his first step towards the Source of the wonderful Light. The truth of his Saviour’s love and grace is now sealed safely in his heart, and he is determined that there it will remain, even until the end of the age.