The monoploy

Years ago there was a merchant who was the only source for a much valued product.  Everyone wanted it, but he was the only merchant that had it.

Some complained.  "It's unfair" they said.  

Other merchants protested.  They demanded access to the product so they might sell it as well.

But the little merchant who had the monopoly on this amazing product ignored the complaints and protests.  

You see he wasn't selling his one of a kind product, he was giving it away, but you had to come to his shop to get it.

Some said it wasn't fair and refused to go to him for this valuable and rare gift.  They demanded all merchants have access to it.

And some merchants made copies and sold them.  The copies were not nearly as beautiful, valuable or special, but people bought them even though the original product was absolutely free for anyone who would come to the old merchant and simply ask for it.

We are such strange creatures.  In spite of this wonderful product being free, in spite of everyone wanting it, most simply wouldn't humble themselves to get this gift on the merchants terms.

But many did.  They came, they saw the treasure and with a pause asked, "May I buy one?"  The merchant would always smile and reply, "No, but you can have it for free simply for asking."  

Those who had it were different, happy, at peace.  In spite of this strange series of events- a merchant with a monopoly on a valuable product given to anyone who would ask, most simply refused to go to the merchant to get it.

Most refused to agree to the merchant's terms.  Pride does funny things to us.

And yet, his doors were always open, the only source of the most precious gift anyone could possess.  

How strange, most simply walked past and missed the greatest gift of any life.

“Salvation belongs to our God,

who sits on the throne,

and to the Lamb.”

Revelation 7

The little shop keeper is God, the great gift of humanity is salvation and he is the only source. 

It belongs to Him!  

If you want it you have to get it on his terms.  

But don't forget...it's free!  All you have to do is ask!