Centuries ago, it was known far and wide that a certain tribal leader was the greatest in all the tribes. When power was measured by proving superior physical strength, the most powerful tribe of all was the one that had the strongest leader.
But this tribal leader was also known for his wisdom. In order to help his people live safely and peacefully, he carefully put laws into place guiding every aspect of tribal life. The leader enforced those laws strictly and had long ago acquired a reputation for uncompromising justice.
In spite of the laws, there were problems. One day it came to the leader’s attention that someone in the tribe was stealing. He called the people together.
“You know that the laws are for your protection, to help you live safely and in peace.” He reminded them, his eyes heavy with sadness because of his love for them. “This stealing must stop. We all have what we need. The penalty has been increased from ten to twenty lashes from the whip for the person caught stealing.”
But the thief continued to take things that didn’t belong to him, so the leader called all the people together again. “Please hear me, “ he pled with them. “This must stop! It hurts us all and makes us feel bad about each other. The penalty has been increased to thirty lashes.”
Still the stealing continued. The leader gathered the people once more. “Please, I’m begging you. For your sake, this has to stop. The pain it is causing among us is too great. The penalty has been increased to forty lashes from the whip.” The people knew of their leader’s great love for them, but only those closest to him saw the single tear make its way slowly down his face as he dismissed the gathering.
Finally, a man came to say the thief had been caught. The word had spread. Everyone gathered to see who it was. A single gasp raced through the crowd as the thief emerged between two guards. The trial leader’s face fell in shock and grief.
The thief was his very own mother, old & frail.
What will he do? The people wondered aloud, a hushed murmur fanning out. Would he uphold the law or would his love for his mother win over it? The people waited, talking quietly collectively holding their breath.
Finally their leader spoke. “My beloved people.” His voice broke. In little more than a whisper he continued, “It is for our safety and our peace. There must be forty lashes; the pain this crime has caused is too great.” With a nod, the guards led his mother forward. One gently removed her robe to expose a bony and crooked back. The appointed man stepped forward and began to unwind the whip.
At the same moment, the leader stepped forward and removed his robe as well, exposing his broad shoulders, seasoned and solid. Tenderly, he wrapped his arms around his dear mother, shielding her with his own body.
He whispered gently against her cheek as his tears blended with hers. He nodded once more, and the whip came down again and again.
A single moment, yet in it love and justice found an eternal harmony.
"Now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" 1 Cor. 13
