Slideshow image

In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made application to Prior Richard at a local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative so as to spend the rest of his life in the monastery.

“Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king.”

“I understand,” said Henry. “The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.”

“Then I will tell you what to do,” said Prior Richard. “Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you.”

When King Henry died, a statement was written: “The king learned to rule by being obedient.”
Acts 17:26-28 informs us that God has marked out our appointed time and has imbued us with meaningful purpose, placing us strategically and intentionally where we are as difference makers for Him. My prayer is that we would each experience God and His “life that is truly life” as we learn to walk in obedience to Jesus, our King.