All Things in Christ
by Malcolm Wood
I recently came across a story of a man whose son was killed in the war while saving his colleague. This colleague had previously painted a picture of his friend, and later having survived the war and recovered from his injuries presented the picture to the father.
The father was very moved at receiving this gift, and put the portrait of his son in a prominent position amongst his very valuable art collection.
Eventually the father died and his art collection was put up for sale. The auction attracted a great deal of attention and on the day of the sale many people gathered to witness the disposal of all the fine pieces of art.
When the auctioneer called for bids for the first item, gasps of unbelief were heard as the portrait of the son was displayed. Amidst shouts of not to waste time and to move on to the real pictures, the auctioneer struggled hard to retain interest in the painting by the unknown amateur artist. Nevertheless the auctioneer persevered until at last a shout of £10 was heard. To everyone's amazement as the auctioneer accepted this offer from a man who many recognised as the father's gardener, the sale was declared over.
Above the consternation and questions that ensued the auctioneer explained that the father's will had contained secret instructions that whoever received the son would receive everything!
So the buyer of the picture of the son also received all the other really valuable pictures.
Isn't that so true for us? If we have received Jesus, the Son, we have received everything! The problem for so many of us is that we are not fully aware of all that has been made available and we do not take the time to explore, understand and appropriate all that Jesus has provided for those who receive him.
May we all move on further in our relationship with Jesus and discover more of the blessings of the new life He has given us.
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36, NIV
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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