Remember Joe? He was the one on page 129 of The Bridge from OneDayBow who had been near the Bridge. He and his friends had a great time over a picnic lunch that day, and Joe had apparently even checked out the King’s Book to some extent. His conclusion? He liked some things that the Book says, but not all. Joe’s argument was that it seemed narrow-minded to say there was just one way to a King.

We’ve spent quite a few blog posts addressing Joe’s perception – which honestly is mostly misconception. Joe needed to know that there is only one way to the King. And it is very good news that the King has made that way available through His Son. Thankfully, Joe was listening when Tim encouraged him to believe the King and His Word, and that’s where we pick back up.

Tim knew that Joe had listened, and wanted to hear more,

So he went on to answer what Joe had said before:

“You’re right,” Tim said, “He loves you, so much He made the way –

The only way to know Him – and you can meet Him today.

The King’s love is the reason that His Son built the Bridge,

And if you want the Truth you must go beyond the ridge.

He’s willing to forgive because the Son paid the cost

For the Bridge from OneDayBow, so noomas won’t be lost.”

Were you listening Joe? Tim just gave the basis for faith in the Good News – the best news ever! And let me add…

By the King, the Way is made! By the Son, the price is paid!

By His love, forgiveness came to all who’ll call upon His Name!

Yes, the King’s love is great and gracious, merciful and mighty! But it’s important to remember, as Tim goes on to say:

The King is not a beggar or a sad, love-sick fool.

He doesn’t need followers to validate His rule.

This is where allegory and fact meet. God, the King of the Universe does not need us, but we need Him! He has made the way for us to enter into a vital, joyful, eternal relationship with Him because He does love us, but, He requires that we do it His Way: Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior, is the Only Way to reconciliation with God. When we admit our sin, confess our need of forgiveness, and receive His salvation through faith in the completed work of His Son on behalf of mankind, God’s love can personally flow into our lives.

In John 14:6, Jesus said, “… I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus gave the terms of reconciliation with God and the hope of Heaven. To say God will accept us in His Heaven with no need of a Savior is to say that Jesus’ death was not necessary. And to let people think they don’t need faith in Jesus, isn’t love at all.

Tim cared about Joe and wasn’t about to let him leave without knowing the truth about the King:

He made the world we live in, and still owns it today.

It’s only by His kindness that we can choose His way.

It’s a fact, He loved us first. It’s our choice to love Him.”