Called a Fool Twice

A man was on death row in England, but the day he was to be executed, the queen granted him his pardon. A messenger was sent with a letter to tell him he was pardoned. On the way the messenger saw a candy store and thought, "That man hasn't had candy for a long time," so he bought him a box of chocolates. Next he saw a flower shop and thought, "That man would really like some flowers," and he purchased a bouquet.  

He arrived at the prison, and reached through the bars and handed the man the flowers and candy. The man shouted, "You fool, I'm going to be executed in a few moments and you bring me candy and flowers," and threw them back at the messenger.

The messenger was so offended by the man's response that he headed home. When he arrived, he reached into his pocket and found the letter from the queen.

He raced back to the prison and for the second time that day was called a fool.

 The warden said, "You fool, that man was executed five minutes ago."

 As he left the prison the thought that kept going through his mind was, "What will the queen say when she learns I didn't give him the letter?"

 Jesus has a message of His love for those around us. If we fail to get the message God wants us to deliver to the people, what will our King say when we stand before Him?

 Dear Jesus, do not allow me to give to others friendship or hospitality and fail to give them what You most want them to receive.

"I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision" (Acts 26:19).