Prince Sebastian rushed past the prison guards and up the stone stairway. Leaving the dank prison behind he took a deep breath of the fresh evening air. If his mind had not been troubled by the prisoner’s message, he would have enjoyed the evening sun’s warm glow on the stones of the castle walls.
“I must warn my father immediately,” Sebastian told himself. “His kingdom is in grave danger.”
On his way to the castle, he paid no attention to the people going about their business. A team of servants unload sacks of grain from a horse-drawn cart while a group of nobles stood, discussing the news of the day.
“Hey, there’s Prince Sabastian,” a young boy called to his playmates as the prince darted through a doorway and into the castle.
Once inside, the prince made his way through the maze of corridors leading to the king’s court. Outside of the royal chamber, people from all over the kingdom awaited their turn to meet the king. Among the crowd were government officials, religious leaders, and military men, all seeking an audience with the king.
A team of court officials kept a list of all who waited, calling them one at a time. When it was their turn, they were ushered into the king’s court. Each one was given a few minutes to make his request. When their time was up, they were escorted out. Not everyone was allowed into the royal court. The king selected those who he would see.
“I have an important matter that I must discuss with the king,” a well-dressed elderly man pleated.
“Sir, this is the third time this month. The king is too busy to hear your petty land disputes,” the court official stated. “Good day.”
The elderly man turned and brushed past the prince on his way out. His jaw clenched in frustration.
Sebastian bypassed the king’s officials but stopped at the door leading into the king’s court. “I have an urgent message for my father,” he told the guard.
“Of course,” The guard bowed his head and pushed the massive wooden door open.
Sebastian glanced over his shoulder as a hush fell over those waiting to see the king. All eyes locked on him. He knew they would be forced to wait longer. He turned around and slipped through the door. At the far end of the chamber the king sat on his throne. He wore a white robe adorned with gold embroidery. A polished gold crown rested on his head. Royal guards stood at attention behind the king. At the steps leading up to the throne a man with a blue cape argued about a tax law, something Sebastian knew nothing about. Seated at a table to the left the king, officials leafed through old books, apparently law documents having to do with the man’s complaint. On the opposite side of the throne others wrote frantically to record every word that was being said.
The prince waited until his father noticed that he had entered the court.
“I’ve heard enough,” said the king turning his attention to Sebastian.
“Thank you for your time my lord,” The man in the cape bowed on one knee before exiting the court.
“Come in my son,” the king motioned Prince Sebastian toward the throne.
The prince ran to his father and kissed him on the cheek.
“What is on your mind?” The king held his son’s arm as he listened.
“Father, the kingdom is in danger.”
“Oh? In what way?”
“The armies of Trampa are preparing to attack.”
“How do you know this?” The king tilted his head to one side.
“My riding instructors Nicholas and his brother Marios were arrested for spying. I just came from the prison. When I was there, Nicholas told me that an attack was being planned.”
The king paused and nodded as if he was deep in thought.
“Father what should we do?” Sebastian felt his anxiety building as he waited for his father’s response.
The king looked his son in the eye, “You mustn’t worry.”
“But your kingdom might be lost,” the prince pleaded.
“My son, I already know about this. My generals are preparing a defense as we speak.”
***
In the story who was not allowed into the king’s court?
What did the people have to do to meet the king?
Why could Sebastian meet the king when he wanted?
Read Ephesians 3:12 and Hebrews 4:16
For people today, who can go to God the Father?
In the story Sebastian met his father face to face. Of course, we can’t meet God face to face, so what do you think these verses mean by “approach God?”
Can you meet with an earthly king whenever you want to?
How do you feel knowing that you, as a child of God, can go boldly to the King of Kings in prayer, and that he is happy to listen?