The Anthill

From a story as told by Rev. Billy Graham Father and son were walking through the forest When they came upon an anthill on the way, The lad kicked out and thus destroyed their kingdom The Father, saddened now, was heard to say: “Is that really what you wanted to achieve, son?” as the ants raced angrily around his feet, the boy, mischievous smile now quickly fading, watched his victory turn swiftly to defeat. He watched the tiny army spring to action as they strained as one to mend their broken earth, but his urge to make amends were met with anger and they raged at him with all that they were worth. Frantically, he tried to fix the carnage but this simply made them bite him all the more, 'If only I could turn back time,' he pleaded 'And let their lives be happy as before' Deeper now, and fiercer the biters ran, merciless - across His helping hand; 'Why can’t they see I’m trying hard to help them Father, please, why don’t they understand?' Father crouched and put his arm around him Sensing that the lesson had been learned; "There’s really only one way you can fix this, but you’re human, so your efforts will be spurned. The truth, my son, is, you don’t speak their language." Frustrated now, the son began to cry, "If you want them to understand your purpose, Become an ant - and face them, eye to eye." 'But even if I did, would they believe me And how can I be certain of their trust?' Stretching out his bloodied hands toward them He’d give His life up for them if He must. Father knew His Son’s determination Meant that He would have to let Him go, Even though this sacrifice was costly; The price was more than he could ever know. Thus was formed the plan for our redemption As God constrained Himself to human frame, From Heaven, stepped the Son into mortality As Father wept - Immanuel, His name.