Whoever Takes the Son, Takes All

The story is told of a wealthy father and son who were very close and enjoyed adding valuable art pieces to their extensive collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.

The widowed father looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son’s trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again.

Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the future with anguish and sadness. The joy he and his son once had together would visit his house no longer.

Within months a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the art masterpieces on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the old man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man’s son had told everyone of his love of fine art, as well as his father.

“I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.”

As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man’s face in striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace.

A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent hours gazing at the gift he had been given.

During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy’s life would live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart. As the stories of his son’s gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief.

The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received.

The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! Unmindful of the story of the old man’s only son, but in his honor, those paintings would be sold at auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the artworks would be auctioned on the memorial of the day he had received his greatest gift.

The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. With the anticipation of dreams being fulfilled this day; many rivals desired to declare, “I have gained the greatest collection.”

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the old man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke.

From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff.”

More voices echoed in agreement. “No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?” Finally, the old man’s gardener spoke up. “Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I have only ten dollars.”

“Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once, going twice. Gone.”

The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room, and someone exclaimed, “Now we can get on with it, and we can bid on these treasures!”

The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over.

Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! I demand that you explain what’s going on here!”

The auctioneer replied, “It’s straightforward. According to the will of the father, ‘WHOEVER TAKES THE SON, TAKES ALL.’” 

This story’s ultimate meaning transcends the mere acquisition of wealth expressed within.  For it is a parable that illustrates the greater rewards to be gifted by accepting the only begotten Son of the Eternal Father into one’s heart. Those who cherish the Son rather than seeking wealth, power, and earthly esteem, are the ones who honor the Father and are thus rewarded. For it is written:

“EYE HAS NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NOR HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH ELOHIM [THE FATHER] HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM [AND HIS PROMISED SON].” 1 Corinthians 2:9

While all are invited, they are also vetted. Only those who esteem the “WILL” of the Eternal Father by LOVING THE SON, Yahusha haMashiach (the Messiah), “TAKE ALL.”

Following His “WILL” embraces keeping His time-honored Torah Law and celebrating its time-measuring model with its full New Moons, Sabbaths, and Feast Days.  Each is a memorial and prophetic marker highlighting the details of the Son’s work of saving humanity from the trenches of sin and restoring them to His Father.  Loving obedience is the SIGN of those who are in His WILL and are thus admitted through the pearly gates into the Kingdom of the shamayim (heaven).  HALLELUYAH!!! 

When we “take the Son,” we accept and “TAKE ALL,” both the time-honored rescuer from sin and all that comes with Him in the Father’s WILL.