03/28/2004: "The Beauty That Deceives"

By Carol J. Warren

Far, far away in a distant land, a land that was mysterious and unknown, beyond the dark forbidding gray mountains, where only a rare daring explorer was ever want to go, lay a beautiful peaceful valley. Nestled in the dark forbidding mountains of dull gray rock and ominous shadows, it glowed like an emerald shining in the dust. Looking down one could well imagine having found a peaceful paradise.

The foliage and trees were thick and green. Flowers and fruit filled the valley, making it look like a garden. The meadows were so green, they looked as though an artist had just painted them and the paint was still wet. They were dotted with brightly colored wild flowers and berry vines. At the edge of the valley was an enormous waterfall that seemed to laugh and splash its way to the sparkling blue river that once away from the waterfall, wandered lazily through the valley. The river was lined with cool, thick; glistening moss that crept softly up gentle trees that seemed to be politely bowing to the river. From the force of the waterfall a constant mist arose, enshrouding it; and ever near the top of it hovered a brilliantly colored rainbow. The rocks around the waterfall glistened, encrusted with diamonds and precious gems. Indeed, how could paradise be more perfect?

Each explorer that discovered the valley thought he was the first to ever find it. No one had ever heard of the valley, not even in legend, because no one that went into the valley ever came out. They would follow the narrow, winding path descending eagerly, anticipating treasures and beauty within, never to be seen or heard from again. Once inside the valley it was not as it had seemed above, like the Venus fly trap lures the fly to emanate doom, so the valley lures the weary traveler with its peaceful beauty. The thick, lush flowers and foliage covered quicksand and deadly pits. The lovely forest was dark inside and full of ferocious wild animals. The flower dotted meadows that were so inviting, there green grasses ever swaying in a gentle breeze, were filled with venomous snakes. The fruit and berries that looked so luscious and sweet was all poison. The peaceful river's tree limbs so full they hung over the river and trailed gently in the waters. By the banks filled with thick, dangling mosses the river was full of crocodiles and man-eating fish. The glistening rock cliffs of the waterfall were indeed dotted with precious gems, and the way to them seemed so easy; like an open invitation. But beneath the mist lay slippery, slimy rocks and biting insects that caused the hopeful treasure hunter to plunge hundreds of feet to the sharp jagged rocks below. No the beauty of the valley was not at all what it seemed. But no one had ever escaped to warn the innocent traveler.

One day as the King traveled with an expedition, he came upon the valley. His traveling companions were eager to rush down into the valley, hoping to refresh themselves from their journey with fresh fruit and a cool swim in the river. But the King, being wise and ever watchful, was not deceived. He bade his companions to wait. He spent several hours standing and staring intently, climbing to strategic overlooks to sit quietly and watch. Soon the King saw through the deception. He had his servants post signs all around the valley that read: "Beware The Beauty That Deceives and The Peace That Robs Your Soul". All the King could do was hope travelers would take heed. But now he must return to the palace where he had other decisions to make.

It had come time for the King to choose a bride to honor the throne with offspring. The King knew picking the right bride was a grave responsibility. Her children would be princes and princesses representing the kingdom, and one of them would be heir. He must find the perfect bride. She would be different, trusting, innocent, gentle, and good. He would know her instantly. As the days and months passed finding this bride was more and more on his mind. He would often wander through the city streets and crowded markets dressed as a citizen without attendants, looking, searching for that special someone.

Then one day as he made his way to the waiting carriage, he saw her. She was standing in a doorway talking with her friends. Immediately he left the carriage and found a niche in the wall where he might observe her unnoticed. He must be sure. Could she truly be the one? Hours on end he stood or crouched nestled against the wall, waiting for her to come or go, watching, ever watching. Servants came with the royal carriage to bring him back to the palace. Had the King forgotten to eat? Did he know the hour? But with a wave of his hand, he dismissed them.

She was beautiful no doubt, but he must not be deceived by that. As the King, the entire kingdom depended on him to marry wisely. The future of his whole kingdom depended on his choice. So he sat and watched. She was very innocent and simple; like a little child. She was kind and gentle. Though she loved easily, she loved with all of her heart. She was obedient to her father and grateful for his care. She never spoke evil of anyone but chose to see the good in all. Yes! He felt she is the one. Her innocence and simplicity made her special, different from the rest. But he knew it also made her vulnerable to deception. As her husband, he would have to guard her carefully and depend upon her obedient heart to follow him without question.

Having made his decision, he walked quietly from the shadows to where she was standing by the well. She was laughing and talking with her friends. He stood a moment until she noticed him. "I'm sorry," she said, "I didn't see you. Come to the well, sir, and I will draw you a drink of water. You must be thirsty." She turned to the well and drew a cool cup of water. Smiling, she handed it to him and waited. He thanked her and took the cup drinking deeply. She, satisfied that she had taken care of the stranger, started back toward her companions.

"I am the King," said the King directly, "and I have come to ask you to marry me." She stood a moment startled at his words. Looking into his eyes she knew at once that he could be trusted. He stood holding the cup, his eyes never leaving hers. Suddenly she smiled sweetly. She lay her hand on his as though she knew how hard this decision must have been for him. Then simply she said, "Yes." He smiled, and taking her hand, he motioned for the carriage, that ever sat waiting the King's command.

Joy and relief filled him. He would not return alone. He had found his bride. Arrangements were made with her father and the royal wedding was planned. The whole city feasted and rejoiced. There would surely be a proper heir to the kingdom. The Queen was beautiful in her white, royal wedding gown. The King, in stately majesty, took her hand and led her up the stairs to kneel before the altar to say their vows. Vows to honor, and obey. Vows to protect and love forever. As the King kissed the bride, the crowds cheered and threw rose petals. The streets were lined all the way to the palace with people shouting blessings and cheer, and old women weeping for joy. The kingdom would never be the same again.

The King never tired of quietly watching his bride. She was so young and innocent. All the world was new to her. The awe of palace life never left her, for she ever saw through the eyes of a child. She delighted to sing to the King; and often came running in breathless to show him some new and wonderful thing she had discovered. Though it was not new to the King, somehow seeing it through her eyes, it was.

As the years wore on and children were born, the King found his bride to be all that he had searched for: innocent and simple - obedient and loving - loyal and kind. She was a fitting companion and a wonderful mother for his children. The Queen loved to listen to stories the King told of his travels, places he had been, and things he had seen. One day as the King was telling the Queen about the bleak gray mountains and the beautiful valley, the Queen became so excited she begged to go. "Please take me so I can see; just this once," the Queen begged, until finally the King gave in and agreed to take the Queen on a journey over the gray mountains. He smiled at her delight, but warned her strictly that the journey was full of dangers; and she must be very careful to obey his instructions.

A special carriage was made for the Queen, so she could be carried over the rough mountains. Finally, after days of travel, they stopped to rest on the dark mountain overlooking the valley. A messenger had come from the palace with urgent news for the King. As the King attended palace affairs, the Queen left her carriage and ran to see the valley. It was the most beautiful place she had ever seen, even more beautiful than the palace. Wouldn't this make a lovely site for a summer palace! Quickly she ran to the King, who was still attending details from the court. She knew she should wait but this was just too wonderful. "The valley, oh, you must come with me to see it." She said breathless from running, "It's the most beautiful place in the whole world." The King was not angry at the interruption, but did seem unusually stern. "You must not go into the valley," he said, and turned to return to his business. "Not go! Not go! But its the most beautiful place, the most wonderful... Why?" she asked, surprised at herself, for she had never questioned the King on anything before. Engrossed in details of the state the King turned only long enough to touch her hand, and gazing into her eyes intently said, "You must trust me my Queen, it is not what it seems." With that he left further explanations for later and turned back to the matters of the court, depending on her to trust his decision and obey as ever she had done.

Something in the way he had looked at her when he spoke sent a shiver down her spine. He must know, what ever his reasons, I'm sure he is right. I'll just go to the ledge and look into the valley until the King is finished with business, she thought. So she went and sat on the ledge that over - looked the valley and waited for the King.

The beauty of the valley was so overwhelming. It was hypnotizing. It seemed so sweet and peaceful. Whatever worried the King about it from his last trip, was surely gone by now. She thought how lovely it would be to have a palace by that sweet river, with a balcony where you could always see the floating rainbow above the falls. Strange, she thought, it seemed as though the valley was calling to her from the mist. The King glanced at his sweet, innocent bride on the ledge, staring intently into the valley. He wanted to go to her, but first he must finish his duties. Surely she will obey, she always has, he reasoned.

"How lovely the fruit," the valley seemed to say to the Queen. What a pleasant surprise for the King after so much traveling and trying details from the court. How refreshing and cool the waters are. Wouldn't it be special to give the King a drink of something refreshing! At first the Queen refused such thoughts. She must obey. But, little by little, as she continued to gaze into the valley, they seemed to overcome her.

Then she spotted a special fruit tree at the edge of the valley right where the trail enters the valley. Again the valley seemed to whisper, "Bright red, juicy fruit so luscious and sweet. Wouldn't that delight the King? I bet he's never had fruit like this before and you could share it with him. Surely he would be pleased. Besides it's not really “in” the valley. It’s just at the end of the trail. It's really before you go into the valley. So it's not really disobeying. What harm could a simple piece of fruit cause?"

That's right, she could just slip in, pick the fruit, and run back up the trail before she was even missed. It would cause no harm. Whatever the King's concern was must be deeper inside the valley. She shivered again as she thought of the look the King had given her when he told her to trust him. It was almost like a plea. But she was probably just imagining things. Just to the edge and back, so quickly, what could it hurt? The thought of surprising the King and giving him something new and wonderful delighted her. So off she ran lightly, giggling with glee like a schoolgirl, at the idea of bringing delight to the King.

Half way down the narrow, winding, crumbly ledge that led down into the valley, she stopped suddenly. She thought the King had called her name. But when she peered around the corner his back was to her. She could tell he was listening intently by the way he stood. An uneasy feeling swept over her. What was she doing? She was disobeying the King. She must return. As she started back up the ledge, she looked back and saw the luscious fruit tree. It was so close now. It really did look wonderful. She could go back up the ledge, but it would only take a moment to snatch it - before she ran back up. She just must have it for the King. So off she ran down the trail to the edge of the valley.

The King stopped his instructions abruptly in the middle of a sentence. A sudden, uneasy feeling swept over him, a feeling that the Queen was in danger. He swung about in time to see her at the edge of the valley, her hand reaching up toward a tree. With his heart in his throat he held his breath and watched her, hoping she would turn around and run back. But before her hand reached the fruit, she stopped, as though she were looking at something further inside the forest. Then with a rustle of skirts she was gone. Gone inside the forest.

"NO!" The King yelled a blood-curdling yell and took off running down the narrow trail, calling her name. But he knew she couldn't hear him in the jungle. He entered the valley with no thought for his own safety, only for his beloved Queen. Just as he entered the dark forest he heard her scream. He ran to the sound and found the Queen knee-deep and sinking in lush, fragrant, flowers that covered quicksand. To the right an enormous bear approached. He was standing on his back feet clawing the air. Then he jumped down on all four feet, waving his head back and forth growling, ready to charge. The King knew what must be done to save his beloved and he didn't hesitate. He ran to her, grabbing her around the waist, he swung her out of the life-sucking sand. Without a word he swung his arm like a command, pointing the way out.

She ran in the direction that he gave, knowing he was right behind her. But at the edge of the dark forest she turned and saw that he had stayed to stand between her and the bear so she could escape. The bear's claw slashed across his chest, gaping it open. As he went down, the bear jumped on him, crushing him into the quick sand. There they sank together. It was more than she could stand to see. She must obey his last command. She ran up the trail blinded by tears. He gave his life to save her. He died because she had not obeyed.

She sat on the ledge looking into the valley, heartbroken and destitute. The valley didn't look pretty any more. Attendants came to take her back to the palace, but she would not leave him. So they left her sitting gazing down into the valley; the only one to ever come out alive. The servants huddled together wondering what to do as she sat and refused to move. Then something caught her eye in the mist that surrounded the waterfall. She could see a form, the form of a man. It was the King. But it couldn't be. She had seen him... she shuddered remembering. But it was the King. Then, softly arising from the sound of the falls, she heard him speak.

"My beloved do not mourn me," said the King, "for I am not really dead. One day I will be permitted to come for you. Until then my love, you must trust me. Go back and raise our children to be heirs of the Kingdom. Warn them about this valley and tell them about me. Prepare them because I can not come until they are ready to join me. There is a place here I am preparing that is truly beautiful and not deceiving." He stood for a moment letting his words sink in. "There are so many things I want to help you understand," said the King, "but not yet." Then with that same look of urgency she had seen before, he said, "Trust me. Prepare our children. I will be back." Then he was gone.

She didn't understand it all, but she knew it was the King, and this time she would obey. Much to the servant’s surprise, she arose and gave orders to return to the palace. She tried to raise the children the way he wanted her to. Teaching them about the dangers of the valley, and about the King and how he still lives and some day he would come and take them somewhere truly wonderful, but they must prepare themselves. But as her children had children, then their children had children, the stories came to seem like fables and legends to them. With each generation the legend grew dimmer. Soon his descendants built cities in the gray mountains surrounding the valley, and many of the King's heirs lost their life in the valley searching for his legend. The rainbow disappeared from the falls, but no one knew why. The signs the King had posted were still there. "Beware The Beauty That Deceives and The Peace That Robs Your Soul." But that just seemed to make it even more mysterious. Often children reported seeing the face of a man crying in the mist from the falls; but no one believed them because, of course, grownups never saw him.

One day a beautiful young woman sat on a ledge gazing down into the valley. Suddenly she thought she saw the face of a man in the mist. He had tears running down his face and he was looking at her. She knew from the legend it was the King. He reached out to her with his arms and motioned for her to come to him but she wasn't sure what to do. No grownup had ever seen him. What must she do? He stood watching her. As she looked into his eyes she knew she could trust him. He seemed so kind. But how could she come to him?

She went over the legend in her mind. She remembered the part about his beloved Queen. She was innocent and simple, trusting and obedient, loving and kind like a child. All at once she knew to come to him, she must be like the Queen. Then she sat down in despair. She couldn't do that. Once maybe when she was much younger she had been like that, but you can't survive in the city being simple, trusting and innocent. After a few hard knocks she had learned to survive. You have to be tough and hide your heart. She would never be able to regain the innocence once it was lost. It was gone forever, and so was her hope of going to the King.

The King seemed to know what she was thinking. With a sweet and loving smile he reached down and touched her cheek with the mist. "Do you trust me?" he seemed to be asking. She looked into his eyes. How could you not trust him when you can see him? But when I walk away, back to the city, they will make fun of me and pick on me. Can I trust you then, she thought. As she looked at him, she knew she could, she must, for only he seemed to know the truth: As you come and gaze at me and spend time with me, your innocence will return. When it is restored, I will take you to the valley of peace and beauty. She looked at the beautiful valley below. That must be the valley he means. Be near him? Be near him? Yes, I do want to be near you, King. I'm coming, my King; and with that she took off down the narrow, ancient trail into the valley.

The Queen was the only one that had ever returned from the valley. But that didn't matter to her; she would go down there and live with the King. Why would anyone want to come back, that must be it. They stayed because it was too wonderful to leave. Not far down the trail she fell and twisted her ankle. She looked to see what she had tripped over, but nothing was there. Her ankle was swollen and reddish blue. Now what would she do? She looked to the King. Why hadn't he protected her? Was he just like everyone else? Maybe he didn't really care after all. "Do you trust me?" the King was asking.

"Sure I do. Enough to go down into the valley," she said. "This is not my valley," said the King. "If I had let you go down there you would have died. My valley is far beyond these mountains. It is really a place of peace and beauty. You must beware of the beauty that deceives and the peace that robs your soul." She looked at her swollen ankle. "I can't get there with this," she said. "No," said the King, "you never could. The way is in trust and innocence of heart. You can only have that by spending time with me." Then the King said with a smile, "You might as well spend time with me, you won't get far on that ankle." Then she laughed, realizing how he really had rescued her after all.

The young woman could not believe she had been so foolish in accusing the King, when for a twisted ankle he had saved her life. But the King was not angry. He was very glad she was listening. He told her how much he enjoyed being with her and how much she reminded him of her ancestor, the Queen. Day after day the young woman sat on the ledge and watched the King. Listening to his wisdom, learning to receive his love. She learned to trust and obey; and she learned how greatly the King valued her love.

The days passed into months and years. Though it had been such a long time, the woman did not loose sight of the purpose. The King wouldn't let her. If she started to get sidetracked or forget, the King would point to her ankle. Then they would both laugh, but she would understand: There is no other way. It was ok if it took time because the woman had come to treasure her time with the King, so it really didn't matter how long it took. She just wanted to please him.

The day came that the woman came to the ledge to meet with the King and the King said, "It is time." Then the King came close to the ledge. "Stand here on the very edge of this ledge," said the King. The woman stood on the edge. Looking down, it was several hundred feet to the bottom. She felt a little shaky at standing so close to the edge. Then the King said what he had first told her, "Come to me." The King was standing in the mist, in midair. "How can I," said the woman, "I can't walk on the air." "Do you trust me," asked the king. She stopped, as she looked deep into his eyes, the wind from the cliffs rushing around her like his words swirling in her mind. "Do you trust me?" It was impossible she knew, but as she looked into his eyes, she did trust him. "If I can see you, I can do it," she said. "I trust you." "Then come to me," said the King. Then with a smile he reached out his hand.

She didn't look down and she didn't look back. She never took her eyes from his. Then she stepped out, taking his hand. There she was standing with the King. It was what she had always dreamed of. She forgot she was in midair. She was with the King and she could see in his face that he was pleased. They stood there awhile taking it all in. Then, with her hand still in his, the King turned walking over the tops of the mountains with her by his side. It was quite a journey. Then she saw it, as the King pointed. His eyes sparkled with delight as he showed his little girl the real valley. The other valley was pale in comparison. There are no words to describe the peace, the beauty, the joy of it. The Queen was there and other of the King's children he had rescued over the generations.

Each day was filled with something new and wonderful. She sat and listened to King for hours on end. She lost track of time all together. What did it matter - she was happy, she was fulfilled. It was all the King had said it would be. Then, one day as she was walking in the meadow, she saw the King standing on a high cliff overlooking the mountains. Overjoyed at seeing him, she began to run up the trail to the cliff. Then she was stopped dead in her tracks. The King was crying. Crying like his heart was broken. She had never seen him like this. She turned to see what he was looking at that made him weep so, but all she could see over the tops of the mountains was the city. He turned and saw her coming up the cliff and held out his hand, beckoning her to his side. She felt as though she was discovering a secret side of the King she had never known, and loving him so she wanted to share this too.

"What has made you cry so my King?" she asked. "Can you not see it?" said the King. "Those are my children. Do you not remember what it's like there? They die daily. They will not listen to me. I do not seem real to them." Truly she had forgotten. But now she began to remember. Remember when she came to the King. How hopeless and sad she had been. She had given up on life. She remembered how he had rescued her from the valley and cared for her over the years, but many of his children die every day. If these were his children, these were her brothers and sisters. She must be moved as he is. She must care as he does. She'd been so busy letting him help her overcome her own obstacles... Well, she hadn't meant to be so selfish and insensitive to the needs of the King. As she saw him weeping over his children, she knew this was the King's need. This is what matters to him.

"How can I help?" she asked. He looked at her for a long time, as though searching her heart to see if she was ready. "It's not easy," said the King, "as a matter of fact, it can be quite painful. Do you trust me?"

"Nothing can be more painful than where I was when you rescued me,” she said smiling, "Yes I trust you."

"It would mean you would have to leave this beautiful valley," the King said, "and go back where my children are."

She looked around her. She had truly come to love the valley and all the things the King had given her there, but not as much as she loved the King himself. "Yes" she said, "I will go. Send me." "What must I do? They will not listen to me." She said, "If only they could see you as I did, then I know they would believe."

"They can," the King said, "They can if you take me to them."

"How can I do that?” she asked.

"I can not go to them," said the King sadly, "but I am in you and you are in me, so you can take me to them. They will see and sense my love in you just as you did when you first saw me. When you touch them it will be my hand. When you love them it will be my heart."

"I will not go back alone," she said relieved. "We will go together." So she went. She reached many of his children. Because she found the need of the King and the desire of his heart that only she could fulfill.

We must all turn ourselves to trust the Lord enough to care about what matters to Him, his children. As he laid down his life for us, so let us live our life through him.