If the Emir only knew… - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:1

If the Emir only knew…
Karim serves an Arabian Emir. This Emir owns a large park with exotic birds. Among them is a rare species of duck that the Emir particularly likes. One day, Karim sees something emerging from the bushes. Reflexively, he grabs his sling, shoots … and kills the Emir’s duck! Horrified, he buries the bird, believing no one saw him. Soon, the duck is missed. The Emir becomes terribly angry and orders a search for it – but in vain.

Shortly after, the cook asks Karim to fetch water. Karim refuses. The cook whispers to him: “If the Emir knew who killed the duck ...” Crushed, Karim has to comply. From then on, the cook exploits Karim at every opportunity. He repeatedly threatens him with the words, “If the Emir knew ...”, and Karim submits. The other servants wonder at how submissive Karim has become.

Finally, poor Karim sees no other way out. One day, he throws himself at his Emir’s feet. He confesses his guilt and receives forgiveness. What a liberated Karim leaves his master’s house! He encounters the cook, who once again wants to send him to fetch water. Karim refuses, and when the other threatens him with the words, “If the Emir knew ...”, he triumphantly says, “He knows, and he has forgiven me!”

This story illustrates how liberating it is to know that I have confessed my guilt before God, and He has forgiven me! The entire burden of my sins is gone and I have peace with God!

Today’s reading: Exodus 2:1-15 · Luke 1:13-25