The Emperor's New Clothes and Romans 2 by Bob Bonner - 2017

THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES Romans 2:28-29 Bob Bonner August 20, 2017 In 1837, Hans Christian Anderson wrote many of his world famous children’s stories. One favorite is “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” It is about a certain ruler who was very fond of appearances and clothing. So when clever philosophers (actually con men) offered to weave him a rare and costly garment, one that would dazzle the eyes of others, the emperor was quite receptive. He especially liked their promise that this unique garment would be invisible to all but the wise and pure in heart. The delighted emperor commissioned his new clothing at great cost, and the con men sat before the empty looms and pretended to be weaving. Soon, the emperor’s curiosity became such that he sent his chief minister to see how things were going. Seeing no cloth on the busy looms, and not wanting to be thought unwise and impure in heart, the official returned with a report about the fabulous beauty of the cloth. After a time, the weavers asked for more money. Again the emperor became impatient, sending his second chief minister, who returned with an even more enthusiastic report. Next, the emperor himself went to check up on the project of his new outfit. Though he too saw nothing, he did not want to appear stupid, so he proclaimed the clothing excellent and beautiful. He even gave the weavers medals. Finally, on the day set for the grand parade, the con men dressed the emperor in his nakedness and then promptly skipped town. As the emperor paraded before his people au naturel, the whole populace joined in praising his beautiful new clothing, lest they be thought of as fools, disloyal, and wicked. Thus, the absurd parade continued until, in a moment of quietness, a child was heard to say, “Mommy, the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes!” At once everyone, including the emperor, knew the jig was up and the truth had been told. One innocent but honest remark by a small child who did not know enough to keep his mouth shut stripped away the hypocritical pretense of the entire nation.