And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy. But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.
The king offered half his kingdom in the last chapter to save his mortal life. He is willing now, however, to give up all his kingdom to save his immortal soul. It turns out, that is exactly the right price. If we want to know God, he asks that we be willing to give up everything worldly, freshly, and sinful, which are generally the things we like and make us comfortable. We have to trade in our worldly kingdoms of pride and vanity for his spiritual kingdom of love, mercy, and service. We have to love him more than we love ourselves. If we can do that, he will be our God. The cost of admission is a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
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