TWO friends, John and Henry, went together to a meeting, where God's precious gospel was preached. They did not go of their own accord, but being invited they went, and they listened attentively to the preacher. John was deeply moved through the Word of God that was told out.
At the close of the meeting, the preacher said that if any in the audience wished an interview with him, or had any questions to ask, they should remain. Henry pushed his comrade and said;
"Come, John, we'll go now; this has lasted long enough!"
But John remained seated, and said decidedly, "No, Henry, I am going to stay!"
Among the few remaining, was John, and the preacher spoke to them, answering all their questions from God's Word making it more plain to them. He told them what God has said about us as sinners, and also what He has done for us, in giving His blessed Son to be our Saviour when He was on the cross, and that Christ is our peace. God blessed His Word, so that some were saved through simply believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, and His precious sacrifice for them. Among these N, as John. With a happy, thankful heart he went home that night.
The next morning he met Henry, who asked him rather mockingly,
"Well, John, how long did you stay with those pious people?"
With beaming face, John replied,
"I did not stay with them very long last night, but I hope now to stay with them forever; the Lord Jesus has saved me. Now I know that all my many sins are forever put away by His precious blood. I have now become a happy child of God. 0, if only you had remained too, Henry!" But Henry turned angrily away from him saying;
"I see, your mind has been perverted, John; one can't speak a word with you anymore. I have enough of your pious talk already." With these words he turned his back upon John; who had found a better Friend.
Poor Henry is still continuing his own way of folly, which leads to destruction; while John has accepted the proferred grace of God.
But will God's grace ever again draw so near to Henry as on that evening in the meeting?
Perhaps there is one among my young readers who has felt the burden of his sins. Remember, the Lord Jesus is offering Himself to you as Saviour and Redeemer. Do as John did; be in earnest about your sinful condition, and the salvation of your soul.
Messages of God’s Love 9/14/1930