Old Mr. Talbot had not always been a saved man. In his youth he had been a clever gambler. He sat at the tables one day long ago, planning to win lots of money, when he put his hand in his coat pocket and brought out a card. It was a Scripture card, put there by some stranger when his coat was hanging on a peg. I do not know the words, but I know they were God’s words, and they went like a sword to the heart of that godless young man. They ended his gambling forever. He believed the Word of God and became a new man in Christ Jesus.
How do you feel when God’s Word is brought before you in everyday life? Is it welcome, or does it interrupt and spoil your fun? If it is not welcome to your heart, then beware, for you are on the wrong road. Your fun is not worth having. Believe God’s Word, as Mr. Talbot did, and find in Christ a new joy which is eternal.
It was the earnest prayer of Mr. Talbot in his last days that he might lead others to Christ, as he had been led himself. His hand was not shaky, and his penmanship was truly wonderful; so he copied Scripture verses on little cards in his very best handwriting.
One day as he sat in the sunshine by his little cottage, a young man on horseback rode up.
“Good morning, Reuben,” said the old man. “They tell me you are going to London. May the Lord keep you safe amid the temptations there.”
Reuben smiled proudly. “Fine place London is, for developing a man.”
“Maybe,” said Mr. Talbot. “And if I may make so bold, I’ll ask you to put this little card in your pocket, just to please an old man.”
Reuben accepted it politely, but he planned to forget it and leave it at home. He knew what Mr. Talbot’s cards were about! But he forgot to forget it, and one bad night it turned up among his papers in London.
Reuben had been having too much “fun,” and he was tired that night. It was pouring rain outside too, and there was that card, beautifully written, lying on his desk. These were the words: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:33How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3).
“Just a fad of an old man,” said Reuben as he put it away and went early to bed. But they were not an old man’s words. They were God’s. The letters were as vivid in the darkness as in the light, and he, had a restless night.
God’s Word called him a sinner, and so at last Reuben took the place that God gave him and received that great salvation, offered to all through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Six months later he again visited Mr. Talbot, and found the old man seated by his fireside.
“Eh, sir, I’m glad you’ve not forgotten me,” said the old man.
“I’ve come to thank you for that card,” said Reuben grasping his hand. “Do you remember the words on it?”
“I do, and I’ve prayed that you might remember them too.”
Reader, we pray also that these holy words, which are not man’s but God’s, may be remembered and accepted in your heart today. If you have already received God’s message, pass it on.
ML 06/13/1954