Mr. Chapman tells the story of a man who once came to him after a gospel service and said, “Sir, would you like to shake hands with a redeemed drunkard?”
“Why, yes, I would,” Mr. Chapman assured him.
Taking hold of Mr. Chapman’s hand, he said, “Listen to my story: “I once had a good job in this city, but drink was my ruin. One day while lying in the gutter, someone came and taking me by the hand, said, ‘If you want to see your boy alive, hurry home at once.’ As quick as I could, I made it up to the miserable room where my sin had forced my wife and boy to live, and there I learned that a big truck had run over my child, and he was dying. The little fellow took me by the hand, and pulling me down by his side on the bed, said, ‘Daddy, I won’t let you go until you promise to meet me in heaven!’ Then still holding my hand tight he died. They had to literally force his hand from mine, he gripped it so tightly,” and the man held up his hand as he spoke.
“From that day till this it seems as if I felt my boy pulling me heavenward. My proud wretched heart was broken down before the Lord, and I cried to Him to save me too. Blessed be His name He has saved me.”
Not only did the Lord save his soul from going down to the pit, but He delivered him from the awful power of drink. Now he was looking forward to meeting his dear boy in heaven one day.
This is true of many who have a loved one up yonder.
ML-03/06/1966