Walking down the street one October afternoon, I saw a group of boys playing football in the field by the school. Some of them had on helmets, shoulder pads and jerseys. Others did not have this equipment, but that did not seem to make much difference. It was a rough game of tackle, and they sure seemed to be having fun.
I stopped to watch, wishing I could join them, but knowing they did not need me. It did look pretty rough. While watching, I heard someone’s mother calling from the back door of one of the houses near the field. The voice called, “David, I want you.”
I wondered which one of the boys was David, but none of the boys seemed to pay attention to the voice.
“David, I want you, right now!” the voice called again a little louder.
“What do you want?” one of the boys finally answered, taking a few steps toward the house.
“I want you, right now, I said,” the voice at the door spoke sternly.
“Oh, all right,” answered David, walking slowly away from the group of boys and the game.
It was obvious that David was having a good time and did not want to go home. He did not know why he was wanted at home. What he did know was that he was having fun. How many of us can remember times like that—when we did not answer a call or a question because we did not want to hear. The call was loud enough for David to have heard it the first time. He just did not want to listen. It was only when the call was repeated that he finally obeyed.
Have you heard the Lord Jesus Christ calling you? “Jesus stood still, and called them.” Matthew 20:3232And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? (Matthew 20:32). Each time you hear the Bible read or read it yourself it is the Lord Jesus talking to you. He is saying, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).
I remember when I heard Him calling me. He called because He loved me and wanted me to be one of His children. I am so glad that I listened and came to Him. He washed away all my sins and gave me everlasting life. Now He is close by me all the time, because He wants me to be happy.
He will do the same for you, but you must obey His voice. If you do not pay attention to Him, you cannot be saved. Do not get so involved in your “games” that you do not want to listen to the voice of the Lord Jesus. When you know He is calling listen to His voice, obey Him, and you will be happy forever.
ML-10/30/1983