THERE ONCE lived a very wealthy man who had an only son. This man dearly loved his son, who in turn both loved and honored his father. But one day, to his father’s immense grief, the boy died. The fond parent never forgot his son. At last the old man himself passed away.
When they came to settle the estate no trace could be found of the old man’s will. In vain they searched, until at last the authorities ordered that the property should be sold and his estate settled according to law.
At the auction one of the articles put up for sale was a portrait of the boy who had died. The picture had little or no value in the eyes of most present, but among the bidders was an old woman who had nursed the rich man’s son when he was a child.
For a very small sum she bought the picture, glad to have this reminder of one she had loved and cared for years before.
One day, while cleaning and repairing the frame, the old lady discovered at the back of the picture a document which turned out to be the old man’s will. He had left all of his property to anybody who loved his son well enough to buy his portrait at the sale. The old lady became rich overnight.
So it is, dear reader, that God looks upon the boy or girl, the man or woman, who loves His Son. There is nothing too good, too great, too wonderful, for the one who loves and hors the Son of God. He or she can sing:
“The Father’s face of radiant grace
Now shines in love on me.”
But we can’t love and honor Him without having faith in Him. We must put our whole trust in Him and our souls must rest upon the value His blood has in the sight of God. It is His precious blood that answers to God for our great guilt as sinners. If we are under the shelter of that blood, God says, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Ex. 12:1313And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. (Exodus 12:13). “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7).
A nice character, a good life, good deeds, can never purchase God’s forgiveness. But His heart overflows in lavish kindness to the one who appreciates and trusts His Son.
The Lord Jesus honored His Father perfectly in His life, and then went on to honor Him in His death. God will ever put honor upon the work of His Son. He will bless every soul who will put his trust in Jesus.
He is waiting to bless you, dear young reader.
“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him.” John 5:2323That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. (John 5:23).
ML-11/24/1963