As the sun was setting in the western sky, and filling the neighboring rugged glen with a golden radiance, an eminent man stood near the summit of one of his native hills, watching a shepherd placing some sheep in a fold. Sorrow had entered his life, and darkened his prospect of the present and the future. His learning had failed to bring him the comfort necessary for the hour of trial. He was truly "without God and without hope."
At his side stood his eldest daughter. A few years before this she had come under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and, by faith, accepted Christ as her Savior and Lord. She longed to see her father really happy.
As they stood together, a wayward sheep, after a good deal of coaxing and vain efforts to escape, at last walked through the door into the fold. The scene had doubtless brought to the young woman's mind the familiar picture of John 10:99I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9).
"I am the Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture;" for turning round to her parent she laid her hand on his shoulder and said,
"That's all you need to do, father, only enter, in."
The Spirit of God used the simple message, and there on that hillside, the father saw that the work of salvation was complete in Christ Jesus, and entering in by faith he was saved. (Acts 16:1313And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. (Acts 16:13).)
What his learning and, efforts had failed to secure for him, he received the moment he as a lost sheep entered through the door, Christ Jesus. Joy unspeakable was brought to his darkened soul.
Such is the simplicity of salvation that in like manner you may also know the joy of sins forgiven.
"To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" Rom. 4: 5.
Salvation is not "do the best you can and look for mercy." It is simply to rest upon the best which is already done, and trust the Lord Jesus Christ who accomplished it; to obey His invitation, and enter in at the open door. Enter now and be saved, and be welcomed by the Good Shepherd.