“Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall in nowise enter therein.” Luke 17:1818There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. (Luke 17:18).
One morning, a boy, looking miserable and ragged, was seen in the street of a large city. A gentleman, in passing, was struck with his hungry appearance and abject looks. After a few questions had been asked and answered, the promise of food and shelter for the day induced the boy to consent to attend a Sunday school not far off, though the condition that he should learn what was given him was not so attractive to him. Poor fellow! He had never known a mother’s love, and his father was a drunkard, and paid little heed to him.
The story which he now heard of Jesus and His love came to him as a new and wonderful thing—he had never heard of it before. Gradually the light shone into his soul, and it became evident to all around that Willie was indeed one of Jesus’ little ones. He carried such a well-spring of happiness with him, that even his miserable home seemed brighter. One evening he sat singing to himself, “I am so glad that Jesus loves me!”
“Stop that!” roared his father, and Willie was silent, but soon, with the forgetfulness of a child, began again, “I am so glad—”
This time he was ordered to bed, and though he went quietly enough, the words kept ringing in his head, “Jesus loves me,” and he felt he could not be unhappy now that he knew that was true. In the middle of the night he was awakened by hearing his name. called,
“Willie, Willie, sing that again!”
Could it be a. dream? No; there sat his father beside his bed. So Willie sat up and sang the hymn.
“Is it all true, Willie?”
“Quite true, father, Jesus died for you and me, so He must love us.”
“O! Willie, can you pray for me?”
“I don’t quite know what to say. father.”
“Say I am the biggest sinner or earth, but I want Jesus to love me; and make me good.”
With his arms clasped round his fher’s neck, Willie prayed,
“Lord Jesus, this is my father, and he says he has been very wicked. O, Lord Jesus, make him fit to live with Thee in heaven, and teach him to love Thee.”
Little Willie’s prayer was answered. His father received the forgiveness and peace and joy he sought, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
ML 01/09/1944