Come on in, children. It is time for our morning reading.”
Charles came willingly, as soon as his mother called, but Leroy did not want to come. He did not appreciate having to give up even a few minutes of his time for Bible stories. He much preferred playing in the sand with his little cars. He followed his older brother, grumbling, and usually took very little interest in the stories; even though there were lovely pictures in the story book, already neatly colored by his older brothers
Leroy’s little heart had remained untouched by the gospel and mum prayers had gone up for his salvation, He was only a little boy of four and he had not realized his soul’s need.
The story this morning was of Ruth. Orpah, and Naomi, a story not usually very appealing to little boys like Charles and Leroy, who usually prefer stories that are a bit more exciting slid as “David and Goliath” or “Daniel in the Lion’s Den.” When the Spirit of God chooses to speak, however, He may use that which to us seems unsuited to the individual concerned.
Leroy’s mother expressed real sorrow that her darling “baby” boy still preferred his toys to the Bible stories. She explained the different parts, as the story was read, in order to make it plain to their little minds. “And Ruth chose to go back with Naomi to God’s country and worship the true and living God.”
“Wasn’t that nice,” said Charles, his little face beaming. He had already accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and to hear such an account of another, filled his little heart with delight.
Leroy had nothing to say. He had become strangely silent and thoughtful.
“But Orpah made a sad choice; she preferred her heathen gods to the God of Israel and was easily persuaded to return to them. She is not heard of again. Many little children make the same sad mistake arid prefer their play to the Word of God. That is all now dear little ones,” said their mother.
Charles hurried from the room but Leroy sat very still on the davenport. Mother again told Leroy that he could go and play but he was crying to himself. At last he could endure it no longer and cried out, “Oh, Mother, I want to be saved right now.”
“All right Leroy,” said Mother, “just kneel down here by the chair and tell the Lord what you want,”
Amid the sobs and tears little Leroy cried out, “O Lord, I want to be saved right now,” and he has never since expressed any doubts that the Lord had taken him in. The Lord Jesus said:
ML 09/10/1950