The Christian parents of a little girl one evening spoke to her for a long time of the Lord Jesus. They told her of His love in dying for sinners, and His speedy return to take all who believe on Him to be with Him forever. They said, too, that then the door of mercy would be shut; and earnestly entreated their little daughter to come to the Lord Jesus ere it was too late, that she might be ready to meet Him at whatever hour He might come.
After having gone to bed and slept some time, she awoke, and wondered at the silence of the house. She listened, hoping to hear some familiar voice, but no sound fell upon her ear, save the solemn ticking of a great clock on the stairs. She thought of the conversation of the evening before, and of her parents’ entreaties and warnings.
“Could it be that the Lord had come? Had her father and mother gone to be with Him, and left her behind?”
The thought filled her with fear, and, running to the door of her mother’s room, she called gently: “Mother, dear!”
There was no answer. Only the clock kept on counting out the seconds as they sped. Again she called, now more loudly: “Mother, dear!”
Again no answer. She felt almost sure now that she was left behind for judgment, and that her last chance of salvation had passed away.
Overcome with terror, she shook the handle of the door.
“Who is there?” asked a voice from within.
“O, it is I,” was the answer, “and I am so glad you are there.”
She entered the room, and told her mother of her terrible fears. She needed no entreaty now to bring her to the feet of Jesus, so thankful was she that she had one more chance of being made fit for His presence.
The Lord has not come yet, but He is soon coming. The last gospel message will be given, the last invitation to poor sinners will go forth. How terrible for those who refuse it!
Dear children, you have one more chance. Accept God’s message of love to you now, so that you may join those who can say,
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus,” in answer to His farewell promise, “Surely I come quickly.”
ML 01/16/1944