In the last battle fought in the American Civil War a confederate soldier took to the woods. He hid there for nearly a week, almost starved. In the meantime, peace had been made and proclaimed throughout the states.
A man riding along in the outskirts of the woods was alarmed to see a gaunt and haggard looking man in Confederate uniform rush out, and gripping his horse’s bridle, cry out, “Oh, for mercy’s sake, sir, will you give me something to eat?”
“Why, what’s the matter?” said the horseman.
“Oh, sir, I was on the losing side in that last fight, and if I’m caught I’m sure to be shot or strung to the nearest tree.”
“My good fellow,” said the other man, “don’t you know that the war is over and peace has been proclaimed? The armies have been disbanded, and the men have gone off home?”
The man was staggered for a moment, but finally he took it in. He believed the word and walked right out into the open.
There was nothing to fear, no more need for hiding. He walked into town and with the money given to him he had a good dinner at the inn.
Sinner friend, do you not believe the good news that Christ has made peace “by the blood of His cross?” Let there be no more hiding from God. Come right out into the open, meet God as a Saviour God, be at peace with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ.
ML-12/06/1964