Peter was a sharp little fellow; his neck was thrust forward and his shoulders hunched, for the poor man was a dwarf. He had lived behind the old jewelry store ever since his mother died. He proved himself very useful to the owner of the store, and to Hildah, his master’s little daughter.
But somehow, during the past month, a change had come over Peter. He was as quick as ever, tidy and careful, but there were some errands that Peter would not run. There was some jewelry that Peter would not touch. There were new words repeating themselves over and over again in his mind. Peter was not the same at all.
What had happened? The queer little man had heard the gospel preached and his conscience was deeply touched. He felt himself to be guilty before God. He had often had a share in his master’s dishonest business dealings. He knew the fair pretense of worthless jewelry, but “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” Proverbs 9:1010The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10), and Peter was beginning to be wise.
Then one day the matter was settled. He looked by faith to the Lord Jesus, “who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:2424Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24). Peter’s load of sins had been borne by Jesus. He believed it and the little dwarf man was free. Blessed knowledge for Peter, and for you and me too!
He told Hildah of his salvation, and urged her to attend the meetings also. The very same day his master ordered him to make a dishonest purchase. Peter, in refusing, bravely told him that he served a new Master, the Lord Jesus. The old jeweler flew into a tempest of anger.
“Let us settle our accounts,” he shouted, “for you leave here this very night!”
“It is late,” pleaded Hildah. “Let him stay this one night.”
So he stayed, and after settling his master’s account book, the dwarf went to his usual corner and was soon fast asleep.
The jeweler sat down to look over his accounts, gloating over every bit of profit, and fretting over every loss, until he came to the end where he found written across the page in clear bold handwriting the words, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:3636For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36).
How could Peter dare write such words? The master knew that they were God’s words, and they stirred him up until—Hildah heard a heavy thump upon the floor.
“Peter,” she called in terror. They found her father fallen from his chair. Together they lifted the poor man to his bed and called the doctor. There were days of anxious watching before the poor sufferer opened his eyes, and then he fixed his gaze upon the dear face of the little dwarf.
“Peter,” he said faintly, “didn’t you go?”
The little man came closer and touched his hand.
“I saw the gulf,” murmured the sick man, “and I felt I was lost. Is there any hope for my soul?”
Peter leaned forward eagerly. “I can tell you that the Lord Jesus died to save your soul, and to give eternal gain. He paid the price of sin. Believe and accept His forgiveness and let Him cleanse your heart in His most precious blood. He isn’t willing that even you should perish and lose your own soul.” Then Peter closed his eyes.
“Go on,” said the sick man. “Why do you stop?”
“To pray for you, Master.”
“Dare I pray for myself?” asked the sick man, and he trembled like a child.
They left him alone for a little. They did not hear his prayer, but God did, just as surely as He will hear yours, if you mean what you say.
Six months passed on. It was the same little room behind the shop, but all was altered. There were many wrongs to be set right before men, since Peter and his master had settled the question of gains and losses in the presence of God. Hildah also is one with them in the joy of God’s free salvation.
It is free for you also, dear reader, but remember, you must acknowledge you are a sinner. If you say you are not a sinner, you deceive yourself. If you acknowledge you are a sinner, come then, with the dwarf, the thief, and the little girl, and accept God’s free salvation and be saved.
ML 07/04/1954