In most of our large cities today there are sections called Skid Row, where poor, outcast men and women live in poverty and misery mainly due to the terrible drink habit. Under Satan’s influence they are without God and without hope in this world.
In 1945 Joseph Lutzesko then 48 years old, was one of these poor, unhappy men, wandering about the streets of Detroit. One night he heard the wonderful news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners such as he. He accepted the Lord Jesus that night and from then on, sought to win other poor men on Skid Row to the Saviour. For fifteen years it was his joy to speak for Christ and to “tell what great things the Lord had done for him.”
A short time ago Joseph was speaking outdoors to a group of men who had gathered about, Three times he had repeated the verse, “To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:88We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8). Suddenly he collapsed, and died soon after — truly present with the Lord!
If you were to die this very instant, dear friend, would YOU be present with the Lord as the dear Christian in our story was? If you cannot answer this question, simply trust Christ as your Saviour today, and God will give you pardon and peace. Then, if you should die, or if the Lord should come, you would be forever with Him in glory. Do not put it off and one day find yourself in a lost eternity.
ML 01/15/1961