President Eisenhower and the Sick Boy

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 7
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A six-year-old boy, named Paul, was dying of an incurable disease. In a letter written by his mother to a local newspaper, his desire to see President Dwight D. Eisenhower was mentioned. There are many today who have the disease, sin, for which there is only one remedy: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).) How many have the right desire to see those sins washed away in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus?
Of course, President Eisenhower could not do anything to help the sick boy. On learning of Paul’s request, he decided to grant him his desire. One Sunday morning the presidential limousine pulled up outside the boy’s small home. The President himself stood at the door, rang the bell and asked for Paul. What a surprise to Paul when the President was brought into his room. He chatted with Paul for a few minutes, took him to the window to show him his long black car, said goodbye and then drove off.
Wasn’t that a genuine display of kindness by the President? And yet we read in the gospels that the Lord Jesus, the King of glory, when He was here on earth took the little children up in His arms and blessed them. There were those who thought He was too busy and did not wish to be bothered with little children, but the Saviour showed His displeasure at this and said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 19:1414But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14).)
President Eisenhower could not do anything for Paul’s illness, much as he would like to have done, but the Lord Jesus is able to heal sin-sick souls and bodies as well. When He blessed those little ones, His blessing went beyond this life. There will be many thousands of little children around His throne in heaven singing His praise, “Thou hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kingdom, and tongue, and people and nation.” (Rev. 5:99And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9).)
ML-04/27/1980