GARABED was born in Tokat. His parents were members of the Greek church, and he was brought up in strict accordance with its principles. He had no Bible; indeed, he had never seen one. A missionary came, and the people were talking much of what he was saying. Garabed had a great desire to go and hear, but his father prohibited him. He somehow got hold of a copy of the New Testament, and in order not to be discovered, he took it into the stable, and read it by the light of a lamp. When he had finished, he put the book into a hole in the wall, and covered it with a brick. Reading night after night in the Book of God, he became deeply interested, and longed to know if there was a Saviour for him.
He searched the whole New Testament to find his name, but he could not. Peter, Paul, James and John he found, but no “Garabed.” While reading John’s Gospel one night, he came upon the word “whosoever” in chapter 3:16. That word gave him the title he sought. It means anybody. So he put in his own name, believed on the Lord Jesus, and was saved. Now, he tells others in that dark land the way of life and peace.
Have you seen your name in the Book of God, dear reader? God has put it there. If you know your name to be “Sinner,” then for you Jesus’ came as “Saviour,” and “whosoever,” gives you a right to claim Him as yours. Will you claim Him now? He waits to save you, and make you His own. But if you reject Him, you will die a hopeless death.
“All things are ready” Come,
Tomorrow may not be;
O! children, come; the Saviour waits
This hour to welcome thee.
ML 12/15/1918