“The basket-maker is here.” This announcement was made in the women’s quarters of a beautiful Chinese home. Two women hastened, on their tiny crippled feet, to the large guest-hall to look over the basket-maker’s wares. It was a beautiful room with a high ceiling, where a painter was even now busy on a long ladder, brightening up the decorations. At one end stood a man, half hidden by his load of new baskets for sale.
The ladies examined his work carefully. They were well-made baskets, but not just the right shape. “We wish to buy,” they explained, “some very special baskets in which to offer incense to the gods.” The basket-maker politely refused.
“Do not be angry, ladies,” he replied simply, “but I cannot make anything for the worship of idols.”
“And pray why not?” was the astonished question.
“I am a believer in the Lord Jesus,” he answered respectfully, “a worshiper of the true and living God.” And he went on to put before these ladies, who might never hear it again, the way of pardon and peace through the Lord Jesus, the One “who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 4:2525Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25).
The ladies grew tired of listening, and tottered away on their tiny feet, but as the man was arranging his baskets to carry them away, he was surprised to hear another voice ask, “What was that you were saying?”
“You did not see me,” went on the painter earnestly, “but I was up on that ladder. Tell me again.”
The precious words were gladly repeated, and another longing heart found rest in the Lord Jesus.
Not in China only, but all the world over this same story of God’s great salvation through the Lord Jesus is repeated. Many grow tired of listening and turn away, but there are a few who receive pardon and peace through faith in the Person and work of that blessed Saviour.
This pardon is offered today to you. Will you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?
ML 11/08/1953