One Sunday evening a certain preacher was telling the story of the converted thief on the cross, and speaking of the mercy of God to poor sinners, he compared it to a golden chain extended from heaven, which, when anyone repenting of his sins, would take hold of by faith in Christ, he was then and there lifted up to the very throne of God.
Some time later that same preacher happened to go through the town where he had spoken the above words. Walking on one of its streets, he met a poorly dressed woman who seemed to want to speak to him. He was surprised to hear that she wanted to know his name. On hearing it, she seemed to be so pleased, yet her eyes filled with tears as she said,
“I have been wanting to meet you for a long time to give you the last messages of my son. Do you remember the sermon you once preached in this town about sinners taking hold of the golden chain of God’s mercy for the salvation of their souls, and how even the very last link of it would be available to a poor, despairing soul?”
“Yes, I think I remember,” said the preacher.
“Well, then, my son was there that evening and he heard your words. Since then he died, but before leaving this world, he asked for you. We were very sorry not to be able to satisfy his desire in sending for you; for we did not know where you were. So then he turned to me, and said,
‘Mother, when you see him, tell him. I took hold of the chain.”
In his case you see, God’s Word did not return to Him without effect, and one more lost sinner was saved.
ML 06/08/1941