In this day and age when the Scriptures are so widely distributed, we naturally conclude that all are familiar with the Bible, that is so well known to most of our readers. But we find that there are many, even in this land, who are still strangers to it.
We will relate to our readers the story of a boy who was quite ignorant of the Scripture, but we are glad to say that he did not remain in that condition. Unusual were the circumstances under which he heard the Word of God read which was the means of giving light to his dark soul.
He was employed as a helper on a large farm and also worked on the grounds that surrounded the residence. On one occasion when he passed under an open window he heard someone reading aloud and he paused to listen.
It was an old lady reading her Bible. She loved her Bible and was in the habit of reading aloud at that hour of the evening, little realizing that there was anyone listening.
John made a practice of coming to the window to hear her read, for it interested him greatly. She often read from the Gospels and how eagerly he listened to every word, it was all so strange and new. The Spirit was silently at work in the boy’s heart as the lady read about the Lord Jesus who died that all might be saved from their sins by simple faith in Him.
At another time she read the 53rd of Isaiah, and he was deeply moved. When she read “All we like sheep have gone astray,” he said to himself— “That’s me.” He was filled with awe and wonder that the holy One of God should bear in His own body the sins that guilty ones deserved.
He stole away from the window under deep conviction. When he reached the hedge not far away, he fell upon his knees and cried out from the depth of his soul, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”
That cry was heard, and then and there he accepted as his Saviour the One who was bruised and wounded as his substitute.
It was years afterward that he told this story of his conversion. The deep peace that filled his soul when he accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour shone in his eyes, convincing all that his early experience was not a passing one, but one that was deep and enduring.
Would that all might improve their opportunities as well as this boy did. It was only under difficulties that he heard the Word of God read, but it was not lost upon him. He treasured up each word and received its wondrous message to the salvation of his soul. He took the sinner’s place and accepted the sinner’s Saviour, that was made known to him by means of the Word.
Reader, have you so improved your opportunities? Probably you have free access to the Scriptures and this great privilege is known to God. What use have you made of the heavenly message? Have you profited by it? Have you the assurance of salvation that is the natural result of laying hold of the gospel message?
This faith is precious in God’s sight, and will be reckoned to your soul as righteousness.
ML 02/22/1931