It was a summer’s evening. Two children who had been amusing themselves in different ways for some hours, had grown tired of their games, and had sat down to rest. They were brother and sister, and were always together, either at lessons or at play. As I have said, they were tired of playing, and tired too of being alone. Their father and mother were out for the evening. They had gone with others to read the Word of God together, and in this way to hear of Jesus, God’s own beloved Son. Who had come many years ago to die on the Cross for men, women, and children.
It was growing late, and these children were becoming anxious at their parents being away so long.
“I wonder why father and mother do not come home,” said the sister to her brother.
“I don’t know,” said her brother.
“Do you think the Lord Jesus can have come and taken them away?” the boy asked. Their fears increased, for though these two children had heard of Jesus, they did not know Him. Do you know Jesus, dear young reader? Well, this boy and girl did not.
At last a bright thought struck them, and Emma, for that was the little girl’s name, said to her brother,
“Harry, let us go over and see if Mrs. H.—is at home. You know she love, the Lord Jesus, so that if He has come He will have taken her up to heaven.”
So over they went and rang the bell, and when the maid came to the door they asked if Mrs. H.— were at home, Great was their relief when they found she was still there, and they went back, home with thankful hearts, and soon their father and mother returned, and the children told them how frightened they had been because they thought the Lord had come.
Why were they frightened? Because they were not ready. Dear child, are you?
I want you to get your Bible, and read for yourself what the Lord Jesus says in the 25th chapter of Matthew and the tenth verse, of those that “were ready.”
“They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.”
You see, they that were “ready” were shut in with ‘Jesus; they were safe and happy forever. But what about those who were not ready? They came after “the door was shut,” and said,
“Lord, Lord, open to us.” Did they get in? No, no, the Lord answered, “I know you not.” And they were shut out.
Dear reader, young or old, which will be your portion? Shut in, or shut out? Jesus says,
“Behold, I conic quickly.”
It is not likely that everyone where you or I live will die tonight, or tomorrow, but Christ may come! He has said,
“I will come again.”
He “was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Jesus came into this world to die “once.” He is coming again take all who have put their trust in Him to Himself, and the door will be shut.
Where, dear young readers, will you be? Outside, or shut in with Jesus? Which? It must be one or the other, and that for eternity.
ML 09/10/1939