THE story is told of an old man, who years ago was seen sitting just outside the White House. His clothes were threadbare and covered with dust. His face was sad, tears were in his eyes, and he looked a pathetic figure. A little boy, rolling a hoop, stopped to ask him what was the matter. What a sad story the old man told. His son in the Army had been arrested for desertion and condemned to die. He had tried to appeal to the President but the guards would not let him pass.
“I can take you to the President,” cried the boy.
“You?”
“Yes, he is my father,” said the boy. “He lets me come in any time,” Thus the old man found the way in to President Lincoln who graciously granted a pardon to his son.
What a picture this is of ourselves as poor sinners, in all our need, unable to enter into the presence of God, who alone can help. “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your Sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear,” was the word of the Lord to His people in Isaiah 59:22But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2).
In the temple of old there hung a veil that separated man from the “most holy place” where God dwelt. The sinner could not enter there. But when the Lord Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for sin, all was changed, God Himself rent that veil—“from the top to the bottom,” Matt. 27:5151And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; (Matthew 27:51). God could now come out in all His grace to the sinner, and the sinner could go in to God, And so we read: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness, to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way,... Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Heb. 10:19-2219Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19‑22).
It is unlikely the old man of our story would have got to see the President had he not met one who was next to Mr. Lincoln in affection. Nor is there hope of a sinner coming to God and gaining His free pardon except he first have to do with His dear Son, Christ Jesus the Saviour, who has told us in His Word, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6).
Dear sinner friend, have you entered in “by the blood of Jesus” or are you still waiting outside?
ML-08/07/1960