Greatly comforted, the little boy again kissed her, and departed. When he reached his home several people were in gossiping about the news of the day. Soon his father put him to bed, tucking him well in the blankets.
Jamsie lay quite still for a little while, then he suddenly sat up in bed, and with beaming face exclaimed,
“Oh, I am so happy, for Jesus loves me.”
All were startled; some laughed, but others brushed the tears from their eyes.
Jamsie now longed to hear more about the Lord, and watched for every opportunity of getting his friend alone, so that he might hear of Him, and very sweet were the talks they had together.
It was after one of these talks that Jamsie suddenly inquired, “But when will we see Jesus? I would so like to see Him.”
“Well, Jamsie, we shall see Him soon, for before He went away up to the glory, He said that He would come again and receive us unto Himself, and He won’t forget to come. Someday maybe before long, He will give a shout that none will hear except those who love Him. But every one of them will hear it, even though they have died and been put in the grave—they will hear His voice, and be raised in a moment, and both they and we shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord, and then we shall be forever with Him, and shall forever see Him.”
Mrs. M. had spoken slowly but earnestly of what was the joy and hope of her own soul. The little boy had been drinking in every word, and the light of her face was reflected in his. Some time later on in the day, while in a workshop where he was a general favorite, he stood gazing absent-mindedly into the fire.
One of the workers, an old man, noticing his absorbed look, said to him kindly, “Now, Jamsie, take care and don’t burn yourself at that good fire.”
“No, no, I’ll not burn myself,” said the little boy slowly; then looking up into his face, he asked eagerly, “Will it be long till Jesus comes and we’ll all fly up?”
The old man was quite taken aback by surprise, for though a professing Christian, he was neither looking nor longing for the Lord, and shaking his head, said, “I can’t tell you that, Jamsie; are you expecting to fly up?”
“Yes,” said Jamsie confidently, “whenever He comes for me.”
“Well, you will need to be a very good boy then.”
“Oh, but it’s Jesus that makes me good, for I asked Him.”
“And what did you say when you asked Him?” inquired the old man with much interest.
The little boy colored deeply at being called upon to make such a public confession, for the other workers were listening; but covering his face with both hands, said, “Lord Jesus, I’m bad, but You are good, and loves me; make me good, too. Amen.”
The tears ran down the old man’s cheeks as he answered,
“The very thing, Jamsie, the very thing; there is no fear but you will fly up when Jesus comes.”
ML 03/28/1954