It was early morning in a little British railway station many years ago. There had been no trains during the night. The stationmaster arrived early to turn off the one light that hung by a long cord from the ceiling and to prepare for the first train.
On the long wooden bench near the corner he noticed a bundle. Some traveler probably forgot his baggage, he thought, as he went to pick it up. But to his surprise the bundle responded with the cry of a newborn baby! When he opened the bundle he found a little note pinned to the baby’s blanket. It said, “Call him John.”
There were many people who felt sorry for the tiny abandoned baby, but no one could keep little John. He was sent off to the nearest orphanage as soon as possible.
“You found him at Cheam station?” they said. “Then his name will be John Cheam.”
I suppose there was a frightened little mother some place who knew where John came from, but no one else knew, and no one ever found out. The mystery remains.
John grew strong and healthy in the orphanage, and he was well trained in manners and religion.
One day he boarded a British steamship and came to find work in Montreal, Canada. That is where he met Rose. And that is where he and his new wife found a home behind a Sunday school hall. They also took on the job of cleaning the building.
Sunday school was for children, but John and Rose were near enough to hear the message too. John soon realized that religion was not enough. Religion would not get him to heaven. John needed the Saviour of sinners for himself. And that is where John made the “yes” decision and took the gift that God Himself offers, not only to John but to you too.
What is the gift? First, as John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) tells us, the gift is God’s only Son. This gift includes the forgiveness of sins through His precious blood shed on Calvary. It also includes a new nature, and a new home in the Father’s house, and a new family - the list is too long to write it all here.
A few years ago, John died. Where did he come from?
No one knows.
Where did he go?
That we can answer. He is where all God’s children go who have been “born again” into God’s family. All who are redeemed with the precious blood of Christ go to be with Christ which is far better. Which is more important? Where you came from or where you are going?
God’s gift is only for sinners. Will you just take God’s wonderful gift right now, and thank Him for it?
ML-04/03/1994