THESE words form a well-known challenge. They are constantly employed, both in times of peace and of war.
When a sentry observes a stranger, or a suspicious-looking person, approaching his post he is bound to challenge him, demanding, by the authority of the king, who he is and what his business may be, and an unsatisfactory reply in time of war very often means death.
Many a gallant deed performed by a sentry lies unrecorded, but nevertheless all who have experience of war know the courage of those, who stand on guard, and watch sleeping comrades, or else seek to protect places of importance.
When a sentry issues the summons, "Who goes there?" an honest man would promptly reply, "Friend." He would then, be commanded to stand still, in order that the truth of his statement might be proved by further examination.
In the name of the King of Kings you, reader, are challenged, "Who goes there?" In other words, a friendly inquiry is made of you concerning your loyalty. On whose side are you? Are you a friend or a foe?
There is a warfare being carried on in which there are no neutrals. If you are not on the side of the King of Kings, then you are against Him. You may not like this bald and plain statement, but it is true. And be assured of this, that whilst there is an uncertainty regarding the issue of all other conflicts, there is none regarding that contest in which you are called upon to take your part.
The Lord Jesus has obtained the victory, and this will be manifest within a measurable distance of time. It is true the war is still being waged here, and you are engaged in it on one side or the other; but this does not alter the fact that victory is secured by the Lord Jesus for all His followers.
"Who goes there," reader? A believer in the Lord Jesus,—one who seeks to follow Him; or an enemy,—a rejector of the only Savior? You are one or the other. Don't shake off the inquiry. To do that is to prove yourself a foe, Be advised. If you are at all uncertain what position you occupy, then rest not one moment longer. Come out on the Lord's side. Acknowledge your sinful indifference, turn to Him with true longing of soul, and He will receive you and save you. (See Hos. 14:22Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. (Hosea 14:2).) This is what He came to do. "For the Son, of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10.)
One word more. Do you, under a sudden conviction of your terribly dangerous condition, cry out, "What am I to do?" "Is there no one to help me?" "I cannot see where to go or what to do.”
Let me tell you this is a good sign. It shows you have had an alarm, and want to know what it means: Turn to Luke 18:35-4335And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. 37And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 39And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 40And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. 43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. (Luke 18:35‑43). You will find an account of a man very like yourself. In substance he cried out, "Who goes there?" The answer he received was, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.”
Reader, whilst these words are before you He is passing by, and pleading with you to come to Him. "Come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live." (Isa. 55:3.)
"Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37), are the very words of the Lord Jesus. Come NOW to Him. Receive Him as your personal Savior, and He will save you on the spot. P. I. B.