He was a large-hearted butcher with evident sympathy for the poor. Every Saturday night he stood outside his shop and offered all remaining portions of meat for sale at greatly reduced rates. And always a number of the poorer people of the neighborhood waited for the hour to arrive when he would offer his last sales cheap, as was his custom. In this way he would clear out the balance of his stock.
On this particular Saturday night, when the time came, the butcher brought out the various portions of meat, selling them at his usual bargain prices, but then, with an extra choice cut of meat in his hand, he stepped forward and cried: "Who will have this fine, large piece of meat, all for nothing?"
What an offer! The people stood silently, amazed and astounded. Could he mean what he said? It must be so, for there he stood before their eyes holding the meat in his hands. When no one made a move to accept his offer, he cried again: "All for nothing!"
Those who might really benefit from the butcher's kindness looked questioningly at each other. Some thought it too good to be true. Others feared there was a catch in it somewhere. Others who knew him well believed what he said, but they hesitated to accept his free gift.
But the time was passing, and the butcher was just turning to re-enter his shop, when one woman decided to take him at his word. She came timidly forward and received in her outstretched hands the coveted gift of meat. With a grateful heart she thanked the butcher for his generosity.
Now others stepped forward, expecting a gift of meat too; but, lifting his empty hands above his head, the butcher cried: "Too late, folks, too late!"
Friend without Christ, do you not see in this incident your own position before God? He has looked upon your great need, and His heart has been moved with compassion towards you. He has sent His well-beloved Son to die in your stead on Calvary's cross, to atone for your sins, to complete the mighty work of redemption.
Now God, in His free, sovereign grace, offers a perfect salvation to all; eternal life as a gift! How can you refuse Him?