Bobby lived in the days when one could buy the best candy for a penny—if one had the penny. And a quarter could buy ever so many things.
“I want 24¢ worth of ground beef, please!” Bobby watched as the butcher took the meat from the glass case. He weighed it carefully and wrapped it in brown paper.
“Here you are, Sonny!” The butcher smiled at the eight-year-old boy who was seriously handing him a quarter. “And here’s your change.”
Bobby took the penny that the butcher held out. In a few moments he was in the grocery store next door standing in front of the candy case. He pointed out the candy he wanted, and then was on his way home, eating his candy as he went.
It was really so easy! And there was no way that anyone would ever find out.
Bobby had it all figured out before. Once a week Mother would send him to the store for 25 worth of ground beef. It was so simple to just say "24 worth” to the butcher and then he had a penny for candy. No one would know that he was really stealing it.
Bobby was quite proud of the way he had everyone fooled. At least, in the day time—but the nights were another matter! The nights—well!—they were pretty rough sometimes. Yes, Bobby’s conscience was pricking him. He had gone to Sunday school for as long as he could remember. His teacher had taught him how awful sin was and that God must punish those who are sinners. But she had taught him, too, of God’s love, and about the Lord Jesus dying on the cross for sinners to save them from judgment to come.
Then there was another thing. His teacher also often talked about the Lord Jesus coming back for those who sins He bore, to take them to heaven with Him. Mother and Dad often talked about these things, too, and every day they read from the Bible and prayed. Bobby knew that Mom and Dad were anxious that he should accept the Lord Jesus into his heart while he was young.
What would they say if they knew about that penny he so often stole—and bought candy with it? He didn’t intend that they would ever find out, but he knew for sure that he could not hide his sin from God. It made him feel sad and uncomfortable all alone in the dark at night.
But worst of all was the thought that maybe the Lord Jesus would come during the night for those that belonged to Him! Mom and Dad he knew would go up with Him, and his little brother and sister would, too. They were too small to understand yet. How dreadful it would be to wake up and find the house empty and still—all of them gone, and he left behind with no hope of ever being saved but with only judgment before him.
“Here’s your change!” the butcher would say cheerfully, but Bobby’s heart was growing heavier. Even the candy didn’t seem to taste as good any more, and at night when God by His Spirit would speak to Bobby’s heart, he would squirm under the blankets. He knew he was a bad sinner.
One day Bobby’s father took him to a little gospel meeting held in a store building. Again he heard the story of God’s great love in sending the Lord Jesus to die for the sinner. Bobby wished he was saved. It was awful to be afraid of God. It was awful to be so afraid of the coming of the Lord Jesus.
One night Bobby couldn’t sleep. He wished he had never, ever stolen even one penny. Tears were soaking into his pillow. It seemed so late! But he felt he just had to talk to his father.
Dad was still up and was surprised when his dear boy came downstairs, his eyes wet with tears. Then Bobby told him the whole story. Daddy listened quietly. He did not become angry, but he opened his Bible and together they read these wonderful verses: “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23). “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:1313He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13).
Bobby knew this verse well, but this time he put his own name in it. And then it read like this: “For God so loved (Robert) that He gave His only begotten Son, that if (Robert) believes in Him, (Robert) shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The Lord seemed to speak these words right to Bobby’s heart. He was one that God loved. He was the sinner the Lord Jesus died for. He believed it and received Him as his own precious Saviour.
Snuggling down into bed a little later, happy Bobby was sure his sins were forgiven, for the heavy load of guilt on his conscience was gone. Jesus had taken it away in that crimson flood that flowed from His pierced side. Bobby was sure, too, that when Jesus came in the clouds, He would not leave him behind.
The next time Bobby went to the store he said to the butcher, "25 cents worth of ground beef, please!”
M.J.T.-Childhood Days
ML-09/30/1979