A Great Only

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 6
How often we use the word "only"! "It is only for a little while," comforts the heart. "Only one life to live," spurs the lagging spirit to carry on more faithfully for Christ. And how often the thought that "only" a little longer, and we shall be with and like our Lord, cheers the soul of the believer! Looking ahead, and taking thought for the morrow, as we often do in spite of Matthew 6:3434Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34), how often we find that what we had dreaded most was "only" meant for our blessing! So often it is, that direful anticipation proves to be "only" a blessing in disguise.
Recently, I visited a very sick young woman. To comfort her, I said: "It is 'only' to be with Christ."
"Oh," said she. "What a great 'only'!"
Reader, do you think of death like that? It is "only" to be with Christ! Have you ever thought of what that "only" involves?
To be with Christ is to be completely satisfied, for David the sweet singer of Israel says: "In Thy presence is fullness of joy." Psa. 16:1111Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11).
Do you know that it is "only" sinners that Jesus saves (Rom. 5: 8)?
It is "only" through His name you can be saved. It is "only" the precious blood of Jesus can give you title to heaven, or make you fit to go there.
And it was God's "only" begotten Son who died on the cross (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)), that "only" might we not perish, but have everlasting life.
Finally, if you are still a poor, doubting sinner, I would say what the Lord said to Jairus in Mark 5:3636As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. (Mark 5:36): "Be not afraid, 'only' believe."
It is a solemn matter to know that "only" a hairsbreadth, so to speak, divides time from eternity. My reader, you may never read of Christ again. How will you put aside this paper—saved, or "only" hoping to be?