It was Good Friday evening. A weary woman was returning to her home from a religious service which had been marked by those emblems that naturally deeply affect our feelings—the dimly-lighted building, the black drapery, the slow and mournful music. The sight had its effect on the poor woman, who was a seeker after God, and, downcast and discouraged, she returned to her home. She had not found Him, and knew not that He was seeking her.
Not far from her house was a mission hall which she had to pass. From it came the sound of singing, and she climbed the wooden stairs, and stood at the door for a moment.
She could see inside the room, and instantly one thing struck her —the array of happy faces! The joyous countenances of many of God's children interested her. What could their happiness mean? Why did they look so glad? What made them rejoice? These questions passed through her mind, as such questions do pass through the minds of men and women when they behold the joy of the Lord filling the hearts of their fellow men. There is a testimony for God in the joy of His salvation which is unanswerable. "Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." Psa. 32:1111Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (Psalm 32:11).
Presently the stranger slipped in and was seated in the mission room. She had entered just before the speaker began his address. He opened the Bible and read these words: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14, 1514And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:14‑15).
The preacher told the sweet story of the love of Jesus, even unto death. He had been crucified. He had died. His hands and His feet had been nailed to the tree. He had borne the judgment due to His people in His own body there. All that work was done. "It is finished," were His own words upon the cross. The eternal Son sent from heaven had become the Son of man, and for us He had been lifted up. Blessed sight, all sights above!
That night the poor woman looked to Jesus once crucified. By faith she cast herself before Him. She heard and rejoiced that Jesus was no longer nailed upon the cross, no longer the suffering Savior, but the Conqueror, the risen and exalted Lord of all. A living Jesus was presented to her longing heart by the Spirit of God, and she found rest to her soul.
She too could now rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, believing on Him whom not having seen, she by grace had learned to love.
Which is it, reader, with you—an image of a dead Christ, or Him who was crucified but who now liveth forevermore? Which is it with you—the solemn display of outward religion, senses awed and feelings amazed, or the peace and joy which God gives by His Spirit?
Ponder over the question, and may Jesus Himself be to you Savior, Lord, and ever-present Friend.