SOMETHING seems to have happened which troubles the boy who sits in the doorway, so that he seems sober, thoughtful, and perhaps a little cast down. The other two boys show in their faces a kindly interest and sympathy with him. For the time, their work is suspended, while all their thoughts are engaged with the question under consideration.
Even boys usually so full of life and fun—sometimes have their troubles, and become serious and thoughtful. This is well, for we are in a world full of evil and trouble. Sin has entered into the world, and has ruined the whole human race. Through sin all are lost and utterly ruined; and this raises a far more serious and important question than that which occupies these boys. It is a question, too, which is raised in the Word of God. You will find it in Acts 16:3030And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30). It was asked by a man who suddenly realized that he was lost, and knew not what to do. The question was this: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Have you ever asked this question? You have perhaps stopped to consider a great many little questions which have come up in your life, like the boys in our picture. But there is a question of infinitely greater importance than all other questions put, together. Have you ever taken time to think of it even for an hour?
As you have lain down in your bed at night, you have perhaps thought df the sins you have committed through the day, —how you got angry with your little brother or sister, or playmate, or perhaps with your own dear mother, and perhaps you did other bad things which God hates and must punish. As you have thought of these things, have you ever seriously, soberly, and in the light of eternity, asked. “What must I do to be saved?” O if you have not, stop now, I beseech you, and think of it.
Would you like to know the answer to this question? You will find it in the next verse. It is this: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” O! how simple. Why should you, then, remain unsaved for a single hour? Come with all your sins and guilt to Jesus. Believe on Him now, and be saved.
ML-04/04/1920