A LITTLE boy, whose parents died a long way out in the country, thought if he could get to a large city, he would be likely to meet with someone who would give him work, and assist him in gaining a living.
How to get there was the difficulty. He wished to reach a city that was many hundreds of miles away. Even if his little legs would carry him, he dared not attempt to walk, as wild beasts might devour him.
The roads were not marked, and there were no sign posts to guide him. Certainly the train would carry him, but then he had no money to pay for a ticket. Notwithstanding all the difficulties in the way, he set out for the nearest railway station.
The train was not long in arriving; when it did come he jumped on to the cars and took his seat. After traveling some distance, the conductor came round and asked for the boy's ticket.
"Please sir," he replied, "I am a poor farm boy, and have neither ticket nor money to buy one."
"Then you must get off the cars at the next station," said the conductor.
When the train stopped, the boy got off, but stepped on again as the engine started.
Astonished on his next round to find the boy still in his seat, the conductor said angrily,
"Didn't I tell you to leave the train when it stopped?"
"Yes, sir, and so I did, but as you did not tell me to stay off, I got on again," piteously answered our little friend.
At the next station the boy got off. He was sad at heart at being left. When all was ready for the train to start the conductor cried as usual "All aboard," and the boy jumped on once more.
"Now, didn't I tell you to get off, and keep off?" said the conductor when he saw him.
"Yes, sir, and so I did, but just as the train was moving, you stretched out your hand towards me and shouted, 'All aboard;' I thought 'all' meant me, so I jumped on again."
"Well, I suppose we must carry you right through now," and he allowed him to remain until they reached the city.
Now while I do not think the orphan boy was right in riding on the train without a ticket; it was his taking advantage of, and at once profiting by the conductor using the little word "all" that struck me, and made me think how often God uses that word in His gracious invitations to sinners.
In the first place He tells us, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)), and that means you and me.
His salvation is free. The only ticket we require is Christ.
The result of believing what God says, we learn in another Bible invitation,
You cannot doubt that God means you, since this wonderful salvation which Jesus worked out for us by His death on the cross is for all who believe.
The poor orphan boy had much to discourage him—you have everything to encourage. Your soul's eternal welfare urges you to accept Jesus as your Saviour at once.
Messages of God’s Love 12/14/1930