It was a wild wintry night when 1 two teenagers, Martha and Maureen, started out for the gospel meeting. The blast was so cold and strong that they almost decided to turn back, but impelled by an unseen hand they struggled on and finally arrived at the little hall. Few were present on account of the blinding storm, but the word of God was quick and powerful in the souls of these young hearers. The speaker chose for his theme the well-known verse of Isaiah 53:66All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6):
“ALL WE LIKE SHEEP HAVE GONE ASTRAY; WE HAVE TURNED EVERY ONE TO HIS OWN WAY; AND THE LORD HATH LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL.”
The speaker dwelt upon the need of all, for all have gone astray; the danger of each was spoken of, for everyone has turned to his own way.
The searchlight of God’s word shone upon the lives of those two young girls who sat side by side listening to the well-known truths. They were convicted of their sin and danger; they felt their need; they longed for rest. So it came about that after the service, while others left the building they remained seated until they were spoken to by one who was well accustomed to the blessed work of pointing weary sinners to the Saviour Who says, “Come unto Me ... and... rest.”
Said he simply, “Go in at the first ALL and go out at the last ALL.”
What could he mean? He was referring to the verse, ‘All we like sheep Lave gone astray,...” Had they one in at that “all”? Did they really believe that they were needy lost inners? Yes, indeed they did! and stricken in conscience as their past sinful life condemned them now, they longed for salvation. “Then go out it the last ‘all,’” said their helper. But what did this mean?
They looked at the verse and its meaning dawned upon them. They saw how wonderful a provision God lad made for them — guilty, lost though they were.
“The Lord hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” Marvelous grace! God has taken our iniquity—all of it, and has laid it and the judgment it deserved upon His blessed Son, the Lord Jesus, when He was upon Calvary’s cross. “The LORD hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.” Now, all believers are entitled to say, “He has borne my iniquities away; His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:2424Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24).
Our two young friends, having gone in in sorrow by the first “all,” could now go out in joy by the last “all.” God Himself had dealt with the whole question of their sins and guilt, and removed it all in righteousness from before His holy eye.
Martha and Maureen had rest of conscience, and so may you, dear young reader, for the Saviour lives and still waits to save.
“Might I but hear now from His lips
The whisper, ‘I forgive’!”
Listen, His message comes to thee;
He says, “Believe and live.”
“How shall the past be blotted out?”
“There is a crimson tide.”
“What shall I answer to thee for?”
“This only, ‘Jesus died.’”
“Lord, I believe, I bring no plea
But just my sin and need,
And that Thy gracious word is ‘Come.’
Now Thou art mine indeed.”
ML 03/14/1965