Walter was lonesome for his father and mother. They had moved to Chicago, and left him with relatives in a town many miles away, hoping to come and get him in a few weeks. The little fellow had no money and so could not buy a ticket on the train, and as it was many miles, he could not walk. What was he to do?
Walter was just like the sinner away from God: but we know what put the sinner so far away from God—it was sin. I hope there is a big longing in your heart to get to God and to the home prepared in heaven, just as there was in Walter’s little heart to see his father and mother. You can’t walk there, and you can’t pay the fare—but let me tell you the rest of the story.
This lad used to go to the station and watch the Chicago train go through, and just wished that he could get on.
One day, just as the train was ready to start, Walter decided he must see his father so he stepped on and took his seat, and away went the train towards Chicago. Soon the conductor came through asking for tickets. The poor boy didn’t know what to do, and the conductor told him that he must get off at the next station. Soon Walter found himself standing once again beside the train, and he was almost ready to cry, for he thought he would never get to see Chicago—and Daddy. Just before the train started out again, the conductor waved his hand and shouted “All aboard.”
That was just what the lonesome boy wanted. “‘All—that means me too.” And without any further invitation Walter jumped on the train and once again was on his way towards father and mother. This time when the conductor came through calling “Tickets” he was a bit angry with the little fellow. “I told you to get off at that last station.”
“Yes, sir,” said Walter, “and I did get, off too. But just before the train started you called ‘All aboard,’ and I thought that meant me so I got on again.”
The gentleman across the aisle began to laugh and said to the conductor, “How much is the fare to Chicago?” He was told the amount, and he promptly paid it, and handed Walter the ticket.
Isn’t that just like our Saviour, the Lord Jesus? He paid my fare and I am going to His home prepared on high. I could never pay my own fare, but He paid the full price, and that meant giving up His own life for me. He loves you and would like to take you to heaven if you will but come to Him as a needy sinner.
ML 06/18/1950