CAIRO, Egypt, is a metropolis and a cosmopolis Here one meets all peoples, nations and languages—customs strange and customs familiar, civilization in all stages from the most primitive to the most advanced. Here Orient meets Occident—they mingle but do not mix. Everywhere the ancient rubs shoulders with the modern, and the East with the West. In the streets one awaits the passing of a string of camels and then, perhaps, dodges an automobile.
Although not in Cairo itself but about ten miles away, the Pyramids and Sphinx are generally considered first in popular interest of all Cairo’s attractions.
In the Pyramids, Egypt has one of the wonders of the world—relics of civilization which flourished before the dawn of the Christian era. When one mentions the Pyramids, it is generally the Pyramids of Giza to which reference is made.
The Great Pyramid, the largest of the Giza group, was built by Cheops. The greatest length of each of the sides is 775 feet, but the original length must have been about twenty feet more, for the facing of the pyramid has been removed. The present height is 451 feet, but formerly it was probably 481 feet. The flat space on the top of the pyramid is about thirty feet square.
The three largest pyramids may be entered, but the first and third are considered of greatest interest. These two pyramids may also be ascended with the aid of guides. To climb alone would be dangerous and is therefore forbidden. Only the physically strong should attempt the ascent of the Great Pyramid, as it is very fatiguing.
The writer visited the Great Pyramid and climbed to the top of it. While enjoying a magnificent panorama of the Giza ruins, the desert, and the Nile valley, an Arab guide approached and made a Crusader’s cross in the dust on the top of the pyramid. Then addressing me, he said: “Choose one of the points of the cross.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because I will then tell your fortune.”
“But I don’t believe in fortune, chance or luck.” “What do you believe in?” asked he in surprise. “I believe in the living God,” was my answer. “In the living God, good!” exclaimed he.
I then asked him, “Can you tell me anything better than this? As for the Past, I know my sins are forgiven; at Present, I am happy in the Lord and in His service; and in the Future, I am going to Heaven to be with Him.”
Mohammedan though he was, he admitted that he had no such fortune to tell.
A Bible Christian does not read his future in the stars, the cards, the crystal ball, nor vet in the palms of his own hands. He hears it not from fortune-teller, clairvoyant, astrologer, soothsayer, nor medium. But having become a child of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)), he hears none other than the Lord Jesus say to him: “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself: that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2, 32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3).)
He also hears the Word say: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:22Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2).)
The true believer therefore knows that he is going to be where the Lord Jesus is and as He is. “With Him” and “like Him;” the best possible future that a person could desire awaits everyone who has the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour.
Believers are perfectly willing to admit their unworthiness of such a glorious destiny. It is not personal holiness on their part which makes them fit for such a destiny. “All the fitness He requireth is to know your need of Him.”
Because “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,” a person is made fit for Heaven the moment he personally believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (or fit) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: in Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:12-1412Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:12‑14).)
Dear reader, have you believed on Him? If not, do so now and be assured of that glorious future as well as a present portion of “joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
T. Olson.