A man who had been selling bananas had a few left, and he held them out to some boys who were playing nearby. They stopped their play and looked with longing eyes. “Come on,” said, the man, holding out the golden fruit.
But they were unbelieving and would not go toward. him. This is just like so many today when God offers them salvation. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6.23. “Whosoever will, let him take.” Rev. 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17). But they doubt, hesitate, and do not believe.
One boy, as he saw the beautiful fruit and thought it might be true, began to move slowly toward the man, but his friends called, out, “Don’t, he’ll catch you!”
But the boy wanted the bananas, and kept looking toward the man offering them. When he saw them being put back in to the basket he went up to him and timidly put out his hand. “No,” said the man. “you are too late.”
“Ho! all ye heavy-laden, come,
Here’s pardon, comfort, rest and home;
Ye wand’rers from a Father’s face,
Return, accept His proffered grace,
Ye tempted ones, there’s refuge nigh:
‘Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.’
“But if you still His call refuse,
And all His wondrous love abuse,
Soon will He sadly from you turn,
Your bitter prayer for pardon spurn.
‘Too late! too late!’ will be the cry—
‘Jesus of Nazareth has passed by.’”
Let nothing keep you from taking God’s gift while it is offered.
ML 09/17/1950