It was an Eastern city, nearly 2000 years ago. A funeral had just passed through the gate. The dead man was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow and many people of the city were with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said unto her, “Weep not.” And He came and touched the stretcher for the corpse, and those that carried him stood still.
And He said, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise”! And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother. And there came a great fear on all; and they glorified God.
It was another Oriental city some twenty-four hundred years ago. A funeral had just passed out through the gate. Many people of the city followed, and the mourners wept, as only those without hope can weep. China’s greatest sage, Confucius, was passing and heard the wails for the dead and saw the procession slowly make its way to the hills outside the city. He passed on to his house-not to eat-but to mourn and fast, in bitterness of soul, for his helplessness.
For nearly twenty-four hundred years China followed the teachings of her dead sage, but both Confucius and his teaching have proved helpless and hopeless. What a contrast to Confucius was the Lord Jesus Christ! For 2000 years—and more—He has been giving life, eternal life, to millions. It is available to all—it is offered to all. Have you received that wonderful life yet? Why not?