HOW often we are reminded of the truth of God’s word which tells us that “All flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away.”
What an appropriate illustration. The grass springs up fresh and green and flourishes during the summer months, but withers and dies as soon as the chilling winds of winter blow upon it. So it is with man. He springs up and flourishes for a little while.
This was brought to mind very forcibly a short time ago. I went to the home of my boyhood days to visit friends and relatives. Alfred L. a bright promising boy nearly fourteen years old seemed in perfect health when I arrived. But in a few days he became ill. He rapidly grew worse till death claimed him and took him from our midst. He had flourished for a little while, but now had withered as the grass. Oh, the stern hand of death! How hard it is to have to give up our dear ones. But amidst the grief and sorrow of that trying hour, there was that that could give joy and comfort. Dear Alfred was a Christian. He knew that he was saved, and we could rejoice, knowing that the Lord had taken him home. Taken him away from the trials and troubles to which we are subject here; away from the temptations so apt to lead astray the young heart.
He left a bright testimony. During his short illness, while suffering extreme pain caused by rheumatism which had so fatally laid hold on him, he was much occupied with the precious scripture text hanging near his bed, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31). It was the happy privilege of the one who preached at Alfreds funeral to relate a conversation which had passed between them only two weeks before. He asked, “Alfred, are you saved?” “Yes.” “How do you know you are saved, Alfred?” “Because God’s word says, Jesus died to save sinners and I’m a sinner.” Oh, dear children, Alfred’s simplicity is just what we need. We are all sinners, and that is just the reason we have a right to the Saviour God has provided. Take the sinner’s place.
Accept the sinner’s Saviour, then without doubt or fear we can say that the glory is our eternal portion.
Around the throne of God in heaven,
Thousands of children stand,
Whose sins through Christ are all for given
A holy, happy band.
Singing glory, glory, glory be to God on high.
ML 07/08/1906