“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isa. 1:18). ISA 1:18
“Come unto Ale, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). MAT 11:28
A YOUNG man, brought up in the Meath Industrial School at Blackrock, entered the Artillery, and acted there as a blacksmith. While at his work one day, his lacer sent for him; but he did not like to go in his grimy state. However, he was told that he must obey; so he went, but feeling very much ashamed in doing so.
When he came to his officer, who was a child of God, the officer said, “Sewell, I am very glad to see that you know how to obey orders. Now, that is the way you must treat the Lord Jesus Christ.: come to Him just as you are.”
The words went home to the young man's heart, and there and then he yielded himself to the Saviour; and for the last seven years be has been a consistent Christian, and the means of much blessing to many of his comrades.
This is a very simple illustration of how a poor sinner should come to Jesus; and in the earnest hope that God may bless it to others it is put into print. How many there are who think that they have to feel differently from what they do feel, or that they have to improve their condition, before they come to Jesus! It is all a mistake! Jesus is inviting you to come to Him just where you are, and just as you are, and just now; and "If you linger till you are better, You will never come at all.”
Jesus did not come to call those who were doing the best they could to merit His favor. He said Himself, "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." The Pharisees and scribes advertised the blessed Lord in the following words: "This Alan receiveth sinners, and eateth with them"; and the Holy Spirit saith that "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us; and one who was" before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious," found his greatest comfort in the fact that" this is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sin tiers; of whom I am chief " (Mark 2:17; MAR 2:17 Luke 15:2; LUK 15:2 Rom. 5:8; ROM 5:8 Tim. 1:15 TIM 1:15).
Are you conscious that you are a sinner?
And do you find that the poor publican's prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner,” suits you? Then that is your recommendation to come to Jesus, and be assured that He is waiting to welcome you. Only come to Him just as you are.”
H. M. H.