A FEW years ago one of our American newspapers carried an open letter telling of a six-year old boy dying of an incurable disease. In the letter the boy expressed a desire to see the President. General Eisenhower was now president, but he had been a boy himself once, and on learning of the little sick fellow’s desire he determined to grant him his request.
So one Sunday morning the presential limousine pulled up outside the boy’s humble home. The President himself stood at the door, rang the bell and asked for the boy whose name was Paul. To the boy’s amazement and joy the President was ushered into his room; the great man chatted for a few minutes, showed Paul his fine car, and then drove off.
This was a fine gesture by the President, was it not? And yet we read in the gospels that the Lord Jesus, the King of glory, when He was here on earth took the little children up in His arms and blessed them. There were those who thought He was too busy and did not wish to be bothered with little children but the Saviour showed His displeasure at this and said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:1414But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14).
President Eisenhower could not do anything for the little sick boy, much as he would like to have done, but the Lord Jesus is able to heal sin-sick souls, and bodies as well. We believe when He blessed those little ones His blessing went beyond this life, for countless myriads of little children will be around His throne in heaven singing His praise, “Thou hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kingdom, and tongue, and people and nation.” — Rev. 5: 9.
ML-12/31/1972