How we admire energy and endurance! It has large value in all of man's undertakings, whether it be the personal energy of an individual or an organization, or even the mechanical energy that carries the airman through space, or pulls us more ordinary mortals through the subways or along the highways to our suburban homes. Energy and speed are characteristics of today.
In the light of revealed truth it is sad to note the energy put forth willingly, yet how mistakenly, to secure eternal reward. Men still ask, "What must I do to be saved?" They are as ready as Naaman of old was to do some great thing. Rituals, alms, penances, sacrifices, self denials—all these will men do and give to satisfy their consciences; but in vain. "It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.”
Mercy, the free and full expression of infinite love, God gives to the helpless, penitent sinner. Efforts can merit nothing from a debtor with nothing to pay. An alien and a stranger from God, such coin has no currency value in His realm. Yet He loves the world of guilty mankind. He willeth not the death of the sinner. He sent His Son to seek and to save the lost. He calls them to Himself.
"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which satisfieth not?" Your labors can never satisfy God. Nor do they please you. They will never save your soul. God alone can save you by His mercy, through His beloved Son. In Him alone is rest. Jesus calls: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).