Not Ready To Go

The Lost Sheep Found
On the battlefield lay the wounded soldier. Around him were dead comrades who had fallen in the struggle, and he, weak with the loss of blood, feared his end was near.

“I am dying―dying, and I am not ready,” he cried.

He realized he was not fit to meet God. What could he do? To whom could he turn?

Then before his mind came the days of his childhood and the gospel preachings he used to go to with his mother. He remembered the Bible story about the good shepherd seeking the one lost sheep among the wild and barren mountains.

And then the scene changed and he was in his childhood home, reciting the poem he learned as a little boy:

“Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me!
Bless Thy little lamb tonight;
In the darkness be Thou near me,
Keep me safe till morning light.”

Lying on that lonely field, he began to repeat the words again. He also thought of the past years of forgetfulness of God, and how sinful his life had been.

The cry burst from his lips: “I am not His little lamb! I am a great big black sheep―a vile black sheep!”

He was both repentant and helpless. Who could help him in his great need?

Turning to the Saviour he prayed, “Oh, Shepherd, come―find, save this great big black sheep!”

God who always hears such cries gave him peace. Soon he sank into unconsciousness. Found alive, he was taken to a hospital, and in a few weeks sent home to his mother. How they rejoiced together as he told her how he, the lost sheep had been found by the Saviour, the Saviour she had loved so long.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

Adapted from He Giveth Life.

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Can I Find Him?

Can I Find Him?
One of the great battles of the war was over, and the stretcher-bearers were busy at their work. A party of them came upon a badly wounded soldier, and they could see that he was dying.

As they carefully lifted him onto the stretcher they recognized him. He was well known in his regiment for his outspoken criticism of anything religious. And now he was on the brink of eternity!

What a surprise it was to the medics when he opened his eyes and whispered faintly: “Which is the way to God?”

One of the bearers was an earnest Christian. He bent over the wounded man and said: “Jesus Christ is the way to God.”

“Can I find Him?” murmured the dying soldier.

What a surprise it was to the medics when he opened his eyes and whispered faintly: “Which is the way to God?”

“He is not far to seek; He is always near you. Jesus has been seeking you for many days. Just say to Him: ‘Lord Jesus, forgive my sins and take me to God.’ He will surely do it.”

The dying man stiffly folded his hands together. His lips were seen too move, and those now bending over him could faintly hear the words: “Lord Jesus, forgive me, and take me to God.”

A hush fell upon the little company. They stood silently watching while the soldier, exhausted, lay with closed eyes awaiting the end.

Suddenly he opened his eyes, half raised himself up, and said in a loud, clear voice: “Thank You, Lord Jesus,” and fell back.

He was absent from the body―present with the Lord.

“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him” (Hebrews 7:25).

Adapted from The Old Old Story.

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