A missionary tells of how Christian workers go out into the streets of large cities and invite unwanted children to come to one of their special Homes. They are then bathed and their hair is washed and combed. They are given clean clothes that fit them, plenty to eat and drink, and have a nice, clean bed to sleep in at night. Then these children are taught to read and write so that when they grow up they will be able to get a job and earn a living. Once they come to the Home, they no longer have to live on the lonely streets in hunger, filth and crime.
We might think, “What kindness and love is given to these unwanted, homeless children!” But strange as it may seem, many of these children run away as soon as they can and go back to the lonely streets and the empty life they consider freedom. They do not want to obey the rules and are unwilling to go to school.
You probably think these children are very foolish to leave the kindness and love behind and go back to their hunger and homeless life. But wait! It is quite possible that you may be doing something just like this in your own life.
The Lord Jesus suffered and died so that boys and girls, and men and women too, can know His love and have a happy home in heaven with Him. But how many, after hearing that they may have to change their sinful ways and give up what they call “freedom,” refuse this loving offer and choose their sinful, empty lives instead. God offers forgiveness for sin, His presence with us and guidance in this life, and afterwards a wonderful home in heaven! Will you accept His love and kindness?
Here is the story of one little girl who did accept a missionary’s kindness and love. She was brought to the Home as an unwanted, frightened little orphan. The poor child was suffering from lack of food and love and care. At the Home she was washed, dressed in clean clothes, fed good meals every day and shown love. They gave her the pretty name of Naomi.
After two years of tender, loving care, the missionary at the Home measured her height and found she had grown eight inches! She was now a beautiful child with a happy smile. She also attended school and was one of the top ten children in her class. When the missionary would say, “I love you,” she would hug him and say, “I love you too.” She had learned the meaning of the word “love.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if boys and girls reading this little story of Naomi accepted God’s kind and loving offer to “come home.” They would be washed from their sins, clothed in the purity of the Lord Jesus, and be called a child of God. And by reading the Bible every day, they would grow up to know and understand what pleases God and learn to love Him even as He loves them. Each would be one of God’s “victories,” saved from an empty life of sin in this world, and saved for the happiness of living with the Lord Jesus in heaven.
Often what people call “freedom” is really a wasted life, because it is slavery to Satan, self and sin, but God is waiting for each one to “come home.” Have you answered His invitation?
“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)). Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:1010The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)).
ML-05/30/2004