On the mantel-piece in a house at P___ may be seen a curious object – an oyster with a tract fixed between the shells. It is kept by its owner to remind him of an important day in his history.
He had lived a wicked, dissipated life, without any fear of God before his eyes, until through an illness, he was aroused to some concern about his soul. Like many another who does not realize that "God requireth that which is past" he formed resolutions to lead a new life. Alas! with the return of health, even his resolutions were soon forgotten.
Sickness again overtook him, and his former convictions of sin were brought to remembrance, a dread eternity standing out before him in its great realities. His resolutions were renewed, and fresh vows were made; only to be forgotten once more upon his recovery.
The occupation in which he was engaged was that of a diver, and he had spent considerable time in the bottom of the sea in search of lost treasures. While so occupied one day, he said to himself,
"They tell me God is everywhere. I don't believe He can be here, at the bottom of the sea."
No sooner had this passed through his mind than his eye lighted upon something white lying at the bottom. Diving near, he found it to be a tract, held fast by an oyster. Taking both up, he read upon the tract the text,
"Thou God seest me." Gen. 16:13.
This proved to be a messenger from heaven to that rough diver, who was there and then convinced that, though he was at the bottom of the sea, God saw him.
This produced a sense of misery in his soul, until, through God's grace, he not only learned that God could see him in all his sins and wretchedness, and that it was impossible for him to hide himself from God, but he learned also, that the very One who searched and knew his heart, was the One Who gave His Son up to death for sinners, and Who had said,
"Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth." Isa. 45:22.
So he turned to God, instead of seeking to hide from Him, and found, like David, that God Himself is the refuge of those that trust in Him, which soon enabled him to say, with praise and thankfulness, as he looked to God,
"Thou art my hiding place." Psa. 119:114.
Friend, are you conscious that the eye of God is upon you? In the din and bustle of the busy crowd, or in the quiet of your own chamber, it is ever true—
"Thou God seest me."
"The Lord. . .. is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Pet. 3:9.
Do not delay; for, God in His wisdom may not grant the time you expect to find convenient to turn to Him. While you are sure of the opportunity, believe God's wonderful love.
"God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.
Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1932