A poor woman was in great financial difficulties. A kind-hearted gentleman called on her, intending to help. After knocking at her door for some time and receiving no answer, he concluded that she was not at home, and went away. Meeting her soon afterward, he told her that he had called to see her, telling her his errand. “Oh!” she replied, “was it you, sir? I am sorry. I thought it was the landlord who had come for the rent, and I was afraid to answer the door as I had not got it.”
As this poor woman treated her would-be benefactor, so thousands are treating God today. They think that when He knocks at the door of their hearts He has come to demand something from them, but what a mistake. He comes to give, not to claim the debt they owe. He comes to deliver from distress, and to give eternal life. “The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:4545For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)).
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock”—
Behold the Saviour at the door!
He gently knocks — Has knocked before;
Has waited long — Is waiting still;
You use no other friend so ill.