Johnnie
Little Johnnie though of tender years, was chosen of God in the furnace of affliction. When his story of suffering is known, one can only attribute his peaceful expression, to a deeper peace, the peace of God in the heart. Now he rests in the presence of his Lord Whom he loved, and for Whom he delighted to witness while here in the body, and we are sure that it would have given. him joy to know that his testimony should be read by many readers of the “Messages of the Love of God.”
Johnnie, could speak of two birthdays, one when he was born into the world as a baby; and the other, still more important, when he accepted Christ as His Saviour.
He took seriously ill, and when taken to the hospital, the X-ray examination revealed the presence of a deadly bone disease. So serious was the development, that in time it was found necessary to amputate the left leg. He spent three pronged periods in the hospital, undergoing in all about twelve operations. During his illness Johnnie made many friends, his patient suffering and calm spirit arresting all who knew his case. To doctors, matron and nurses he faithfully testified “of the blessed hope that he possessed,” and every morning his first reading was from the Bible. Some one in the hospital asked him,
“How long are you going to be here, Johnnie?” to which he promptly replied, “Until the Master finishes His work.” His doctor who loved him very much, on one occasion offered to pay his expenses to visit a circus, but Johnnie said he could not serve two masters, and with thanks, declined the doctor’s kind offer. One of his greatest joys was to have the young Christians gather on Friday evenings in his room for a Bible reading. A brother in Christ once asked him,
“How will you know Jesus in heaven?” Johnnie’s reply was, “It will not be hard to know Him.”
If my reader has never been “born again,” there lurks within a worse disease than that which brought Johnnie to an early grave. What about that foul disease. known as— “SIN?” Thank God, although there is no cure for it with man, yet in the person and work of our Lord. Jesus Christ, God has found a remedy for those who will accept it.
ML 10/06/1940