A CHRISTIAN lady had a Sunday afternoon class for girls. It was largely attended by farmers’ girls, and daughters of shepherds from the neighboring hills. By means of the gospel earnestly and lovingly spoken by the devoted teacher, who was a woman of great faith and mighty in prayer many were led to the Saviour. One afternoon at the close of the lesson, the teacher, as was her custom, invited all who desired to be personally spoken with to remain. Only one girl sat still, and she was the only daughter of a farmer living near, well known as a careless girl, fond of worldly pleasures. But God had awakened her to see her guilt and need of a Saviour. When they were left alone the girl burst into tears, and burying her face in her hands, she asked with great earnestness,
“O, Mrs. B. you have told us about the Saviour receiving sinners, but will He take me as I am?”
The Christian lady was glad to be able to tell her, on the direct authority of God’s Word, that Jesus would take her just as she was. His own faithful word is,
“Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.”
“That’s grand, Mrs. B.” said the girl, smiling through her tears; “that’s just what I need. I’ve tried to make myself better many times, and always failed, but if He will take me as I am, then I will just let Him have me now.”
She did go to Him just as she was, trusting in His promise, and He did receive her and save her.
Dear children, Jesus will receive you just as you are. You do not need to make yourself different from what you are at this moment, for the Lord Jesus to receive you. He receives sinners. Is that not your name? He does not restrict His invitation to certain kinds of sinners; it is extended to sinners everywhere, anywhere, of all ages, colors, nations and tongues. Whether anxious, careless, ungodly, or religious, His word is, “Come unto Me.” And you will find, dear children, if you obey His invitation, that He will receive you warmly, “just as you are.”
“Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come.”
ML 06/09/1918