The Spirit of God had been working in the little town. During the gospel meetings being held there, souls were saved, Christians were refreshed, and backsliders had been restored.
Among the latter, James Brown was an especial object for prayer. He had at one time manifested Christ in his life; but when adverse circumstances entered, he, like Peter on the water, and many others since, became occupied with conditions to the exclusion of the Lord. James' heart grew cold and indifferent to the claims of Christ. Gradually, to the grief of his Christian family and brethren, he drifted back into the world.
While these gospel meetings were in progress, it was noted that on several occasions James Brown slipped unobtrusively into the back of the gospel hall.
Equally unnoticed, apparently, he left the building before the final prayer. Surely the Holy Spirit must have been working in his soul to draw him back to the Lord.
This proved to be the case. Towards the close of the series of meetings, the evangelist was visiting in the home of a well known Christian of the community. In answer to a knock at the door, the minister heard his host say: "Come right in, Mr. Brown. It's a long time since you were here.”
After the introductions, James humbly confessed, "I feel I'm not worthy to come in.”
Promptly the evangelist remarked: "I shall speak for our host. Though you say you are not worthy, I'm sure he will say you are perfectly welcome. Isn't that typical of our God and Father in His attitude towards His wandering child in Luke 15?”
Not worthy! No, prodigal son; nor can you ever be, in yourself. Not worthy! These are words that rejoice the Father's heart, for, when spoken in truth, they make nothing of SELF and exalt the mighty work of His dear Son Jesus. And through such an expression of self-abasement, His boundless grace finds a channel to flow out to His wandering child in perfect welcome.
Ah, poor backslider, that is meager fare indeed in the far country to which you have gone. Does your heart not echo the cry of the prodigal?
"Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.”
Not worthy! True; but right welcome, when with contrite heart you confess to God your failure and your lack. Hear His gracious words: "The Father said to His servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand,' and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." Luke 15:21-2421And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. (Luke 15:21‑24).
Not worthy, do you say? Then, are you surfeited with the husks of the world's providing? Does your soul long for the comfort and safety of the Father's house? Make the plea of David, king of Israel, your own prayer: "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation." Psa. 51:1212Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (Psalm 51:12).
Unworthy one, whether an unsaved sinner or a backsliding Christian, open your heart to the Savior. Own your own unworthiness and that He who died for you is the alone worthy One. Accept Him in all His perfection, and receive through Him from the Father a perfect welcome.