A YOUTH named Robert K. became dissatisfied with his home and ran away. His parents were in very moderate circumstances but he had never wanted for anything. He became a wanderer, going from place to place. He found it difficult to get employment and the money he had was soon spent, and Robert was reduced to want.
About this time a most unexpected thing occurred at his home. News reached them that Robert had been made heir to a large sum of money. He had a brother George who undertook to find his wandering brother and tell him of the handsome legacy that awaited him. It was not an easy task, nor one soon accomplished, but in the end he was found, poor and cold and famished. As you may well suppose he lost no time in returning home and claiming his own.
How fortunate, you say, and perhaps wish that it had been you who had received this bequest. No doubt Robert’s inheritance was an advantage to him, and added much to his comfort while life lasted. However, when his time should come to quit this life he would leave it all behind. That which men prize here is of no value beyond the grave. Whatever one’s circumstances are here, all must leave this world empty-handed.
There is, however, an inheritance of a different nature that will endure. It is of this we want to tell you. The happiest thing about this inheritance is that it is not to a favored few, not to those that are better than others, but to all.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Pet. 1:44To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:4).
Now let us inquire how this may be made ours. Valuable though it be, there is only one way this rich inheritance may be obtained, and that is by receiving Christ. He it is who, by His atoning death, has made all blessing possible. His blood has purchased it for us, and also made us fit to receive it. We are thus made joint-heirs with Christ, and shall be sharers with Him of all the wondrous things that are His by right, as the Son of God.
Think this over carefully, dear reader, and you will not fail to see that the heavenly and enduring treasure is enough to make everything of earth look poor and mean by contrast, inasmuch as you will not leave it behind when this brief life is spent, but it will be yours to enjoy forever.
You would have thought Robert very foolish, had he not accepted the bequest and lived on in poverty. Much greater would be your folly if you fail to avail yourself of the gracious provision God has made for your salvation. What will be your exceeding loss if you do not accept Christ, for there is no salvation apart from Him.
As you value your never-dying soul, do not treat this matter lightly. Your opportunity to be saved may soon be gone forever. We do not know how soon Jesus may come for those who are ready, leaving all others behind to their eternal doom. Lose no time in seeking the Lord while He may be found. He is so ready and willing to save you. He died for this very purpose. He longs to bestow upon you all the fruits of that wondrous atoning death. Could you possibly turn away from such love? Open your heart to receive Him now and be forever blessed.
ML 04/09/1933