IN the time that Napoleon was First Consul of Prance, a young girl appeared at his palace in Paris, and entreated permission to have an interview with him. Moved by her tears and entreaties, the porter, who was a humane man, allowed her to pass. The First Consul was just passing through a splendid hall with some of his ministers, when the young girl rushed in, and throwing herself at his feet. cried out excitedly,
“Pardon, sire, pardon for my father!”
“Who is your father?” asked Napoleon kindly, “and who are you?”
“My name is Lojolia, and my father must die!” was the answer.
“Yes, my child.” said Napoleon, “this is now the second time, that your father has conspired against the State; I cannot help you.”
“Ah, sire!” cried the poor child, “I know it, but the first time father was innocent; today I do not beg for justice, I implore for grace, grace for him.”
Napoleon’s lips trembled, his eyes filled with tears and taking the little girl’s hand in his, he said,
“Rise up my child, I will pardon your father for your sake.”
This story makes it clear to us, that justice requires the condemnation of the sinner. The girl knew this very well, therefore she begged for grace for her father, knowing that according to the law he must die.
Dear reader: Have you ever thought about this, that according to God’s holy law the sentence of death has been pronounced upon all men!
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”
“Death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” And this sentence is unchangeable as all have sinned, and God’s holy law may not be broken.
But is there then no way of salvation? O, yes, there is. one, and that is by grace! The girl in our story begged for grace! She acknowledged:
“My father is guilty, but I beg for him grace!” And the Consul allowed grace to triumph over justice.
So the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Ephesus:
“By grace are ye saved through faith.” Through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s beloved Son, the sinner receives grace. God in His great love has prepared a way that agrees with His love and grace, as well as with His righteousness and holiness. He has sent His Son into the world and delivered Him into the hands of sinners, and on the cross He became an offering for sin; so that all who believe in Him should not be lost, but have eternal life.
In grace God sees the sinner in Jesus; but only in Jesus. Outside of Him there is no salvation..
O, dear young reader! flee to this loving Saviour; let nothing keep you back, cast yourself at His feet, and accept freely His grace!
Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1921