SOME African soldiers from Nigeria were sent to the Far East on duty — very far from their dear native land. They had to put up with very hard conditions but were so patient and cheerful that some of the folk among whom they lived asked, "Why are you so happy when you are so far from home?"
One man answered for the rest. "Here," he said, touching his tunic pocket, "we have a wonderful Book it is God's Book. We read it together every night. It speaks to us in our own language. It is music to our own hearts. It tells of the Lord Jesus who died because of our sins so that we are forgiven. Now we belong to Him and He cares for us always." And as if he could say more by singing he, joined by his companions, sang this lovely song:
"O happy day! that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Saviour and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Happy day! happy day!
When Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day.
Happy day! happy day!
When Jesus washed my sins away."
Can you sing this song from your heart, dear young reader? May you not rest until you can surely sing, "Thou hast redeemed me to God by Thy blood."
"They sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy . . . for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Rev. 5:99And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9).
Messages of the Love of God 5/11/1958