In one of the wards of the hospital lay a man, dying. A servant of Christ told him of God's free grace; of His willingness to save; that He had met the prodigal from the far-off land; and that He had saved the thief on the cross. The sick man answered: "I believe it all."
"Then have you peace?"
"No, I haven't peace."
"Why?"
"Because, you see, sir," he answered, "I have come behind in doing my part. I do believe that God has done His; but then you see, sir, I must do mine."
"And what is your part?"
"Well, I must strive to do my best."
His heart was not open to understand "free grace," and for several days he persisted in struggling, striving, and seeking to work his way up to God. And each day he grew weaker as his life ebbed away.
Again the servant of God called to see him. Taking him by the hand, he said: "Well, what can you do now to get salvation?"
"Do?" said the dying man; "I can do nothing. My strength is gone. I can't lift that glass to my lips to take a drop of water."
"Then what will you do?"
The dying man looked up, his anxious face telling of the fearful struggle going on within. His eyes were glazed by the hand of death. "I'll do what the dying thief did," he said. "I'll turn my head and look."
So he did, blessed be God! He "looked to Jesus," and life and salvation were the immediate result. So simple, yet so great! "There is life in a LOOK at the crucified One. Then LOOK, sinner, LOOK unto Him and be saved." He has done ALL for thee.