Some years ago a young army officer was quartered with his regiment in the West Indies. Yellow fever had broken out among them and several of the soldiers had died. Following closely on the death of the enlisted men came the death of a fellow officer, also a victim of fever.
Our young friend was in command of the escort which fired the last salute over the grave of his late comrade. He listened soberly while the chaplain read the burial service, and on the march back to camp he sought an opportunity for a conversation with him. This man was a real child of God and was deeply concerned about the souls of the men in the army. As he talked to the young officer he was looking earnestly to the Lord for a word to touch his conscience. At last it came, as the soldier blurted out the burden of his thoughts: "Just think! Only five days ago he was with us on the march. Now—WHERE?”
Quickly the answer came, "Where do you think your soul would have been, had you died instead of him?”
The officer hesitated, and then spoke slowly, "I think I would have been in hell.”
"That is a very solemn answer; God will remember it," replied the other, adding, "I trust that you will remember it too.”
Five years passed away. This same officer and his regiment were stationed in another quarter of the globe. He had passed through many vicissitudes, many dangers, through seasons of smallpox, ship fever, and cholera. They had sobered his mind and often recalled to him his own words: "I think I would have been in hell.”
About this time he was much in contact with an older officer, a friend of his father, who welcomed him to his quarters. One evening he said to the young man: "In the next room there is going to be a Bible reading tonight for young officers. If you care to come in, you are welcome. If not, here are some candles and plenty of books. You can amuse yourself here until we have finished.”
However, he preferred to go in and sit with the others. It was all very new to him, and he understood little that was said; yet he had to own, "These men have something, a happiness I have not." This impressed him deeply.
One evening he sat thinking over the past. He asked himself: "What is my life? It is eat, drink, die, and be lost!”
Beloved reader, what is your life? And what will your end be? So soon your journey here will be over. Then, for you—whither bound? Well, thank God, this officer did think it worth pondering over. He asked himself, "What is my life?" His conclusion was, "It is eat, drink, die, and be lost!”
Now on that evening he was thoroughly in earnest. But he was without a guide. He was sailing life's sea without a chart. He did not have a copy of the only Book that could give light in the darkness. He knew his deep need, but where would he find relief for his soul's distress? He would "turn over a new leaf"!
The morning following this memorable evening of earnest resolve he bought a Bible and began reading the book of Matthew. (Oh, that God would open his eyes!) He read with deep interest, seeking diligently a way of peace. He tried to mend his ways; to be more pleasing to God; to assure his final entry into heaven. He was sincerely exercised; but at every turn he was discouraged by his own failures. So soon each "new leaf" must record that, in spite of his strivings, he did "come short.”
When our friend had finished reading Matthew he turned to Galatians. In the third chapter he was startled by the tenth verse:—"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
Reading that verse he exclaimed, "That's me! I am keeping myself under the curse by trusting to my doings.”
In despair he then prayed, "Lord, what shall I do? I am trying to do my best.”
Like David in Psa. 120, verse 1, he now found that he had come to Him who hears. "In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me.”
Taking his Bible again he read on to the 13th verse: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
Again he exclaimed, "That's me! I am redeemed from the curse of the law—Christ being made a curse—HE TOOK MY PLACE." The scales fell from his eyes. God had answered his prayer, and had opened his eyes. Opened his eyes on what? On whom? On Christ on the cross! His eyes were turned from self to the Savior; from his own doings, his puny works, to the mighty work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. On the cross for him! Faith laid hold of the Savior, and joyfully he cried, "HE TOOK MY PLACE.”
Can you say with him, "He took my place"? Your sins are your only claim upon the Savior, for "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15). And the precious blood of Jesus is our only cleansing to fit us for the presence of God.
"He took the guilty culprit's place
And suffered in his stead:
For man (oh, miracle of grace!),
For man the Savior bled!”