NOTHING less than the power of God can affect such a change in the heart of a rebellious sinner; and every such triumph is a fresh witness of what His grace can really accomplish. Our present desire is to draw the reader’s attention to one of them.
A soldier on duty in a military prison was accused by the warder of violating the prison rules, which he solemnly denied; with an oath he called upon God to strike him dumb if he were guilty!
To this God answered immediately. He was struck dumb on the spot and rendered unable to articulate a single syllable!
What a reminder of that solemn Scripture regarding Ananias: “Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost” (Acts 5:1-51But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. (Acts 5:1‑5)).
In the above occurrence, however, though the soldier had lied both to man and to God, his life was preserved, though bitterly weeping, day and night, in his speechless condition.
Waited upon, the army surgeon, evidently a sincere Christian, informed him that all he could recommend was, that he should pray to God to restore his speech.
Realizing his totally helpless condition, and how he had defied God, he was completely broken down, confessed his sinfulness and wickedness, and besought His forgiveness, through the Lord Jesus Christ.
God thus appealed to, graciously manifested His power a second time, in restoring the speech of the penitent soldier, who had been dumb for over a week.
Alas! how much the world, today, is in the denial of God. Man is so occupied with the passing scenes of time and sense, that (because unseen) God’s greatness and goodness are overlooked.
Nevertheless, while speeding on to judgment, the mercy of God is being constantly shown towards those under Satan’s sway, and bringing many to see their lost condition and peril, in one way or another, as in the above case, so that they may turn to Him ― seeking Jesus as their Saviour. How little even the believer in Jesus realizes the wondrous position he is in, before God! Yet how tellingly that is set forth in the Scriptures. Take the following for example: “Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love; in whom we have redemption through His blood even the forgiveness of sins:... all things were created by Him and for Him... that in all things He might have the pre-eminence” (Col. 1:13-1813Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:13‑18)).
Since He created us for Himself, well may we be completely subject to Him, and with gratitude own what He has done for us; giving Him the chief place in our affections while here below; for He will most certainly hold that place throughout eternity, amid the host which will surround Him in glory. Have you, friend, truly owned Jesus as your Lord? T. K.