WHEN I come to see you I always find myself looking at the picture which hangs by that window,” said a friend of mine one day.
“Why does it interest you so much?” I asked.
“Because,” replied my friend, “it reminds me of something.”
“Does it?” I said. “Then I must tell you that the picture reminds me of something, too. When I look at that empty chair I think of another seat, as yet unoccupied—an empty seat, not in a picture, but in a place more beautiful than any you have ever seen.”
“Where is that empty seat?” asked my, friend, eagerly. “In some magnificent mansion?” “No.”
“Before I tell you where that empty seat is,” I replied, “you must know that numbers of people are bidden to the joys of the beautiful place where the empty seats are.”
“What kind of people are invited?” “All those who like to come. It does not matter who they are.”
“All who like to come!” repeated my friend; quite astonished. “Do you think He would have me?”
“O, yes, for He has invited everybody. He wants His house to be quite full, and will have no empty seats there.” My friend looked at me, and said,
“I must first know what kind of person the owner of that empty seat is. Do you know him?”
“Yes; I have known him for many years. He is kind, and gracious, and full of love—it is none other than God Himself, who bids you welcome, who invites you to come in and to enjoy the blessings He has provided. Garments of salvation, all that is required, are prepared without money and without price for all such as receive the invitation to the empty seat.”
Dear children, I will end my little story by asking one of question of each of you. Have you accepted God’s invitation? The Bible says, “Yet there is room.” Today you may receive all the blessings of the Father’s house. But when Jesus comes to take His people home, the door will be closed. You will not be able to enter in then—it will be too late.
ML 02/21/1937