THOMAS E— was looked upon as an honest, straightforward kind of man by all who knew him, yet for all that he was ranked among those who "have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
He was the husband of a converted wife and the father of converted children, therefore many prayers had gone up to God on his behalf, prayers too that were to be answered in His own time. Oh, the value of fervent, believing prayer. Let us, who know the Lord, pray on.
Many times. God had spoken to him through the death of some who were near and dear to him, still he hardened his neck in pride and self-will. But God, Who is rich in mercy, was going to make him a monument of grace by laying him upon a bed of sickness from which he never recovered.
It was while lying there he experienced something of the words of Job. He was chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain (Job 33:1919He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain: (Job 33:19)). Friend after friend entered his bedroom and "persuaded him concerning Jesus.”
Facing the bed where he lay was a text written in bold black type: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)).
Many a time his attention was called to it as it hung upon the wall, until the words seemed to haunt him, and at last, unable to bear the penetrating power of such words any longer, he requested his son to take it down. But somehow or other the nail could not be got out and it had therefore to remain there still, that by its means the Spirit of God might do His own work in his precious soul. We shall see that if the word could not be taken down, it could be taken in. And this is what really took place.
One evening he lay there all alone. A servant of God who had often called in to see him, though getting little response, called again, still trusting the Lord would be pleased to open his eyes. Once more taking his seat by his side he pointedly asked him if it was well with his soul. To this he replied, "Yes, it is well," and the calm look that lit up his countenance told of peace within.
How did it come about? he was asked. "Why, it was that text that did it!" said he. As he had drunk in the simplicity of the words, they had filled him with assurance. God says, "I have passed from death unto life," was his emphatic reply.
Space would not permit us to relate all that took place with this dear soul from the time that the Lord met him until He called him home to be with Himself—about six months. But the night he died will ever be remembered by those who gathered around his bed. It was an impressive sight. Fixing his eyes upon one who was present he said, "Pray to God for me!" But there was no time for prayer, only room for praise and thanksgiving to Him Who alone is worthy to be praised for His great salvation. As his strength had become weaker his faith had grown stronger, so that he was able to testify to those around him of God's saving grace.
His awakening seemed to be caused by the doctor's words. Reluctantly yet candidly, he had told him that he had a disease from which he could not possibly recover. Man's extremity was once more God's opportunity.
Many times it may be, my reader, you have heard the voice of God. It may have been "in a dream or a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed"; for " then He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, that He may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man" (Job 33:15-17). God works thus with man that He may be "gracious unto him," and says, "Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a Ransom" (Job 33.).
What better news could fall upon the ears of sinful men, than that God has found a Ransom in the person of His beloved Son? He Who came forth from His presence to accomplish redemption's work cried with a loud voice, "It is finished." God is now eternally satisfied with that atoning work. He has raised Him from the dead and acclaimed Him worthy to ascend the throne. Well might we sing, "Hallelujah, what a Savior!”
Soon will He come from those courts on high and claim every blood-washed sinner. Then those who are left behind will bewail throughout a lost eternity that they let their last opportunity slip by.
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." E. J. E.