A sailing vessel bound for south Africa had among her passenger’s, a little boy. His parents had gone out some years before, and now their little son was going out to join them. He had no one with him, but the captain had undertaken to see him safely in his parents’ arms. The little fellow so implicitly trusted the captain, believing in his ability to take him safely to his parents, that he never seemed to have a doubt about reaching them. He would sit on deck, counting the days, and saying,
“I’ll soon see my dear father and mother now,” and, as the days became fewer, the little emigrant’s joy increased. He clapped his little hands with glee as the shore came in sight, for he knew a warm welcome awaited him there. The last glimpse I got of the dear little fellow was in his father’s arms, safe at home.
Happy little boy! Just like the child who is trusting Jesus and sure of a warm welcome in the Father’s house in heaven.
But you must not suppose that every boy and girl goes there. Only those who are the children of God can truthfully speak of heaven as their “Father’s house.”
And God is not the Father of all, but only of those who have been saved by receiving the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour. Many boys and girls are taught to say, “Our Father which art in heaven,” who know nothing of Him. None are God’s children, or able to address Him as “Father,” until they enter His family by being born again. Can you call God your Father, and look forward with joy to a borne in heaven? If not, you may.
ML 06/15/1941