IN ENGLAND years ago, there once lived a very rich and very selfish old man. He did not worry that the people around him were very poor. He was not concerned when the ground was frozen hard and the poor little children had holes in their shoes. He did not care when the north wind blew and the schoolboys’ jackets were thin and their knees were red with cold. It did not bother him that the little girls shivered in shabby coats and the old folks limped with rheumatism. He had plenty of money for his needs, why should he care?
But God in heaven cared. God cared that the whole world was full of sin and sorrow, and money would not cure it. God heard the groans of the world, and God knew that sin was the cause of all that sorrow. God had only one Son, whom He could give for poor suffering sinners, rich or poor. And He did care!
But now the rich old man had one thing that bothered him. What would become of his wealth when he died? He must make a will, but he really wished that all his money should be for himself. So he said in his will that all his wealth should be spent on his funeral!
Thousands of dollars for one feral! The mayor of the town did not know what to do. They could not find a coffin so expensive, and even if they did, thieves would dig it up!
At last someone had an idea. They would invite everyone in the village to the funeral, supply every one of them with a good warm suit of clothing and shoes, and serve all a fine feast.
This was done in royal style. Everyone came to the funeral in snug new clothes, they rode behind fine black horses, and enjoyed a good dinner. The whole village remembered the old man with thankfulness for years to come, but there was no love in it, no love given and none returned.
But God is love. God gave His only Son; a love-gift to this sinful, sorrowful world. The Lord Jesus gave His life upon the cross that you and I might be clothed with the garments of salvation and sheltered from judgment through His death. Oh the feast of love for those who will trust Him!
Do you not love Him in return? He will give you a robe of righteousness so that you never need to fear to stand before God. Will you go on without Him, facing the storm of judgment against sin, unsheltered and poor? Money cannot buy this shelter. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can. Will you just take God’s salvation and love Him in return?
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
ML-10/28/1973