SOME of us live near rivers and can often have pleasant times boat-riding, like the children in the picture. We enjoy such rides, for when we are out on the water we can breathe the pure fresh air and admire the beautiful trees and grass, the hills and fields, and the sparkling rippling waves around us. God has given us all these beautiful things to enjoy, and we thank Him for His goodness.
Others, living far away from streams, do not have these opportunities. But there is one river, dear reader, on which we all ride. Each one of us is floating down the river of time. The rivers of this earth flow on and on, till they reach their mouths, and finally empty into the great and mighty ocean.
Do you know into what ocean the river of time empties? It empties into the ocean of eternity. Just as a boat is carried along by the current of a river and sooner or later must surely pass through the mouth of the river and out into the ocean, so we are borne along by the river of time and shall someday be carried out into eternity.
The little boat cannot stay on the river. The current draws it into the ocean. We are just as powerless to remain on the river of time. We must all leave this world, for none of us can resist the current of time that is hastening us onward to eternity.
What will eternity be for you? You know what time is. You know all about the experiences of this life—some happy and some sorrowful. Is eternity going to be for you something better or something worse?
Oh, dear reader, you choose for yourself, whether yours is to be an eternity of blessedness or one of misery. Jesus wants you to spend it with Him, and that would be untold happiness. He has given His life that He might have you with Him. He has borne the punishment for your sins that you might not have to bear that punishment. He has shed His precious blood to wash away those sins and make you spotless in God’s sight and fit for His presence.
You do not have to work to obtain this wonderful salvation from eternal punishment. God offers it to you as a gift. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:11Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1).
Have you not faith to believe His word? Dees not His love compel you to accept His priceless gift? Then your eternity will be one of unclouded joy.
But if you harden your heart and turn away from this unspeakable love, you will soon be launched on an eternity of awful darkness and unutterable woe.
ML 10/11/1903