Sometime ago a Christian said to himself, “Christ can save the worst man in this town.” Suddenly he felt a desire to find the worst man in the town, and to tell him the good news of Christ’s salvation.
Down in the poorest section of the town he saw a man lounging on the sidewalk, and to all appearances the very man he was seeking. Sin was written plainly on his face. The Christian said with a pleasant smile, “I am looking for the worst man in the town, because I’ve got good news for him. Can you help me find him?”
The man replied, “If you think it’s me, you’re mistaken. But there’s Bill So-and-so, down at such a street. You go down there and I should say that’s your man.”
Nothing daunted, the Christian went on until he found the street and number. A man came to the door when he knocked, but he informed the Christian that he was not the worst man in town. He must go to another house. By and by the Christian found the street and the house, and again he knocked. A woman answered.
“Excuse me,” he said, “but I am looking for the worst man in the town. I’ve good news for him. Can you help me to find him?”
Before the woman could answer, a voice from within — a man’s voice cried out huskily: “Come in, sir; come in! If you’re looking for the worst man in town, it’s me; and if you’ve got good news for me, tell it to me quickly! I was just contemplating the river,” he continued, “as a way out of my misery. I’m the worst man right enough — a drunkard, a gambler, and everything that’s bad!”
The Christian told of One who could lift men and women from the mire of sin onto a sure foundation, the Lord Jesus Christ. He told him Christ could save to the uttermost Then they knelt down.
By and by the tears began to flow, the stony hearts were broken, and the man, and then the woman, cried out in the words of the prayer, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” God was merciful, and the man and his wife were gloriously saved. The home was transformed; their lives transfigured. By and by the man obtained work, and both he and his wife became earnest workers for their Saviour — living witnesses of the gospel which is “the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” Rom. 1:1616For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16).
And the Lord Jesus can change your lives too, dear boys and girls, if you will take him as your own precious Saviour, Only the Lord Jesus Christ can save you — your good works or Your good life will never take you to heaven. Come to Him just as you are; He will save you, and give you everlasting life.
ML 01/29/1961