"Today"

 
YOU have often heard the words, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:11Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1)), but have you heeded them? Have you acted as if you knew what a day might bring forth? Are you ready for whatever may come to pass? Those of us who belong to the Lord are daily expecting Him to come in the clouds to call us to Himself. Are you waiting for that event?
But even should the Lord tarry, is life so sure that you can go on
“Careless of your soul immortal,
Heeding not the call of God?”
How sad! If you were to visit a cemetery and notice the ages on the tombstones, you would find that many, both boys and girls, have been called away at your age.
Do not think that I am speaking only to delicate, pale-faced children; no, I want to call the attention of you sturdy, lighthearted boys and girls, with roses on your faces, and “life in every limb.”
Listen while I tell you of a boy whom I often saw playing in the street, and joining in his playmates’ noisy glee, with that mirthfulness which only boyhood knows.
One day in wanton sport he climbed a lamp-post, and by some means he fell with his back to the curbstone. He was picked up helpless; his back was injured, and after a few months of pain he died. And what about that boy’s soul. I know not. It was not till I heard of his death that the story of his accident was told me, and I could get no further information.
We read of a time when “the dead, small and great, shall stand before God.” (Rev. 22:1212And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12).) How solemn!
Then in Revelation 19:55And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. (Revelation 19:5), and 11:18, we read of “those that feared Him, both great and small”—the young are not overlooked.
Dear one, believe today the glorious news that the Lord of life and glory went down into death and the grave for you—that He rose triumphant, that life, eternal life, might be your portion.
ML 09/16/1917