In a small mission, off one of the busy streets of a large city, a few earnest Christian workers gathered a number of poor and needy children, for whom they provided a free supper every Sunday afternoon. After the meal they spoke to them from the Word of God. Many were reached with the gospel, who would not otherwise have heard it.
One poor boy, called “Will” by his comrades, heard the singing, and stood listening at the door. The last line of the chorus, repeated after each verse was, “Whosoever will, may come.” This arrested Will’s attention. He was sure the “will” applied to him, but what “whosoever” meant he did not know. As Will stood listening a gentleman passed and Will asked him, “Please, sir, can you tell me what ‘whosoever’ means?”
The gentleman smiled and replied, “Yes, my boy; ‘whosoever’ means anybody; you, if you like.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Will, returning to the mission door. It now stood half-open, and Will, removing his cap, walked in. He received a warm welcome.
Supper was served and then a short gospel address was given, telling how that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3: 16. Will went back to the mission many a time and there he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour.
Have you learned that “whosoever will” means anybody, you, if you like? Have you claimed God’s gift of salvation, as Will did? God still says to you, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.
But this sweet invitation will not be continued forever. A day will come when God’s door will be closed, and all who have refused to obey His invitation will be shut out for eternity. Then another “whosoever” will be made known:
“Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:15.
ML 07/02/1967