Some gospel meetings were being held in a farming community, and a little girl from a neighboring farm called at the home of the preacher in great distress of mind. She still had her working clothes on and was unwilling to come in on this account, but the kind lady of the house assured her she was welcome, and so she came in.
Her difficulty was that she thought she was not worthy to come to the Lord Jesus.
“Jenny,” said the preacher, “you wanted to stay outside our house because you thought you were not dressed properly, but we made you welcome just as you are, and so with the Lord Jesus.”
That illustration awoke Jenny’s simple heart to the truth, and she asked, “Will He take me just as I am?”
“Yes, just as you are,” was the reply, “for it was sinners that He came to save.” For “this is a faithful saying,... that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15).
They sang together, “Just as I am, without one plea,” and Jenny returned home rejoicing in her salvation.
~~~
Just as I am—Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because Thy gospel I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come.
ML-11/19/1972