THE CHILDREN'S WELCOME
From time to time we hear stories about children and even older persons becoming lost in the countryside, especially after nightfall. What a cause for thanksgiving it is when in the end safety is reached! It is interesting that the gospel can be compared with the relief felt by some such traveller lost in darkness and storm when, unexpectedly, a friendly beam of light shines upon him from a house not far distant. Perhaps it reveals just in front of him some deep pit or dangerous obstacle which he would otherwise not have seen. Such a traveller would surely not be satisfied with just seeing the light, however pleasant, nor with being saved from danger to his life, but he would at once follow up the beam of light which revealed his peril and would so find full safety and a welcome in the house whence the light came.
Like a precious jewel the gospel of the grace of God has many and varied beauties according to the viewpoint of the beholder. We may look first and gratefully at the outshining of God's mercy in its steady danger-beam showing us to be lost and helpless. A turn of the gospel gem would show us that God had made every provision for our rescue through the death of His Son. A further turn would attract us to the source itself of the light that leads us to safety. Jesus said "l am the light of the world; he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life". A sunbeam may fall with its golden light upon the vilest object on earth but, if traced back to its source it would lead to the glorious sun in the heavens.
There may be unsaved travellers on life's journey who appreciate the gospel as a story but nothing more. Others may see the danger they are in but continue to go their own uncertain way. To get the full gain of the salvation offered however the traveller would gladly trace the heavenly beam of light to its source. He would be anxious to find the house and acquaint himself with the householder who would doubtless rejoice with him. The gospel jewel would now have a hitherto unknown beauty for the traveller in learning that the householder causes the guiding light to shine because he yearns to have as his companions persons, once lost, to enjoy with him the full provision of his house. God's house is filling fast. Are you enjoying your place in it?
J.C.Evershed