December 7
Walk the streets by moonlight, if you dare—and you will see sinners then. Watch when the night is dark, and the wind is howling, and the picklock is grating in the door—and you will see sinners then. Go to yonder jail, and walk through the wards, and mark the men with heavy over-hanging brows, men whom you would not like to meet at night—and there are sinners there. Go to the Reformatories, and note those who have betrayed a lawless juvenile depravity—and you will see sinners there. Go across the seas to the place where a man will gnaw a bone upon which is reeking human flesh—and there is a sinner there. Go where you will—you need not ransack earth to find sinners, for they are common enough. You may find them in every lane and street of every city, and town, and village, and hamlet.
It is for such that Jesus died. If you will select me the vilest specimen of humanity, if he is but born of woman, I will have hope for him yet, because Jesus Christ has come to seek and to save sinners. Electing love has selected some of the worst—to be made the best. Grace turns pebbles of the brook—into jewels for His royal crown. He transforms worthless dross—into pure gold. Redeeming love has set apart many of the worst of mankind—to be the reward of the Savior's passion. Effectual grace calls forth many of the vilest of the vile—to sit at the table of mercy! Therefore let none despair.
Reader, by that love looking out of Jesus' tearful eyes, by that love streaming from those bleeding wounds, by that faithful love, that strong love, that pure, unselfish, and abiding love; by the heart and by the affections of the Savior's compassion—we implore you not to turn away as though it were nothing to you; but believe on Him and you shall be saved. Trust your soul with Him and He will bring you to His Father's right hand in glory everlasting!
Courtesy of Grace Gems! Used by permission.