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He
Came!
During
the American Revolutionary War, George Washington was
riding on his horse one day when he passed by a group
of soldiers who were busily engaged in raising
a beam to the top of some military works.
It was a difficult task, and the voice of
the corporal in charge of the men could often be heard
shouting, “Now you have it!”
“All ready! Pull!”
Unrecognized
by the corporal and the other soldiers,
Washington
asked the corporal why he didn’t help his men.
“Sir,”
replied the angered officer " do you not
realize that I AM the CORPORAL?!?”
Washington
politely
raised his hat, saying, “I did not realize it.
Beg your pardon...
Mr. Corporal.”
Washington
dismounted
his horse and went to work helping the men until the
beam was raised.
Before
leaving, he turned to the corporal, and, wiping the
perspiration from his face, said, “If ever you
need assistance like this again, call upon Washington,
your commander-in-chief, and I will come!” *
When
WE were burdened
by our sins and destined for eternal destruction
(Matthew 7:13-14), Jesus, the Son of God, came to OUR
rescue.
He left the glories of heaven, put on human
flesh, and came to live among men (Philippians 2:5-8;
John 1:14). Many
did not recognize Him (John 1:10-11), but that did not
deter Him from going to the cross and dying for the
sins of the world (Romans 5:6-8).
Having
paid the price for sin, He invites US to accept the
GIFT of salvation on His terms: believing
in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin in repentance
(Acts 17:30-31), confessing
Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized
(immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins
(Acts 2:38).
At
the point of our greatest need, salvation from sin,
Jesus came to us.
And His invitation continues to be offered: “Come
to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest
for your souls. For
My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew
11:28-30).
He
came
to us to SAVE us.
Will YOU respond
to His invitation: “Come
to Me,” and enjoy the salvation that He
desires for you?
David
A. Sargent, Minister
Church
of Christ at Creekwood
1901
Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama 36695
*Adapted
from “An Anecdote of Washington” by Mara Pratt in American
History Stories You Never Read in School But Should Have as qtd. by
Jason Jackson in Stronger Than Ever (Christian Courier
Publications;
Stockton
,
CA
; 2008. www.christiancourier.com).
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