Gems for the Week
August 22
"Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour."
(Ecclesiastes 10:1)
This earth could be a wonderful place for those who have plenty of money, if it were not for the flies of death in, ". . . the apothecary's ointment." So-called "Death Valley Scotty" lived out there in comparative luxury for years, but the one thing that ruined his outlook was the fact of death at the end of the road. His valley was well named, "Death Valley." Another man, Mr. Randolph Hearst, built himself a palace in California. He spent a million dollars a year in entertainment (1961), but was always embarrassed at the thought that at the end of his good time was death. He was offended if anyone mentioned that word "death" in his hearing. His close friends knew this and avoided the dreaded word. It was the end of the way that troubled him. I believe he had a fifty thousand dollar funeral (1961); but, you know, that only took him to a hole in the ground, or perhaps a crypt in a mausoleum; money cannot carry beyond death. (Taken from a talk by C.H. Brown - 1961)
(Will be continued in tomorrow's "Gems From My Reading" (# 3440)
N.J. Hiebert # 3439
August 23
"And a certain ruler asked Him (Jesus), Good Master, what shall
I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 18:18)
"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money;
come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money
and without price." (Isaiah 55:1)
The ruler came to the right Person, but he did not couch his question intelligently. There is a measure of self-confidence in that question. "What shall I DO?" This is innate in the human heart. And all religions of which man boasts are built upon that concept: "What shall I DO?" The thought that a salvation has been purchased and is offered on the terms of doing nothing, never seems to enter the heart of men. That is the reason that the plan of salvation as we find it in Scripture did not have its origin in this earth; it came from heaven. Man knows practically nothing of grace. It is not of works. It has its origin in the great heart of God, coming to man, not with a demand, but with an offer. God comes out with both hands full. He offers to man the best He has. He says, "Come. . ." (Isaiah 55:1). Yes, the wine of the joy of salvation is offered FREE.
Come and get it from a giving God, who is anxious to bless. How few there are who accept the offer! It is the old story of the fisherman trying to give away herring fish on London Bridge. "Herrings for nothing." but he could get no takers. Everybody thought they were soiled or that something was wrong with them. Herrings at a bargain, a dozen for a penny, that would be all right; but, herrings for nothing, no! God has come out in grace and is offering man salvation. (Taken from a talk by C.H. Brown)
N.J. Hiebert # 3440
