A Gift For Everyone

A Gift for Everyone

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.

1 Peter 3:18

One day Abraham Lincoln was feeling ill. However, a young man who was seeking an appointment to the post office was visiting with him and stayed until President Lincoln grew fidgety.

While the young man was extolling his own virtues, Lincoln’s physician entered the room and observed the president’s discomfort.

“Doctor, what are these blotches?” asked Lincoln, holding out his hands for the doctor’s inspection.

Understanding that Lincoln needed to be rescued from his visitor, the doctor said seriously, “That’s varioloid—a mild smallpox.”

“They’re all over me,” said Lincoln. “Is it contagious?”

“Oh yes, very contagious,” replied the doctor, nodding solemnly.

Lincoln’s caller suddenly leaped to his feet. “Well, I can’t stay, sir. I just wanted to see how you were doing. I’ll be going now.”

“Oh, don’t be in such a hurry,” said Lincoln, grinning good-naturedly.

“Thank you, sir,” said the visitor. “I’ll be sure to call again when you’re feeling better.” And in a flash he was out the door.

The doctor looked at Lincoln and they both laughed.

“There is one good thing about this,” Lincoln observed after the man was gone. “I now have something I can give everybody.”

Jesus, too, had something that he could give to everybody—the astonishing gift of life ever after, because of his beautiful grace and mercy!

Like the young man who visited Lincoln, we can accept the remarkable gift, or we can leave without it. It’s up to us. And the consequences of our decision are life altering. Have you accepted the gift Jesus offers?

Precious Lord, I bow in humble gratitude for your amazing gift of salvation. I will spend the rest of my days expressing my thanks in praise and service to you. Amen.