By Rev. Larry W. Greiner
An eccentric Irish landlord owned estates where many
needy tenants dwelt. One day he received Christ as his Savior and was
anxious to make clear to his tenants the provision God had made for their
salvation. He placed notices in prominent places around the estates
stating that on a given day he would be in his office from ten o’clock
in the morning until twelve noon. During that time he promised to pay the
debts of each tenant who would bring his unpaid bills with him.
People talked about the strange offer and scratched
their heads. Some declared it a hoax. Others were sure there was a
"catch" somewhere. A few thought it indicated that the landlord
was going out of his mind. Who had ever heard of any sane man making such
an offer?
The day arrived with a crowd gathering at the door.
Promptly at ten o’clock the landlord and his secretary arrived. Without
a word they entered the office and closed the door. A lively discussion
ensued at the gate. Did the landlord really mean what he had said? Would
he only make a fool of those who brought evidence of their indebtedness?
It was nearing twelve o’clock when an aged couple
from the farthest area of the estate came hobbling along arm in arm. The
old man clutched a bundle of bills in his hand. People yelled, "He
ain’t paid none yet!" "We think it was just a cruel
joke," screamed another. The couple ignored the shouts and,
proceeding to the door, opened it and went inside. The secretary welcomed
them and asked to see their bills. Their debts were tabulated and a check
made out to cover them. Overwhelmed with gratitude the old couple rose to
leave when the landlord, sitting at his desk, said, "Please stay
seated. You must remain here until the office closes at noon." The
old couple explained that the people outside were waiting with their
bills, too. "No," the landlord said, "you took me at my
word, and they must do the same if they want their debts paid."
Finally at noon the door opened and out walked the old couple along with
the landlord. The crowd pressed forward, holding out hands full of
personal bills. "Won’t you do for us as you did for those
folks?" they cried. "No," the landlord said, "It is
too late. I gave you every opportunity, and I would have paid for all of
you, but you would not believe me and enter my office."
God offers salvation for our souls, payment for our
sins, but He asks that each of us must, individually, show an act of faith
by walking through "the Door Christ Jesus." We must believe that
He will save us as He promised through his death and resurrection. We must
accept His word as true and bring to Him our sin debt and let Him cancel
it through the payment of His own blood.
Dear friend, have you truly believed and had your debt
of sin removed? If not, do it today.
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