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Librarian Electa Oltrogge (center) and students. TAKING THE PENALTY One of the most wonderful assur ances of God’s Word is displayed in the Scripture that the Lord commend- eth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Two men had been close friends in their youth, however, when they met years later it was in a police court. On the judge’s bench was the one, while the other was a defendant. Evidence was heard and the prisoner found un questionably guilty. In consideration of their former friendship the judged was asked to withhold sentence. He re sponded solemnly, “No, that cannot be done; justice must be paid; the law has to be upheld!” The sentence was $50 fine or fourteen days at hard labor. The condemned man, however, was broke and had no means to pay the fine. Jail was the only alternative. But having passed sentence, the judge step ped down from the bench, put his arm around his childhood chum and encouraged him, “I’m paying the fine for you, then yoiire coming home to dinner w ith me.” This story is a far cry from God’s love and mercy. It reminds us, however, that the Lord cannot overlook sin. He is both faithful and just, yet, praise His name, He is compassionate. The Judge Himself was crucified for us sinners, that He might buy our freedom and take us to His home for the marriage feast of the Lamb and eternal life in glory. The Bible says, “For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; His countenance doth behold the upright.” 34
• The most inflammable kind of wood is the chip on the shoulder. * * * THE BLESSING* OF PAIN There is a young women in Western Canada who has an unusual problem. According tq doctors she has never felt an ache or pain in her life. Evidentally she was born without any such sense of hurt or injury. When one considers it, no one would erwy her. She is cov ered with scars and bruises. Several times she' has suffered serious bums. The smell of scorched flesh was her first inkling of injury. She has been repeatedly hospitalized for infections which the rest of us often avoid be cause pain warns us that we are in need of medical attention. In a similar manner pain is very helpful in the spiritual realm. Through sufferings and afflictions, we become aware of the fact that repentance is needed or that we should be separated from some sin fu l or worldly practice. Many of God’s children are brought back to Himself by some trial or testing. The apostle Paul declared, “Most gladly therefore w ill I rather glory in m y infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (II Corinthians 12:9). “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (II Corinthians 4:17). * * * A Christianity that only makes a man look sick certainly won't cure the world.
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