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A minister
visited a nobleman in a Russian prison. He read a passage of Scripture and
prayed, but his words met with solemn contempt. Before leaving, the pastor
gave the man a Bible and urged him to read it. No sooner had the minister
left than the angry prisoner kicked the Book into the corner. He thought, the
Word of God, indeed! Why is this God not meting out justice to the tyrants
who are abusing me? As the days passed, a terrible loneliness nearly drove
him out of his mind. Snatching the Bible from off the floor, he opened it.
His first glance fell on these words from Psalm 50:15, "And call upon Me
in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee." He was surprised and touched
by such a pointed invitation, yet pride prompted him to shut the Bible and
drop it. The next day desperation compelled him to seek the only companion of
his solitude. This time he began to study its pages. Seeing himself as a
sinner, he opened his heart to Christ. His waking hours which were formerly
spent wallowing in self- pity and bitterness now were being given to his
newfound Friend. The shadows of death and injustice gave way to new light
from another world. |
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From:
2700-PLUS SERMON ILLUSTRATIONS By Duane V. Maxey |