In 1864, a crowded train...
Illustration
In 1864, a crowded train was pulling away from Jersey City station when the son of President Lincoln, Robert, jumped aboard. The boy lost balance and was falling when a man by the name of Edward Booth reached out and grabbed him by the collar and saved him. Within a week, a letter of thanks came from Washington.
But within less than a year, this man became a "Man of Mystery" as he was always in hiding, shameful that his brother, John Wilkes Booth, had killed Lincoln. It was a long while later that he had enough courage to appear again in his experienced role as an actor, as the nation's most able performer of Shakespearean roles, and ultimately have his name and bust in the American Hall of Fame gallery in New York.
In similar manner we who have had a commendable past by virtue of the good works done by Christ Jesus on our behalf, need not cower in darkness or remain undercover throughout life's sojourn. Since all his deeds are ours and all his merits are ascribed in view of his forgiveness, we, like the woman accused by the Pharisees, can live in new freedom and joy!
But within less than a year, this man became a "Man of Mystery" as he was always in hiding, shameful that his brother, John Wilkes Booth, had killed Lincoln. It was a long while later that he had enough courage to appear again in his experienced role as an actor, as the nation's most able performer of Shakespearean roles, and ultimately have his name and bust in the American Hall of Fame gallery in New York.
In similar manner we who have had a commendable past by virtue of the good works done by Christ Jesus on our behalf, need not cower in darkness or remain undercover throughout life's sojourn. Since all his deeds are ours and all his merits are ascribed in view of his forgiveness, we, like the woman accused by the Pharisees, can live in new freedom and joy!
