From the Pulpit: The bread of life

John John 6: 35* “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”

There is a story told about a young woman, Charlotte Elliot, whose very fine singing voice enchanted her audience one evening at a private gathering in a wealthy London home. Among those listening was a young preacher named Caesar Milan. So impressed was Caesar Milan with Charlotte’s singing that he made his way to her to encourage her to surrender her gift to the Lord’s service. “As I sat there and listened,” he told her, “I could not help but think how tremendously the cause of Christ would benefit if you would dedicate your talents to him.” She listened politely and continued on her own way. Later that night she could not find peace enough to fall asleep. She kept thinking about that young preacher’s invitation.

The next morning, Charlotte arose and went looking for him by checking with some mutual friends who were present the night before. When she found him she said, “I heard your invitation but I am too great a sinner and I must do some serious life changing before I am ready to do what you ask.” His response was to the point: “No, Charlotte,” he replied, “You cannot make yourself ready for Christ. He will make you ready. You must come to him just as you are and he will do the changing. Whatever there is in your life that does not honor him will be covered by Christ’s grace won on the cross for you.” She left again with no commitment made but at two o’clock the next morning she knelt at the side of her bed and asked Jesus into her heart. Before the sun rose the next morning, Charlotte Elliott gave the world one of the great hymns of the Christian church:

Just as I am, without one plea,

but that Thy blood was shed for me,

and that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not

to rid my soul of one dark blot,

to Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come! 

Just as I am — Thou wilt receive,

wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come!

Jesus calls us and reminds us that he is the bread of life, life given to us so we may truly live.

Peace on the Journey.