Sermon Illustrations

We can’t take another’s medicine to make him or her well

A little girl, whom we will call Ellen, was some time ago helping to nurse a sick gentleman whom she loved very dearly. One day he said to her, “Ellen, it is time for me to take my medicine, I think. Will you pour it out for me? You must measure just a tablespoonful, and then put it in that glass close by.” Ellen quickly did so, and brought it to his bedside. But, instead of taking it in his own hand, he quietly said, “Now, dear, will you drink it for me?”

“Me drink it! What do you mean? I am sure I would, in a minute, if it would cure you all the same, but you know it won’t do you any good unless you take it yourself.” “Won’t it really? No, I suppose not. But Ellen, if you can’t take my medicine for me, I can’t take your salvation for you. You must go to Jesus, and believe in him for yourself.”

In this way he tried to teach her that each human being must seek salvation for himself, and repent, and believe, and obey, for himself.

From a sermon by Chris Surber, Fruit Worthy of Repentance, 12/9/2009

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