ONE day, while I was preaching to the heathen in the shade of a big banyan tree near the center of a village in South India, an old man, who had been listening carefully for some time to what was said, came near and wanted to know if he might ask a question.7Upon receiving permission, he said: "Sir, it sounds good to hear you tell about the great King who is soon to come to the world. And if all you say about the new earth is true, it will certainly be a good place to live, and I want to be there. But what troubles me is, I am such an old man; I will not be here very much longer. You see how gray my hair has grown. All these men standing around here I have known since they were children. My days are about over, and I shall soon have to go. Do you really think that the King of whom you speak will come soon?"
I told him I was sure that His coming is not very far away.
"Do you think it will be a month until He comes?" he questioned.
"I hardly think it will be as soon as that," I replied; "but I am sure that it will not be very long."
"Will it be a year? If it is more than a year, there is no hope for me; for I shall pass away before that time. I am ready to meet Him now if He comes; but I am afraid that if He does not come very soon, it will be too late for me."
Then I told him of the resurrection. His face lighted up; for he had not heard of that before, and therein he saw his hope. After I had explained to him how the righteous will be brought even from the grave to meet the Lord, and will be taken to heaven, he said: "Sir, it is well, it is well. I am glad you came and told the good news to me."