The Name That Made the Difference

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At the close of a battle a young man was found dying on the battlefield. A soldier stopped to render him assistance, and as his comrade moistened his lips and made his head rest easier the dying man said, “My father is a man of large wealth in Detroit, and if I have strength I will write him a note and he will repay you for this kindness.”
And this is the letter he wrote: “Dear Father, the bearer of this note made my last moments easier, and helped me to die. Receive him and help him for Charlie’s sake.”
The war ended, and the soldier, in tattered garments, sought out the father in Detroit. He refused to see him at first because of his wretched appearance. “But,” said the stranger, “I have a note for you in which you will be interested.” He handed him the little soiled piece of paper, and when the great man’s eyes fell upon the name of his son, all was instantly changed. He threw his arms about the soldier, and drew him close to his heart, and put at his disposal everything that wealth could make possible for him to possess. It was the name that made the difference. And thus we stand on redemption ground, before God in the Name of Jesus Christ, and He speaks for us as did Paul for the Roman slave Onesimus.
—J. Wilbur Chapman

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