The Child and President Lincoln
The sermon highlights the power of compassion, intercession, and the love of a father and mother, ultimately pointing to the Son of God's willingness to forgive and redeem sinners.
D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of a young soldier sentenced to death during the war, whose fate was changed by the heartfelt plea of his little sister to President Abraham Lincoln. The girl, believing in Lincoln's compassion for families, bravely sought him out to plead for her brother's life, which ultimately led to the president's decision to grant a reprieve. Moody uses this narrative to illustrate the boundless compassion of Jesus Christ, encouraging sinners to bring their broken hearts to Him, who cares deeply for their suffering. The sermon emphasizes the power of love and intercession in the face of dire circumstances.
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During the war I remember a young man not twenty, who was court-martialed down in the front and sentenced to be shot. The story was this: The young fellow had enlisted. He was not obliged to, but he went off with another young man. They were what we would call "chums." One night this companion was ordered out on picket duty, and he asked the young man to go for him. The next night he was ordered out himself, and having been awake two nights, and not being used to it, fell asleep at his post, and for the offense he was tried and sentenced to death.
It was right after the order issued by the president that no interference would be allowed in cases of this kind. This sort of thing had become too frequent, and it must be stopped. When the news reached the father and mother in Vermont, it nearly broke their hearts. The thought that their son should be shot was too great for them. They had no hope that he would be saved by anything they could do. But they had a little daughter who had read the life of Abraham Lincoln, and knew how he had loved his own children, and she said, "If Abraham Lincoln knew how my father and mother loved my brother he wouldn't let him be shot."
That little girl thought the matter over, and made up her mind to see the president. She went to the White House, and the sentinel, when he saw her imploring looks, passed her in, and when she came to the door and told the private secretary that she wanted to see the president, he could not refuse her. She came into the chamber and found Abraham Lincoln surrounded by his generals and counselors, and when he saw the little country girl, he asked her what she wanted. The little maid told her plain, simple story; how her brother, whom her father and mother loved very dearly, had been sentenced to be shot; how they were mourning for him, and if he was to die in that way it would break their hearts.
The president's heart was touched with compassion, and he immediately sent a dispatch canceling the sentence, and giving the boy a parole so that he could come home and see that father and mother. I just tell you this to show you how Abraham Lincoln's heart was moved by compassion for the sorrow of that father and mother, and if he showed so much, do you think the Son of God will not have compassion upon you, sinner, if you only take that crushed, bruised heart to Him?
Sermon Outline
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The Power of Compassion
- Abraham Lincoln's heart was moved by compassion for a father and mother's sorrow
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The Importance of Intercession
- A young girl's prayer and action changed the course of events
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The Love of a Father and Mother
- Their love for their son was a catalyst for the president's compassion
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The Son of God's Compassion
- Jesus' heart is moved by compassion for sinners who come to Him
Key Quotes
“If Abraham Lincoln knew how my father and mother loved my brother he wouldn't let him be shot.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- You can show compassion to others by actively listening to their struggles and taking action to help when possible.
- Intercession, like prayer, can be a powerful catalyst for change when combined with faith and action.
- Prioritizing relationships and being present in the lives of those you care about can help you apply the love of a father and mother to your own life.