Frank and Jim, two of the city’s garbage collectors, were busy at their usual work one morning when they heard a strange sound coming from a container nearby.
“Here it is! Imagine that!” smiled Jim, as he lifted the cover. Yes, there among the refuse sat a beautiful green and yellow parakeet. “It’s a talking parakeet, Frank. Let’s have some fun with him.”
To the men’s amazement the little bird immediately began to plainly speak these words, “Precious Lord Jesus, precious Lord Jesus.”
“Listen to that. I’ve never heard a bird talk words like those before.”
“It’s an unusual message for sure, Jim. He’s been taught a sweet lesson the name of Jesus.”
Jim appeared to feel uneasy. “H-m. Let’s take him to the house and get on with our work.”
At the house a delighted little old lady greeted them. “Oh,” she exclaimed, “there’s my Timmy. Where did you find him?”
As the men began to answer her, Timmy interrupted them by perching on the lady’s shoulder repeating, “Precious Lord Jesus, precious Lord Jesus.”
“Ah, Timmy, I’ve always told you that some day you might tell others of Jesus, and now you’ve spoken to these men. You see,” she explained, “the Lord Jesus is precious to me. Is He precious to you?” she asked her visitors.
Frank showed some interest. “I heard of Jesus when I was a boy. No one has told me of Him since.”
“Let me tell you. He’s taken away all my sin. No one else could do that, and God could never look at me when I was full of sin. He can remove all of your guilt if you put your trust in Him.” She told how the Lord Jesus came to this world as a Babe, how He lived a life of rejection and sorrow, and how He died on Calvary’s cross to cleanse from sin every one who will believe on Him.
Not many days after this, our friend read in the newspaper of the sudden accidental death of Frank and Jim while at their tasks. They had heard the gospel story.
Dear young friends, this story is unusual but true. Have you received into your hearts the message of “Precious Lord Jesus,” that sweetest name? If not receive it today, this very hour, before it is too late. When we love Him our strength, talents, our every possession, even a parakeet, can be used in some way to glorify our Saviour.
ML 05/10/1959