As the weather turned colder and colder last winter, a small lake in New Brunswick was freezing fast. A man on the shore could see that a loon, which is a water bird, seemed to be stranded in the middle of the lake in a small area where there was still open water.
Now a loon needs a long stretch of water in which to lift out of the water and begin to fly. However, the open water on this lake was fast becoming frozen. Every day more ice was forming, and the loon’s area of open water was becoming smaller and smaller.
Nearby, an eagle was closely watching the loon, apparently waiting for the bird to be completely stranded. It looked like an easy meal or two for the eagle, since an escape for the loon was looking very hopeless.
The kind man who had been watching the stranded loon tried again and again to save the bird. For twelve days, the man attempted to save the loon, but the loon fought against being rescued. And with each passing day, the area of open water was becoming smaller and smaller as more ice formed. And with each passing day, the eagle still waited and watched the bird.
Have you ever stopped to realize that if you are playing a waiting game with your sins, you are in increasing danger - your days may be numbered? Just as that kind man wanted to rescue the bird, there is a kind, loving Saviour who wants to rescue sinners from the punishment for their sins. The Bible tells us that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)). But like the loon, are you resisting the only One who can rescue you from the danger that is approaching? When you hear about the Saviour who loves you and died for you, how many times have you said in your heart, I’m doing okay; just leave me alone! And another opportunity passes . . . and more ice forms.
Finally, the ice on the lake became thick enough to hold the weight of the man. Then he was able to get close enough to toss a nylon net over the loon. He wrapped the net securely around the bird and took the loon to a large body of open water where he released it. The last he saw of the loon, it was bobbing up and down on the waves, leading it far away from shore. The rescued bird was free and safe at last from the hungry eagle.
What joy the Lord Jesus would have if you would give up your ideas to try to save yourself from your sins and allow the precious message of salvation to enter your heart and save you. “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:1818For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:18)). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)).
ML-03/05/2006