Years ago a man sat at his desk writing. Nearby was an open window through which a little bird flew into the room. After dashing wildly about for a bit it alighted on his bosom. Gently he caught it and held it to him.
The little body was quivering with fear, and the cause was soon learned. It had been pursued by a vicious hawk; and in its distraction it had seen the open window and had come to him for refuge. Some instinct had led the frightened bird to trust him in its extreme danger, and in him it had found a sure hiding place.
This man was Charles Wesley, the writer of so many beautiful hymns. This little incident suggested to him the opening lines of a hymn which he immediately wrote:
“Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly.”
What a touching story this is! That little bird found Charles Wesley a savior able and willing to save it from a deadly enemy, one to whom it would soon have fallen a prey.
Is it any cause for surprise to you that Wesley's thoughts were turned by this incident to the Savior of sinners—the One who is in the fullest sense, a refuge for the perishing? This wondrous Person is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is able and willing to save from Satan's power all who come to Him in faith.
A great work, however, had to be accomplished before He could come forth the triumphant Savior. Through Adam's transgression the whole race of mankind had been sold under sin—sold to the usurper, Satan. Only a sinless One—One who knew no sin—could buy it back, or redeem it to God. This work of atonement was accomplished by God's Son on Calvary's cross, when the words "It is finished" escaped His dying lips.
Friend, has He not in truth proved Himself to be the Lover of your soul? Could He have done more? Impossible! He loves us even unto death. He gave His life that we might be eternally saved. He paid the full price in His own blood.
"Himself He could not save,
Love's stream too deeply flowed;
In love Himself He gave
To pay the debt we owed.”
Reader, what is the Lord Jesus Christ to you? Have you profited by His atoning death on the cross? Have you accepted Him as your Savior? Have you fled to Him for refuge from the great destroyer of souls? Your only safety is in Christ. Flee to His bosom now. He is your only refuge, your only Savior. His heart yearns to receive you, to lavish upon you the rich salvation that he has purchased at such a cost.