We on the cliff top, could see all that happened. The distance between the two boats was now reduced to perhaps ten yards, and some twenty or thirty yards from the little sailing boat was the first line of breaking seas. A coil of rope skillfully thrown rose from the motorboat and fell across the little craft. It came like a ray of hope.
Quickly the young fellow seized it and attempted to tie it to his boat, as the motorboat swung round to draw it away from the overfalls, but alas for his best efforts — the knot was a false one and slipped.
So, too, you and I are allowed to learn that we can do absolutely nothing for our own salvation; the Lord Jesus Christ must do it all. “For,” says the Scripture, “by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8, 98For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8‑9).
On the cliff top we held our breath as we realized what had happened, and saw the boats fall apart. Death’s doors were opening, but there was still a moment of time left.
With the motor going full speed, round came the motorboat again, and as it swept past the small boat, now almost in the breakers, one of the three did the only possible thing if a precious life was to be saved. With a leap he left the safety of the motorboat, coming to the young man in his extremity, endangering his own life to save another: — and how quickly did his coming transform the situation!
With him he brought the free end of the rope, and in a moment he had made it secure with a true knot. A little picture of the saving power and grace of the Lord Jesus, who “is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Hebrews 7: 25.
Able to save us from our sin, if in true repentance before God we put our faith in Him, because we read, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7).
Able to save from the power of sin all who confess Him as Saviour and ‘Lora., because the Word of God says of the believer, “Sin shall not have dominion over you.” Romans 6:1414For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14).
Yes, countless thousands have found that Jesus is indeed “mighty to save.”
With what relief we watched the good rope tighten and draw the little boat away from the danger. In it we saw two men —the one who came to save and the young man who was snatched from death; there they sat together as the boats cut across the tide into the quiet eddy under the cliff.
Perhaps you can also see a picture of your life in this true incident; — drifting, drifting — held in a terrible grip, the strength of which you hardly realize until you begin to struggle against it. This is the power of sin, which is backed by the power of Satan, and it carries you down, whether careless or resisting, down on the tide which “leadeth to destruction.”
God, who loves you, has seen your helpless position — He has acted in matchless grace and at infinite cost for your salvation, deliverance and eternal blessing. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
Heed the voice of the Holy Spirit who speaks to your conscience, perhaps in times of temptation or danger, through sickness, or even in the quiet of the night. He seeks to warn you of your soul’s danger, and of your need of the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour.
Believe on Him, commit your soul to Him, confess Him.
He will secure you eternally.
He will draw you into the still waters of peace with God.
HE will bring you into your desired haven.
ML 07/26/1953