Many years ago, not far from our farm was a pasture where droves of unwanted horses were processed for fox food and dog food. To me it was a dreadful place.
One day I had the misfortune of losing one of my team. So, needing another horse, I called those in charge there to see if I could buy one of their live animals for a replacement. The answer was: "Yes, go over to the holding pasture and pick out the one that suits you."
I drove over, and what a sight! There were about one hundred horses out in that field. There were all breeds, colors, sizes and ages—some old and feeble, some evidently quite young. They were all doomed to die, so many a day, and more to follow.
It was a cold winter morning and the horses were eating what little grass they could find on the bare, frozen sod.
My heart ached for those poor horses in their miseries, and soon to be destroyed. However, glad to be able to save at least one, I looked around for the horse which would suit me best.
Singling out a fine, sleek mare, I went towards her, calling kindly and holding out my hands. However, she had no wish to be approached, even in kindness. Laying back her ears and opening her mouth wide, she stretched out her neck to bite. Then suddenly turning, she quickly ran away. I thought, how like many poor lost sinners who reject and despise God's proffered grace!
I turned sadly and selected another mare. She was not as good looking, nor so young either. But she gladly received the kindness I offered. So I took a piece of cord and tied it about her neck to identify her as mine.
Shortly afterward I happily led her home to our farm, where she lived comfortably and worked faithfully for several years.
To one that loved horses, that barren field full of doomed horses was a most sorrowful operation. But if we have eyes to see, how infinitely more sad is the sight of multitudes of poor lost sinners following the broad road that leads to destruction, despising the One whose nail-pierced hands are stretched out to save. Thank God, that some (like my humble horse) receive salvation and escape.
But my illustration is only a feeble picture, and falls far short of reality. I could save only one horse from death that day, but God is not willing that any—man, woman or child—should perish (2 Peter 3:9). He has provided a full, free salvation for all who will receive it, without money and without price.
"As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?" Ezek. 33:11.