At an auction in Washington, D.C., the police auctioned off about 100 unclaimed bicycles.
“$10,” said an 11-year-old boy as the bidding opened on the first bike. The bidding, however, went much higher.
“$10,” the boy repeated hopefully each time another bike came up.
The auctioneer, Mr. Weschler, noticed that the boy’s hopes seemed to soar highest whenever a 10-speed bike was being auctioned. There was just one more 10-speed bike left. The bidding went up to $28.
“Sold to that boy over there for $30!” said Mr. Weschler. He took $20 from his own pocket and asked the boy for his $10.
The boy gave it to him—in single dollars and change—took his bike and started to leave. But suddenly he stopped. Walking his bike back to where Mr. Weschler was, he thanked him over and over again.
In Luke 17 we read the story of how the Lord Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one of them returned to fall at His feet and thank Him. The Lord said, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?”
God gave His only Son in love to be the Saviour of sinners, and the Lord Jesus gave Himself upon the cross to die to put away sin and to give everlasting life to all who will believe. Are you like one of those nine lepers who went on their way, forgetful of the One who had healed them? Or are you like the boy in our story who returned with a thankful heart. Surely the blessed Saviour and the Father who sent Him are worthy of our thanks and praise.
ML 07/29/1990