BILLY TOPSAIL had two special possessions — a big black Newfoundland dog named Skipper, and a small fishing boat named “Never Give Up.” The three of them — boy, dog and boat — were often seen tether in the bay.
Billy knew a lot about boats and Newfoundland dogs, but there was one thing he did not know as we shall see. He was not afraid of winds and waves, but one day far out in the bay the waves were bigger than he realized. Suddenly the boat overturned and both boy and dog were thrown into the water.
Others watching from a bigger boat nearby at first thought all three had gone to the bottom. But presently the dog appeared, swimming in circles and whining piteously. Then up came the boy’s dripping head. Billy was an excellent swimmer and struck out at once for the big boat, but the dog was now heading towards him and whining so strangely that Billy was puzzled.
“Back, Skipper,” he cried. But Skipper, used to obeying, paid no attention this time. He came right on paddling furiously, and put his great paws on Billy’s chest. Had he suddenly gone mad? Billy held his breath and dived. Frantically swimming in circles again the dog waited for him to re-appear, and then the same thing began again.
“Down, Skipper, back!” cried Billy, and then held his breath for another dive.
Billy had never experienced this thing before and this was what he did not know — that Skipper was there to save him, and Skipper knew how.
And this is just what you need to know, dear reader — that you need the Saviour, the Lord Jesus, and that He is both able and willing to save you. He came from heaven to take your place and die on the cross for your sins. Without Him you are lost and will perish.
The shouts of those in the boat nearby could be heard above the roar of the gale, trying to tell Billy to let the dog save him. When Skier put his paws on Billy’s chest it was so that he could take hold of his collar with his teeth, for the dog knew that the boy must be rescued face up. Finally Billy understood their shouts, and the next time the dog came near he flung his arms around its neck. That was enough. Skipper headed straight for the big boat, and soon both of them were hauled on deck.
You see as long as the boy tried to save himself, he hindered his rescue; but as soon as he gave up and let Skipper take over he was soon safe in the boat.
If you are unsaved, dear reader, may this little illustration help you to see that you are lost on the sea of sin and that you cannot save yourself. Any effort on your part will only hinder your salvation, and you may perish altogether. “Salvation is of the LORD,” Jonah 2:9.
Christ is the only Saviour
He never will fail;
All hopes to save oneself
Will nothing avail.
Cast yourself in faith upon His mercy and in a moment those strong arms of love and power will lift you from the depths of sin and death and put you into the place of everlasting peace and safety in His presence.
“He is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by Him.” Heb. 7:25.
“For 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.” Eph. 2:8,9.
ML-01/21/1973