Bob was a fireman’s dog—a swift, fearless helper in the days of horse-drawn fire engines. At the first sound of the fire bell, Bob was ready with sharp, excited barks, and then off like the wind, beside the horses. Guided by the smell of smoke, he was first at the spot, nipping at the crowds to keep them back out of the way of the hose and firemen. When the fire chief gave his sharp word of command, Bob was on hand in a second, ready to obey, always-except once.
On this particular day the house they came to save was past saving. Great clouds of smoke and sparks were rising, and the chief gave orders to the firemen not to risk their lives. “There is no one in it,” he said. “We must save the neighboring buildings.”
Bob disappeared through clouds of smoke into the burning house. “Bob,” called the chief sharply, but Bob did not obey. The chief said the house was empty, but Bob knew better. For once, he had a right to disobey.
Bob’s courage led the chief to follow him, though almost choked with smoke, and there he found a child, whom he was able to rescue quite unharmed. Good wise Bob—wiser on that occasion than his master.
Now, dear reader, God is warning you that death and the lake of fire are before you if you are unsaved. Do not say that you do not believe in hell. You are not wiser than God. Bob disobeyed because he knew that his chief was wrong. But you have no right to disobey God, who “commandeth all men everywhere to rent.” Acts 17:3030And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Acts 17:30).
Jesus has died; He has borne the fire of God’s judgment against sin, and God offers salvation now to all who put their trust in His dear Son.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” while it is yet the day of grace.
ML 03/05/1967