One afternoon as we were coming from school, many years ago, we saw a boy sitting on the river bank with a little dog on his knee. As we came up to where the boy sat, we noticed that he had a string round the dog’s neck, and at the other end a big stone tied with the cord. The little fellow was crying bitterly, and every now and again, he gave the little dog a hug to his bosom. Several of the school-boys stood, but no one liked to ask what was the matter with the weeping boy. At last a gentleman came walking along the river bank, and when he came opposite to where the boy sat with the dog, he stood, and in a kind, sympathizing tone, inquired, “What are you going to do with the dog, my boy?”
Bursting afresh into tears, the boy said, “My master sent me to drown it, sir, but I never drowned a dog in my life, or killed any of God’s creatures, and I cannot do it.”
“Why does he want the dog drowned?” asked the gentleman.
“I think it’s because he has no need for it, and nobody would buy it, sir,” replied the lad, half hoping that the gentleman would in some way, relieve him of the unwelcome job he had.
“Come along with me to your master, and we’ll hear what he says. I am in want of a dog, and if he will sell him to me, I will save you the unpleasant work of drowning him” said the gentleman.
The boy wiped his tears away, cut the big stone from the cord, and in a minute was on the way to his master’s house; the gentleman walking by his side, and we all following to see the end. The boy’s master was very glad to sell the dog, the money was paid, and Hero—for that was the name his new owner gave him — was rescued from death, and passed over to the new master, who had redeemed him. He grew up to be a fine useful animal, and for many years was the faithful watch-dog of his master’s property.
Oft as I think of this simple incident of early days, does the picture rise before me of a greater deliverance, and a redemption at higher cost. We were condemned to die the sinner’s death, and from that just and well-deserved doom, we could not deliver ourselves. But there is One who could. His name is Jesus. He saw our ruin: He knew we had “nothing to pay.” Then it was, that He Himself paid our ransom price, and the price was “His own blood.”
All who have believed on Him, have been set free to enter His service and to own His claims as Lord and Master. Surely we ought to serve the One who bought us at such a price.
Dear boys and girls, are you among the rescued, or are you still under condemnation?
ML 01/27/1946