YEARS AGO in the western States, the cattle roamed the open prairies. There were few roads and no fences. Early spring was branding time — when the calves would be branded so one could tell to what ranch they belonged.
One rancher said to another, “You just put your brand on my calf.” “No, we didn’t,” replied the other. “Yes, you did,” insisted the first man. “The calf’s mother has my brand on it.” The little calf was standing close to its mother, so there was no doubt as to whom the calf belonged. They changed the brand.
Whom do you belong to, dear young reader? Christ, or the world and Satan? The Lord Jesus died to purchase you with His own precious blood. But if you have not yet come and owned Him as your Lord and Saviour, Satan and the world will claim you; you will carry on your person the brand marks of sin. The Apostle Paul could say, “I bear in my body the [brand] marks of the Lord Jesus.” Gal. 6:1717From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. (Galatians 6:17).
May each one of us who believe keep close to our Saviour, so that others will know to whom we belong.
ML-02/28/1971