ANTONIO was an Indian and lived in one of the many villages in Mexico. He had believed the gospel and was happily saved. Now he was eager to tell his friends and neighbors about his Saviour.
But many of the villagers did not like to hear Antonio telling out his “good news,” and one dark night he was called before an Indian council. There sat several Indians armed with guns and sitting by a judge. The judge told Antonio he must give up his new religion or leave the village. If he did not obey he would instruct his men to shoot Antonio.
But Antonio was not afraid. He told the judge and the other Indians gathered there that he could not give up Jesus, for Jesus Christ was his Saviour. As he boldly confessed His name what joy he had in his heart. Antonio felt that he just could not leave the village until many others had come to know Christ as their Saviour too.
So Antonio stayed. He told all his friends and neighbors, and even strangers who came to town, that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of sinners. The fear of God was upon the judge and the Indians and they left him alone. Today there stands in that little village a small chapel built by humble believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. It stands as a monument to Antonio the Indian, who loved His Saviour more than his own life.
The LORD is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27: 1.
ML-12/16/1973