EVERY one knows that deer are very timid creatures and that at the approach of a stranger they speedily retire under the covert of trees at some distance. What change then has come over the deer in our picture to lead them to so alter their habits as to venture so close to the habitation of man? This is no doubt the cottage in which one of the keepers of the park resides, and the thick snow on the ground reveals possibly another reason for their tameness.
The snow has covered up all their food and hence they came to the keeper’s cottage, hoping that their felt need may be supplied.
Often the man who dwells in that cottage has given them food, they know him as a friend and fully trust him.
What an illustration is this of our own blessed Savior, Lord and Friend.
As lost sinners we were driven to Him by our need. Like the prodigal we were “in want,” and we know our help and salvation was centered alone in the Lord Jesus. Perhaps we said with the poet: “Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling.”
He spoke to our aching hearts the blessed words, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee,” or “Daughter, go in peace; thy faith hath saved thee,” for “THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST GOD’S SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN.” ¤ John 1:17.
We heard His word, through grace received it, and our hearts rejoiced. Thus the Lord Jesus Christ became Our Personal Savior. Now through grace we have come under the sway of His love, and He has become our Lord. His wishes begin to control us, and by His Spirit we are being newformed in His moral likeness and delight to respond, even if feebly, to His all-constraining love.
Thus we know Him as our Friend and look to Him to succor, and sustain us in our times of need.
“What a Friend we have in Jesus!”
ML-10/31/1920