ON THE edge of the great forest lived a woodsman named Geert and his wife Marie. They had a dear little girl named Jeanne, and Roger, the faithful hound, completed the little family circle. How happy were Gellert and Marie since the coming of little Jeanne, and so was Roger who made himself the faithful guardian of the humble home.
On this occasion Marie had been called away to a place of some distance leaving Jeanne home with her daddy. Gellert himself had to go away for a short time and though he would have wished not to leave at this time he decided that Jeanne would be safe with Roger’s protecting care for a short while. Hungry wolves prowled through the woods and swamps nearby and he knew he must not be long.
However, Gellert was delayed longer than he expected and when at last he reached home Roger met him all covered with blood. Unable to tell him what had happened the faithful dog could only wag his tail. Gellert’s first act was to call out, “Jeanne, where are you?” There was no response. Blood stains were everywhere and with fear and anger mounting in his heart, the father could only conclude that Roger had become mad and slain his little girl. With his rifle he shot the noble dog.
Poor Roger yelped with pain and casting one last lingering look of love at his enraged master he laid down and breathed his last.
But the yelps of the dog awakened the little child who had fallen asleep in the dark corner of the cabin and she came running to see what was the matter. Thankful to find his little girl safe and sound, but perplexed at the evidence of some struggle, Gellert made a search of the cabin. There under the babe’s crib was the body of a great wolf which Roger had slain in defending his little charge.
So the noble dog did his duty, but died at the hands of his mistaken master. Overcome with sorrow at what he had done, poor Gellert could only weep over the dead body of the faithful defender of the home.
Roger was a wonderful friend, wasn’t he? And yet the Lord Jesus is more wonderful still. Indeed “His name shall be called Wonderful.” (Isa. 9:66For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)). One of His creatures defended the little one entrusted to his care, slew the marauder, but perished in the hour of his victory. The blessed Saviour at Calvary stood in the breach, and He defended His own; He overcame the great enemy of our souls, but was slain in His victory. Yet not only did He die for sinners, but He glorified God in His death.
Bless, bless the Conqueror slain!
Slain in His victory.
Like David who slew the lion and the bear and delivered the little lamb, so the Lord Jesus is today delivering from Satan and from judgment little boys and girls, and older ones too, — all who have fled to Him for salvation.
What sorrow filled Gellert’s heart when he realized that he had slain his noble friend and defender! And what sorrow should fill our hearts when we think of all our Saviour’s grief and pain which we caused Him in Calvary’s dark hour! Surely it should bow our hearts, and we ought to love and praise Him for all He has done for us.
Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.
ML-01/07/1973