Years ago a ship in the Indian Ocean was attacked by pirates. The captain and several of the crew were killed and the rest were bound in chains to be carried away captive. As the pirates’ captain went down to the cabin to see what treasures could be found before burning the ship, he heard a soft, low voice praying. Peering through the cabin door he saw a weeping mother with her arms around a little boy. These were the words the pirate heard:
“O God of all mercy, save the life of my dear child, if such be Thy holy will; but rather let him die now than fall into such evil hands, to be trained to a life of sin and shame, Let him die now if such be Thy will; but oh, let him not live to dishonor Thee and perish at last forever.”
The voice ceased, choked with sobs. And there stood the pirate with his own feelings. His thoughts flashed back to his own childhood. He had had a godly mother, Her prayers and her teaching rose up before him as God’s arrow of conviction entered his conscience. Instead of carrying our his murderous plans, he too sank to his knees and with heartbreaking agony cried out,
“God be merciful to me the sinner!”
Rising from his knees he assured the mother that no harm should come to her or her son. He then went on deck, unbound the captives and restored to them their ship. He then returned with his men to their own vessel and sailed away.
Shortly afterwards he surrendered himself to the British Government. But while awaiting trial he was stricken with fever and died. Before his death he made a full confession of the crimes of his past life and died in peace, trusting in the Lord Jesus, who had died for him upon the cross, and whose precious blood cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
That was God’s answer to a mother’s prayer. That was how a wicked pirate heard the voice of the Good Shepherd and received eternal life as the free gift of God.
ML-07/21/1974