Danny was twelve years old and his hobby was building model boats. These models were not the kind made of plastic that just snap together. His boats were made of wood that had to be carved, sanded and carefully painted. He had several models of English sailing ships in his room, even with sails and rigging. All of these were complete right down to the last detail.
One day while Danny was in the store where he had bought most of his kits, the owner showed him a model partly put together of an English Navy power boat. It had been returned because the person who bought it said there was something wrong with the kit. The store owner offered it to Danny for less than half-price. Danny gladly bought it and hurried home to show it to his father.
As they studied the directions together that came with the kit, they could see that it was going to be a complicated model. Not only was it a large model, but it also was designed so a small engine could be added to make it actually work.
As Danny began working on the model, he soon found that the previous owner had done sloppy work. The hull had not been carved correctly and the rudder and propeller shaft were out of line.
Danny was a little discouraged about having to do so much of the work over, but he continued to work on it, following the directions closely. Then, as the pieces fit together, he discovered one part was missing. Now he really was discouraged—more extra work! After he finally got that problem solved he found another piece was broken. (Nothing about this model was easy!)
Finally, with lots of patience and work, the model was completed. The thought that it could be converted into an engine-powered mol and be controlled from shore intrigued Danny.
Danny’s father went with him to the model store to see what it would cost to convert the model. To his dismay Danny learned that the cost for the engine and controls was quite a bit more than what he could afford. His father offered to pay for the additional supplies, suggesting Danny do extra work at home to repay him. Danny gladly agreed and worked most of the summer to earn the money to pay back his father.
Finally the boat and engine were finished. Danny had done an excellent job and had learned a lot about mechanics too. Because it had ended up costing so much, Danny named his boat the “HMS Costly.” All English Navy boats have the letters HMS before their name. This stands for His (or Her) Majesty’s Ship, referring to the king or queen of England. The HMS Costly performed well under Danny’s control. Danny also had learned the cost of doing something properly.
Danny was able to pay the cost of buying and building the model. It had taken a lot of work which he was able to do. However, when it comes to being right with God, there is nothing we can do to earn or buy favor with Him. The price is far too high for any of us to pay! We have disobeyed God and must pay the punishment for our sins.
The cost to God for the salvation of just one sinner was the death of His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. On the cross my Saviour not only was punished for all my sins, but for the sins of anyone who would believe in Him.
Now God’s salvation is offered to everyone. It is free for the taking to all who will have it. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:2020Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20). God is offering the gift of eternal life to us, but we must never forget that this gift cost God the life of His only Son. Danny named his boat “His Majesty’s Ship Costly” because the boat cost Danny so much time and money. For us HMS could stand for “His Mighty Salvation—Costly.”
Won’t you accept the free gift He offers you?
ML-07/15/1984