IT was cold, biting December weather amid the frozen mud of Flanders. After one of the rushes by the Germans for Calais a poor Belgian soldier was left badly wounded in the open field. Realizing his danger, with great effort he dragged himself into the shelter of a small wood.
Then a dread alternative arose before his mind as the slow, long hours of exposure and pain dragged their weary length. Either relief must come quickly, or—death. So, gathering up the little strength he had, he cried aloud for help. The effort was almost too much for him, and he sank back into an unconscious heap of mangled humanity.
Thank God, his cry for help was heard. Soon he became conscious of a strong arm being placed under his head, and a kind voice addressing him, bidding him cheer up and be of good courage.
Slowly opening his eyes, what was his utter amazement to see King Albert himself stooping over him. With a glad cry he exclaimed, "My King! My King has come to save me.”
With assistance King Albert tenderly carried the wounded soldier to his royal car, and before long he was being cared for in a base hospital.
It is a touching story indeed, but it serves to bring to mind one far more touching.
All honor to the heroic King Albert. His name is written high and secure for all time on the monument of fame.
But there is a Name above every name—a Name enduring for time and for eternity. His is a work above every other work—a love above every other love. That Name is the Name of Jesus—that work the wondrous atoning work He wrought for sinners upon the cross—that love the love of God Himself, expressed through the Lord Jesus. He could not have expressed the infinite love of infinite God without being infinite God Himself, nor could He have expressed it to us without becoming Man, for His atoning death was necessary before God could righteously express that love, and welcome the returning sinner.
King Albert put his strong arm under the wounded soldier in order to raise him. Behold the strong arm of the finished atoning work of the Lord Jesus. On that ground, and that ground alone, can God raise us up from our sinful estate and bless us. God must act on righteous ground. It is thus His infinite love can be expressed.
Believers can joyfully exclaim, "The Lord brought us forth with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm."(Deut. 26:8.) Well may the Lord ask:" Is My hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem?” (Isa. 1:2.) Why do you not trust Him? He is ready to save. He is powerful to redeem.
King Albert spoke comforting words to the soldier. But, oh! what comforting words the Lord Jesus speaks. Listen! "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37.) Again, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28.) And He does. He did it in my case, and in that of tens of thousands more. Try Him. Take Him at His word.
King Albert acted nobly. But it cost him little but sad pleasure to relieve that sorely wounded soldier-subject of his. But the Lord Jesus died for us—His enemies—died, too, under the terrible judgment of God against sin —died with the awful cry upon His lips, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”
Thank God, His last utterance was, "Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit," thus proving that the work was done and—accepted by God.
Reader, see to it that you accept this blessed Savior, this wondrous love. Refusing it, "how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" (Heb. 6:2.)
Remember, decision is the great thing that is needed. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2.) A. J. P.