These two little dogs, Jack and Jill, have a very comfortable home, and a nice owner named Sue, who takes good care of them. She brushes their coats and takes them outside for walks every day. But before Jill came to live at Sue’s house, nobody loved her or took care of her.
Sue first saw Jill when she was taking Jack for a walk on a busy street near her house. They came across this poor, stray dog that looked just like Jack. She was dirty and thin, and several times she almost got run over by cars. Sue coaxed the little dog off the street and onto the sidewalk. She was a lively, friendly dog and she followed Sue and Jack as they continued walking. She followed them for a while, and then Sue stooped down and picked up the little stray dog in her arms. She took her to the police station first, and since there was no license listed for her and she had no collar, the police told Sue that she could take the little dog home. After a warm bath and a good meal, the stray dog was a very different-looking dog. In fact, she looked so much like Jack that Sue decided her name should be Jill.
Jill reminds me of lonely boys and girls, and older ones too, who need the Saviour, though they do not always realize how great their need is. What did Jill do to find a kind owner like Sue and a comfortable home? Nothing! Sue saw Jill’s need as a stray dog in danger, and this drew out the kindness that was in her heart.
The little dog simply let Sue pick her up and carry her home. The Lord Jesus wants to save lost sinners and carry them home to heaven.
How clean and happy Jill must have felt after her bath and meal. The Lord Jesus must first wash away our sins to make us fit for His presence in heaven, that home of love and happiness above. This is just what He does for each one who trusts Him as his or her Saviour. We belong to Him, and He feeds and takes care of us all along the way to heaven. Oh how wonderful it is to have Him as our Saviour and Friend!
Did Jill deserve the kindness shown to her? No, and neither did we. As sinners we had wandered away from God. We deserved nothing but death and judgment for our sins against God. But Jesus loved us just the same, and went to Calvary’s cross to die and shed His precious blood which washes us whiter than snow.
Jack and Jill get along fine, and they have happy times together. And those who take the Lord Jesus as their Saviour find themselves in the company of God’s dear people, who have joys and pleasures this world cannot give.
Sue says she will never sell Jill, although some have wanted to buy her. The Lord Jesus will never give up a boy or girl who trust in Him, for He says, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:2828And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28). He also says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:55Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5).
ML-01/30/1983