WOULD you like to hear a story of a very brave little girl of nine years old, who lived in Australia, which you know is thousands of miles away, across the great ocean? If you look at a map of the world, you will see that it is an island and then you will understand when I tell you, that this little girl, whose name was Katie, lived not very far from the sea-shore.
She had two little sisters, aged three and five; and her mother used sometimes to send her out with them in the afternoon to gather sticks.
One day Katie and her sisters went out rather later than usual, and had to wander some way in search of wood; but before Katie’s apron was full, the sun went down. Poor little Katie, she did not know what to do, for the children, when they saw the night coming on, began to cry and complain of being tired. She could not carry them both, and besides, if she had been able, it would have been no use, for to add to her troubles, she was not sure of the way home, and in the ever-increasing darkness, would not have much chance of finding it.
What would you have done if you had been in Katie’s place? She searched about for a sheltered corner, under a great rock, where she laid her little charges, who were now growing quite sleepy with cold and fatigue. She then collected a quantity of sea-weed, and heaped it about them, to keep out the cold night air, and last of all, took off her own jacket, wrapped it round them, and sat down to watch while they slept. Ah! Katie was not thinking of herself, nor how cold she was—she was not selfish, and trying to get all she could for herself, so there she sat shivering, trying to keep awake, until her senses became quite benumbed.
When the morning dawned, and Katie’s friends came out to search for their lost ones, she was found lying cold and stiff and motionless beside her little sisters, who were comfortably sheltered under Katie’s jacket and the sea-weed. They were soon restored, but Katie’s life was gone, and the sorrowing mother read the simple tale of her child’s unselfish love and devotion, which had cost her, her life. But in so doing she had saved the lives of her little sisters. She had loved them unto death. Would any of you have done like Katie? I am afraid not.
But I can tell you of One who has done much more than that for you. Will you listen while I relate another story, which is quite as true, and much more beautiful than this. I can tell you of One who gave up His life for you, and not because you were His friends, not because you loved Him a little, like Katie’s sisters loved her. O! no; the blessed Lord Jesus died for sinners, for His enemies, those who hated and despised Him.
Katie’s little sisters could not do anything to help themselves. She covered them with the sea-weed and her own jacket. She laid down her life to save theirs; and I want by the simple story of her devotion, to impress upon your minds the dying love of Jesus. I don’t want you to think about Katie, because after all, hers was only human love, but I ask you to read that verse in John 10:11.
“I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep;” and again, in verses 15 and 17,
“I lay down My life for the sheep.” And you know the Bible says,
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. And, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us.” 1 John 3:16.
Once again I entreat you to believe that “God is love,” and then you will be able to say,
“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.
ML 01/09/1927