THE OLD truck roared along the dusty road. Its sideboards rattled, and the dust flew out behind — but no one cared a bit for that. It was such fun for the load of children bouncing along on their way to the picnic in the foothills. The wind blew the girls’ hair and they waved to folks in other cars; the boys also were enjoying it to the full.
It was a perfect day to go to the mountains. Up, up, up they went. At last they all slowed to a stop at a grassy spot, surrounded by trees and hemmed in by a lovely mountain stream. There they spread their lunch and feasted; they sang hymns, played ball and other games till late afternoon. Some one suggested they try some fishing a little way upstream. And so it was when Emma, her cousin, and a tiny girl they had been taking care of, came back from picking wild flowers, they found the spot deserted. There were the cars and truck, but not a soul in sight.
They called and called out in fright. But there was no response. Had the Lord come and they were left behind? No, they reassured themselves that they did believe on Him and He wouldn’t have left them — but what must they do? The sun was going down and a chilly breeze from the mountains fanned their faces. In panic they turned and started down the long mountain road. It was growing dark, and shadowy forms were on either side of the road. Disturbing recollections of cougar and bear stories began to fill their thoughts. On and on they hastened, even the tiny one seemed to sense danger. Her little feet were so tired, that at last they picked her up and took turns carrying her.
As they came to a rise in the road, they spied a glimmer of light in the distance. “Oh, we must be coming to a house!” they cried and hurried the faster. The hoot of an owl gave them such a start. They could not see the light now, but around the bend again it came into view. How near it seemed, yet always so far away — though they felt sure it wasn’t moving.
Up the hill and down, around another bend in the road. Dark trees swayed, and the mysterious night sounds carried afar. A huge porcupine waddled out on the road just behind them and blinked his small eyes. But oh, that light in the distance — the darker the night grew, the brighter the light shone out! At last they could see it was truly a window, and they kept running for ‘that light for dear life.
Boys and girls, the whole world lies in darkness. It is spiritual darkness. Men, women and children are hastening on, many of them blind to their eternal fate. Destiny, eternity — oh eternity where? It is either heaven or hell.
The Lord Jesus came into this world and He is the light of life. “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” Matt. 4:1616The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. (Matthew 4:16). But the world did not want the light and they cast Him out. They crucified Him. Now He speaks to us through His Word, for, “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130). How are you treating God’s Word, dear reader? Do you feel your need of light in this dark world, or are you afraid to have it shine upon you and show up your sinfulness? He says to His own, “Ye are the light of the world,” Matt. 5:14,14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:14) and again, “Let your light so shine before men.” Matt. 5:1616Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16).
If you are saved, do not be afraid to speak up for the Lord Jesus. If you are not saved, God’s. Word tells you that you are a sinner, a lost sinner — yet you can come to the Lord Jesus just as you are and be saved. Come with all your sins, for He knows them all, and has suffered all the punishment for all who believe, in His own body on the tree. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord bath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:66All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6). He will cleanse you from every sin in His own precious blood.
The girls were all out of breath when they knocked at the door of the cabin where the light was shining through the window. An old man opened the door and listened to their story. His wife came to see what it was all about too, and she was very sympathetic. “Why you poor little things, come right in.”
Her husband said, “I’ll ride the horse up that way and see if I can find some of the party. Their folks will be looking for them I know.” And so the girls entered the humble mountain home. About the first thing they took notice of was the dim little kerosene lamp on the table by the window, which had shone out like a beacon to them.
It was not long till the old gentleman met some of the party out looking for the girls — and soon the word was spread around that the lost ones were found. How they rejoiced at the good news!
And there is joy in heaven too, when a lost sinner is found.
Messages of God’s Love 5/19/1957