MUNGO was a faithful servant in the West Indies. His master's estate bordered on a large bay, which was a natural harbor for ships. It was a beautiful bay, but swimming there was extremely dangerous. There were sharks!
One big shark in particular was a constant menace. From his hiding place behind a large rock he would suddenly emerge to terrorize the bay. The sailors named him "Blue Peter."
Blue Peter was "Public Enemy Number One," and the governor of the island offered a large reward to anyone who should kill him. If a slave killed him, he was to be set free forever with his wife and children.
One day the son of Mungo's master resolved to go swimming. In vain his elder brother tried to prevent him. Plunging into the surf he swam some distance out.
But suddenly he turned and made for the shore. His brother was horrified to see Blue Peter dart from his hideout and glide swiftly towards his prey. The boy gave a loud cry. Mungo, who was nearby, heard it, and seeing the boy's danger, jumped in to help him.
Mungo arrived at the scene just as the shark closed his terrible jaws upon the boy's arm, snapping it off above the elbow. The heroic Mungo swam with the wounded boy, and had almost reached the land, when Blue Peter struck again. This time he seized Mungo by the leg and bit it off.
Nothing could exceed the horror of those who watched from the shore. Happily, however, there was help at hand, so that Mungo and the boy were saved from death by the monster.
The boy recovered. Eventually brave Mungo too got well; but he had to stump about with a wooden leg.
Blue Peter continued his reign of terror. But Mungo had not forgotten his old enemy and resolved to end one day his murderous career forever.
He went to work, and when he had completed his plans for vengeance, he announced that he was going to kill Blue Peter. The news soon spread and when the set time arrived the shore was crowded with people.
Mungo came with a large coil of rope and a cutlass (a short thick sword used by sailors). A friend rolled a big barrel to the bay. The barrel was lined with big nails and iron hooks which Mungo had baited with large chunks of beef. When the barrel was securely tied to the boat, Mungo stepped in, armed with his cutlass. He then declared that he "was going to give Massa Blue Peter a bit of breakfast."
For a long time Mungo rowed around the rock without sighting the enemy. Then suddenly Blue Peter darted out — but only to dash his head into the barrel.
Seizing his cutlass Mungo jumped into the water and the fight began. Mungo attacked the big shark which in trying to get out of the trap was caught by the hooks. A desperate combat followed. The blue waters were lashed into red foam as Mungo battled away . . . until he had slain Blue Peter!
Then taking up his oars, he rowed to the shore towing his dead trophy behind, amid the shouts and cheers of the crowds.
Brave Mungo's two heroic encounters with Blue Peter strikingly remind us of the two greatest events in this world's history — the two appearings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He first came in grace
Mungo went to save his master's boy. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15). Mungo lost his leg. The Lord Jesus gave up His life. He died to save others, but
Himself He could not save,
He on the cross must die
Or mercy cannot come
To ruined sinners nigh.
Yes, Christ the Son of God must bleed
That sinners might from sin be freed.
It would be unthinkable that the boy in the water would refuse Mungo's aid. Indeed he cried for help. And yet how many there are who refuse to trust Jesus, the only Saviour and the sinners' Friend! Have you trusted Him? He is your only hope. Without Him you will surely sink down to hell and perish forever.
He will come again in judgment
Mungo's last trip was to slay his great enemy. The Lord Jesus is coming to judge the world that put Him to death, and it will be the end of Satan's power. Those who refuse Him now in grace will be counted as His enemies in that day. Believe on Him now, dear reader, and you will be eternally safe.
Memory Verse
Messages of the Love of God 5/25/1975