Bob and I used to have a lot of fun on the way to and from school. Our way was through a country lane about a mile long, with not a house to be seen, and very seldom a policeman. We used to run through the woods, climb the trees, and pick the flowers along the way, and generally enjoy ourselves a great deal.
One day, just as we started out as usual, we noticed a big new sign which read “No Trespassing.” This meant that we must keep to the road, and would not be allowed. ‘to climb the trees or pick the flowers. No sooner had we seen and read that sign, than we seemed to want to disobey it! On our way borne from school, we threw a few stones at that signboard, but still it stood firm. Each day we threw more stones, and even mud, until finally we could hardly read the words at all. We were like hundreds of others who dislike the warnings of the Word of God, and who do their very best to keep away from anyone who might remind them of God’s Word.
One morning we saw that the farmer who owned the fields had set up a new board with the same big black letters, “No Trespassing.” This time we climbed over the hedge, rooted it up, post and ail, and then ran away as fast as we could. But we were followed! Yes, the farmer had been watching, and he quickly gave chase. In fact he went right to the principal of our school, and saw that we were punished for our deeds.
We should have had sense enough to know that we could not get rid of the law by pulling up the sign. Now, we do not wish you, boys and girls, to find yourself standing before God’s judgment throne to have to answer for the awful sin of making light of, and insulting His Holy Word.
We ran for a mile, but we were finally found out and punished. Some people go on for fifty years and more. running away from God whom they have wronged. But in the end, they will be punished for their sins.
The difference is this: The God against whom you have sinned, loves you and is waiting to forgive you through the blood of His own dear Son if only you will turn and own your sin to Him.
ML 09/03/1950