Memory Verse: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36
Ranger was a good watch dog. Being rather large and strong, most people were a little afraid of him. But this was not so with a certain real estate man.
Ranger’s master had put his house up for sale. The real estate people were given careful instructions to call before bringing anyone out to see the place, because Ranger was guarding the place. They were to be sure to make an appointment. All of the real estate people did this. When they drove up, Ranger would bark a warning, but at his master’s command he would lie down and watch quietly until the people left.
But one day, one of the men from the real estate office, hoping for a quick sale, brought some interested people out to see the house even though no one was at home. He had not made an appointment — he was not following instructions.
As they drove up, Ranger warned them by barking. However, the man ignored him and reassured the customers that this big dog was just a “pussy cat.”
All went fine as they crossed the yard until they got near the house. It was there that Ranger growled and blocked their way, taking the man’s wrist into his rather large mouth and holding him fast, but without actually biting him.
Terrified, the other people backed away toward the car. Ranger let go of the man’s hand and quickly headed them off. He allowed them to go no farther than halfway between the house and the car. Ranger circled them, holding them captive for a long time.
About then, Ranger’s master came home, and finding three frightened people huddled together with Ranger circling them, he ordered the dog to retreat. Ranger slunk off to one side.
With great relief the three quickly headed to the car and left, not even bothering to look at the house. That real estate man never came out to show the property to anyone again. He learned a lesson.
Is there another kind of lesson for us in this story? Yes, there is! Just as it is important to pay attention to warnings and to listen to instructions in our everyday lives, it is even more important to pay attention to God’s warnings and to listen to His instructions.
God warns us that sin must be punished. He tells us of coming judgment in John 5:25-29. But He loves us and explains the way of salvation. Judgment is coming because of sin, but salvation is through the Lord Jesus Christ for any who will accept Him. Jesus died on Calvary’s cross and bore the punishment for sin.
Have you confessed to God that you are a sinner, that you have not always obeyed His instructions in His Word, the Bible? Why wait any longer? Do it now! The real estate man who was held at the wrist by Ranger had a good reason to be frightened. But if you are not saved, you are in a more frightening situation. You are being held fast by sin and Satan and facing God’s punishment, too.
Won’t you, child or grownup, listen to Jesus’ instruction now? He says, “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation [punishment]; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24. Hear, believe, and live!
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36.
ML-11/15/1987