Teddy was a big black Newfoundland dog. His home was in the rugged mountains and dense forest of Washington state. He had a kind master who often took him on hikes up into the mountains, and this Teddy enjoyed immensely.
On one such hike, Teddy became impatient with the pace his master was traveling, and decided to run on ahead and do some exploring on his own. He was having a great time sniffing the various scents and picking up the different sounds of the woodlands, unaware that his life was in great danger.
For hours two men had been driving their pickup truck back and forth along the winding dirt logging roads that threaded the forest. In the cab were two high-powered rifles, and as they rode along the men scanned the brush intently hoping to get a shot at a bear.
It so happened they drove past the very spot where Teddy was doing some exploring. Suddenly one of the men spotted a patch of black fur moving in and out among the brush.
“A bear!” he exclaimed. The truck jerked to an abrupt halt, and the two men jumped out with their rifles ready.
Because of his great size and shaggy black fur, people who met Teddy in the forest at first glance often mistook him for a bear. But this was the first time that he had met up with any hunters. He continued to amble through the forest, unaware that the hunters were silently stalking him, waiting for a chance to shoot.
About this time Teddy’s master became concerned about him, having heard the truck stop in the same area where the dog had disappeared. He gave a loud call, “Teddy!” Teddy pricked up his ears. For a moment he hesitated. He knew his master was calling him, but he was having such a fun time out there alone that he hated to leave.
However, Teddy loved his master and had been taught to obey; so turning around he ran back to him with the hunters still after him. When the hunters rounded the bend in the trail, they saw their “bear” go bounding into the arms of his master. They realized then that Teddy was a pet dog, and not a bear at all. The men set down their guns sheepishly but thankfully, apologizing to Teddy’s owner for attempting to shoot him.
In this world there are many dangers and pitfalls. The only place of safety is in keeping close to the Lord Jesus. Those who wander away from Him are an easy target for the enemy. Teddy’s master called him to come back, and his obedience meant the saving of his life.
Now the Lord Jesus is calling wanderers to Himself. How important then to listen to His voice and to come when He calls! May He not have to say of you, dear reader, “I have called, and ye refused.” (Prov. 1:2424Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; (Proverbs 1:24))
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
There’s mercy with the Lord,
And He will surely give you rest,
By trusting in His word.
For Jesus shed His precious blood
Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
That washes white as snow.
Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way,
That leads you into rest;
Believe in Him without delay,
And you are fully blest.
ML-05/14/1978