MANY YEARS AGO an English warship while cruising in southern waters spied another vessel which the captain suspected to be a slaver. The man-o-war gave chase and as they drew closer, sure enough they saw the other ship was loaded with slaves. The captain and crew determined to set free their poor black brethren destined to be sold into slavery.
Soon the British ship was alongside, and the English tars were boarding the slaver. One by one the poor slaves were set free and transferred to the man-o-war. How they rejoiced in their new freedom, and how grateful they were to their liberators.
In the hasty transfer, amid the rough seas, one poor African boy fell overboard. As he struggled in the waves, another foe appeared. Great sharks that had followed the slave ship closed around him. Seeing his terror, a brave British sailor grasped his knife and leaped overboard. His brother tars looked on with dismay, and cried: “The sharks! He can’t live!”
But see! He fights the sharks with his knife, and they retreat as he holds the boy up with his strong arm. Soon both the boy and his brave rescuer are hauled aboard on a rope ladder and are safe. How they cheered their gallant comrade.
Alas for the boy for whom the sailor risked his life. A shark had so injured him that his frail life quickly ebbed away, and he died the next day.
Now reader, think of the love of Jesus for those whose guilt He bore — not only slaves, but His enemies (Rom. 5:1010For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)). What waves and billows rolled over that blessed Son of God in that awful strife at Calvary. What bitter anguish filled His sinless soul.
“His life, His blood, He meekly, freely gave, sinners like you and me from wrath and hell to save.” Unsaved friend, confess your sins, believe on Jesus the Lamb of God and know the full atoning virtues of His death. Then proclaim His praise abroad — a sinner saved by grace a brand plucked from the fire.
ML-09/07/1969