Malipini, an African lad, had been absent from school several days. No one actually knew why, but it was supposed that while fishing a crocodile had pulled him under the water.
What a sad thing! But every now and again children, and older folks too, are eaten by these sly, dangerous reptiles. And this is how it usually happens. The stream is calm and quiet. The crocodile lies motionless under the water. Suddenly he swishes his tail and splashes water on to his unsuspecting victim. Instead of hurrying to get away, the person turns around to see how he got wet. The reptile takes advantage of the delay, rushes up, catches him by the leg and quickly drags him under the stream to his food cupboard. The crocodile holds on with such a strong grip that seldom does a person escape from him.
That’s probably how Malipini was taken. He was no match for the crocodile. However, had he been watchful and on the lookout, he might have gotten away unharmed.
Does not the cunning, crafty crocodile make you think of the devil and his wiles? Are you on the lookout so that he doesn’t take you? He is a crafty, powerful enemy, and he seeks only to destroy you and your soul. There is but one that is stronger than he, and that is Jesus, the Son of God.
In Ephesians 6:1111Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) we are told to “put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” But we must know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour first before we can do this.
The happy side of this story is that we believe Malipini had already trusted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and for him sudden death meant sudden glory. But how about you who read this paper? Are you trusting in the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour? He loves you just as He loved Malipini and wants to save you too. “Now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2).
By storing up the Word of God in our hearts and looking to the Lord Jesus for help, we are able to resist “that old serpent, which is the Devil” (Rev. 20: 2). A verse of Scripture is the very best weapon.
ML 01/25/1959