In May, 1889 a terrible flood, known as the “Johnstown Flood,” swept across much of Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. Although many lost their lives, many acts of heroism were performed by brave men and women in rescuing victims of the flood.
Alice, a girl ten years old, had been trapped with her baby brother when the flood waters reached their house. It was lifted from the foundation and carried downstream. Alice knew that the Lord would take care of her, and kneeling down she prayed to Him to save her and little Robert from the flood.
A group of people had gathered on high ground above the flooded river. They were horrified at the destruction caused by the swirling waters. As the house with Alice and her brother inside floated by, they heard her calls for help. Seventeen-year-old Charles Hepenthal decided to try to help Alice. Those with him tried to discourage him saying it would be impossible to survive in the surging waters.
However, Charles went right ahead, jumped into the river and swam toward the house. Reaching it he was able to tie the baby onto his back and swam back toward higher ground. With shouts of encouragement from those on shore, he reached the higher ground. As they helped him up he cried, “Wait! There is still another in the house! I must save her, too!” Grasping a plank to use as a support, he plunged again into the waters; but his struggle this time was harder because the water was even higher and the current more swift.
As he fought his way toward the house, Alice saw him and prayed for help for him. When he finally reached the house he took her, and using the plank as support they slowly made it back to higher ground. Both had been saved from a certain death!
This story reminds us of a greater deliverance—the death of the Lord Jesus who saves all those who trust Him by faith in His precious blood. We were helpless, lost in sin and without hope until He came to seek and save us, and to “give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28.
Have you called to the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, or are you still drifting with the current of this world and going on to judgment? The Saviour has said, “Come unto Me.” Do not put Him off another moment. If you do, He may turn away and never call again; then your last hope of being saved will be gone forever.
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3.
Jesus said, “He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.
ML-05/11/1980