TWO girls, both aged eleven, were playing beside a river, and climbed upon a barge. While romping on the boat, one of them, Nellie by name, slipped over the side into the river.
Her companion, Florrie, did not lose her presence of mind, but, reaching out her hand, bravely tried to pull her little friend back into the boat, and screamed for help. There was no one near to render any assistance, and when at last her strength began to fail, the drowning girl called out,
“Let go of my hand, 'cause you'll be falling in too." Florrie had to let go, and poor little Nellie fell back into the water, and was drowned.
Who is there but admires the heroism thus found in a child of such tender years, and the noble spirit of unselfishness that prompted her to give up her own life rather than endanger that of her friend?
But admirable as this was, there is One whose sacrifice of love has far exceeded it. The Lord Jesus willingly went into death in order that He might have His loved ones with Him forever. He Himself said,
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Has your heart ever been moved by the marvelous love that prompted Him to leave the home of glory and go into death, even the death of the cross? Think of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich.
Moreover, Jesus is able to save. Poor Florrie, though terribly anxious to save Nellie from drowning, had not the strength to do so. She was willing but not able. Jesus is both WILLING and ABLE to save everyone who will trust in HIM. Open your heart, and let that love which led Him to give Himself for you, win your confidence.
Come to Him, and He will save you NOW.
Messages of God’s Love 4/7/1929