Memory Verse: “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9
Tippy was the pet of a farm family who lived in Iowa. He was a friendly dog that loved children and his master, Wayne. He often went into the fields with Wayne or rode with him in the pickup truck. Tippy was a very good “mouser” and liked to catch mice and rats around the farm.
One day Wayne drove over to a friend’s house to help with corn shelling. As usual, Tippy rode along in the back of the truck. As the corn was moved from the corn bin to be shelled, Tippy kept busy catching the rats that lived in the bin. The farmers were happy to have Tippy around, since the rats were eating the corn. They all agreed that Tippy was a good and helpful dog.
There are many boys and girls who are both “good” and “helpful.” They do many good things for their parents and friends. But if they think that those good things will help them get to heaven, they are wrong! The Bible, God’s Word, says in Isaiah 64:6 that “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Also, in Ephesians 2:8 and 9 we read, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Do not let anyone confuse you by saying that all you have to do is be good and believe in God. God’s Word is true.
It was late afternoon when the job was finally finished. Hot, tired and dirty, Wayne and Tippy headed home. Tippy jumped into the back of the truck as usual. He was tired, and the sun was still hot.
Sometime on the trip home Tippy must have gotten too hot riding in the back of the truck. Maybe he saw how cool and shady the corn fields looked. Wayne did not notice that Tippy had jumped out of the truck. But Tippy had decided to go home another way.
God’s way of salvation is the only way any of us can be saved. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6. Some of us might have other ideas of how to be saved, but always go by what God says: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.” Isaiah 55:8.
Wayne had driven the truck seral miles before he noticed that Tippy was missing. Wayne turned the truck around and went back along the same roads he had come. He stopped frequently along the way and called, “Here, Tippy! Come, Tippy, come!” But there was no answering bark, and Tippy did not come. Wayne drove all the way back to where they had been working, but there was no sign of Tippy.
It was not until later that night that Tippy finally got home. Even then it was not without help. A neighbor found Tippy wandering along the road and recognized him. It took several phone calls and more driving, but finally Tippy was back home again.
Wayne had been calling Tippy for a long time. How long has the Lord Jesus been calling you? He says in the Bible, “Come unto Me.” Matthew 11:28. Have you answered the Saviour’s call or are you still wandering along the wide road that leads to death? (See Matthew 7:13,14.) Why not answer His invitation to “Come,” and bring joy to the heart of the loving Saviour. “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7. Admit that you are a helpless sinner on your way to hell, and believe that it is only the Son of God, the Lord Jesus, who can save you. By believing Him and what He did on the cross, you can be sure that your sins are washed away in His blood. Accept Him now as your Saviour.
“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.
ML-05/16/1982