A Christian, by the name of Ralph, was a railroad car inspector. He liked to pass out gospel tracts around the railroad yard. One day after completing the brake inspection for a large train, he climbed up into the locomotive and spoke to the engineer. The engineer was a healthy, middle-aged man whom he had known for many years. After they exchanged a few words of friendly greeting, Ralph handed him a couple of tracts.
“You give me some of these little papers every time you see me, don’t you?” The engineer smiled as he placed the tracts in the pocket of his shirt. The whistle blew and Ralph swung out of the cab.
The train, heading for Richmond, made good time. The engineer, who had many years’ experience, haled it skillfully, slowing up at the proper time as they neared curves and opening up the throttle on long, straight stretches. They had gone about 50 miles when the fireman began to notice that the train was not slowing down at the proper time. It was nearing the dangerous Lanexa curves where it should be going much slower, but the train was not slowing down.
“You are going too fast, aren’t you, sir?” The fireman had walked over and was shouting at the engineer.
There was no answer. The engineer was sitting up in a driving position with his head bent forward, apparently watching the track. He must be asleep!
“Wake up!” the fireman shouted again. “You’re running too fast!”
Still there was no response. The fireman grasped the engineer’s shoulder and shook him. The engineer slumped and then fell to the floor in a heap.
The fireman stopped the train and called on some other members of the train crew for help. They couldn’t find any sign of life in the body of the stricken engineer. They proceeded slowly until they reached the next small station.
A doctor was called and the engineer was pronounced dead. His heart had suddenly stopped beating. As far as we know, he had gone to a lost eternity with those tracts in his pocket still not read.
There are many today who have delayed accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Satan keeps telling them that there is plenty of time, or that salvation is not for them. Yet God has said, “All have sinned,” (Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)) and “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:11Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1). The engineer of the train in this story probably had many thoughts and ideas of what he was going to do the next day, week or year. Yet in one quick moment his life was taken. Do not delay. Accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour right now.
ML-07/27/1980