IN Kansas City years ago, an old horse and an old donkey were kept together in a stable. They became well acquainted, and got to be quite fond of each other.
One day they were both turned into a field near the stable to feed on the grass. In the middle of this field was a large pond, which was sometimes filled with water, but at other times with deep mud. One day in trying to cross the pond, the old horse sank down into the mud, and stuck so fast that he could not get out.
As soon as the donkey saw the trouble his friend was in, he started off for the stable. Putting his head in the office door, he brayed as loudly as he could. Then he started to run back to the pond, waving his tail in the air. Looking around he saw that no one was following him, so returning to the office, he put his head in the door and brayed again, longer and louder than before. Again he started for the pond, and again he stopped and looked back to see if anybody was coming. The stable-keeper had been watching him, and feeling sure that there was something wrong, he told one of his boys to see what was the matter. The boy followed the donkey to the pond, and there he saw the trouble the poor old horse was in. He returned at once and reported the danger and, immediately three men were sent to the rescue. Soon the horse was delivered from his predicament.
Perhaps at times we too are anxious to see our friends out of trouble, but are we anxious to see them delivered from the worst predicament of all — from the terrible mire of sin? We are all sinners; and only Jesus can deliver from the power of sin. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23). He came into this world and died on the cross to put away the sins of all those who would have Him.
The old horse would have perished had he refused the help that was sent to him and tried to save himself. And all those who refuse to let Jesus the Son of God be their Saviour, who try to save themselves, will perish one day under the just judgment of God.
ML-12/20/1970