Andrew and his teenage nephew John were enjoying a vacation on the beaches of Australia. This was another beautiful day to go swimming. The waves were gentle and the water was clear and warm. Andrew stood on the beach watching John swimming out to where the water was about five feet deep. Suddenly he saw the fin of a shark knifing through the water toward John! He called frantically to John to come in, but John did not hear him. Andrew made a running dive into the water in hopes of helping John, even though he knew it could easily mean death for both of them.
His powerful strokes soon brought him to within reach of John, but John had already been severely bitten on his left leg. The shark had disappeared temporarily and Andrew, holding tightly to John, swam for shallow water and shore. But the shark appeared again, and this time it went after John’s right foot.
Andrew pulled and struggled to free John, hoping to save his life. Finally, he was able to beat off the shark with his hands, but not before John’s right foot and ankle were also badly mangled. John had been conscious through it all, but after Andrew got him to shore he collapsed.
With the help of others who had gathered, hearing their cries, John was rushed to the nearest hospital. Although he was badly injured the surgeons were able to save both of his legs and feet. John was in the hospital for a long time, and he eventually recovered from his horrible experience.
If you have not accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you are in terrible danger! The danger that has a death hold on each of us is sin. Not only does the Bible tell us we are all sinners, it also gives the verdict— “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23). If you die in your sins you will face never ending punishment. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27).
The Lord Jesus saw us trapped in our sins, and He came from heaven to rescue us. He did not only risk His life, He gave up His life for us! “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
John could do nothing to save himself from that shark. Andrew was the only person near enough to save him. Andrew was John’s saviour in this situation. You and I have been bitten by sin. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves —we are helpless. But sin’s deadly bite need not be fatal if you will ask the Lord Jesus to save you. He loves you and will gladly be your Saviour, washing away all trace of sin and taking you safely to heaven. “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” John 10:2828And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28).
ML-06/17/1984