Our picture today is of a huge locomotive which has been built at great cost, to carry people from place to place. I think we can learn quite a few things from it about God’s great salvation, which has been provided at a far greater cost, to carry sinners from earth to heaven. The cost to God was the giving up of His beloved Son to die upon Calvary’s cross, bearing the judgment there, which we deserved. Oh what a great salvation God has provided!
This locomotive is controlled by a skillful pair of hands, and so the Lord Jesus’ mighty hands are able to guide us safely through this life to our eternal home above. Tracks too have been laid, over which the train runs safely through mountains and valleys, over land and rivers, and so the Word of God is to be the believer’s guide throughout all life’s journey.
Power is also needed, and so as the fuel burns it heats the water, making steam to drive the mighty locomotive. Therefore as we read the Word of God, our hearts are warmed by the love of Christ, and the Spirit of God, who indwells all believers, is the power for our pathway day by day. The oil, too, keeps everything running smoothly, and so it is only as we are enjoying the love of Christ in our souls, and showing His love to others, that things go on smoothly and happily, even when crossing “mountains” of trouble.
The great headlight of the locomotive lights up the tracks in the darkness, and there are many signals and colored lights to warn of danger too, just as the Word of God gives light for our pathway, as well as warning us of many dangers by the way.
If the locomotive should need repairs, the company has set up a repair shop, and so when we fail as believers “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:11My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1). If we come to Him, confessing our sin and failure, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1: 9, so that we may go on faithfully for Him again.
Oh, what abundant provision has been made for us in all our need, and it is all free! You would have to pay to ride on the railroad, but you can come to the Lord Jesus and put your trust in Him today, and He will give you eternal life and a home in heaven. He will undertake to bring you safely there too, and He has never yet lost one who has trusted in Him, and He never will, for all such are
ML 05/03/1953