A picinic! How we all enjoy a picnic! We started out quite happily to a park where the children could play in the river before eating. It was Janice’s ninth birthday too, so all the children were looking forward to a happy day.
After we had parked the car, the children all ran down to the water where an area had been roped off for the children, because it was so shallow.
We stood on the shore and watched while they splashed one another and jumped up and down in the water. After a while we went further up the bank to sit in the shade, for it was a very hot day.
Suddenly Mummie said, “Look, Jace is sinking!” and so she was, for her face was just going under the water. I started to run as fast as I could.
When I think of Janice sinking in the water it reminds me of our lost condion as sinners before God. “For all have sinned.” Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). And “the wages of sin is death.” 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). Jace had gone beyond the rope and in the deep water, was helpless to save herself. Others were around her but didn’t see her trouble, and so did not help her. So it is with us as sinners, we cannot do anything to save ourselves and no one else can save us but Jesus.
Janice needed someone to pick her up and she knew it. Do you know that you need a Saviour? Dear unsaved one, your condition is serious if you haven’t called on the Lord to save you, for your sins will carry you into the lake of fire for eternity.
I was fully clothed, but time was precious and into the water I ran with a few quick steps. Then over the rope to Janice who was reaching to me for help as she went down again. How, quickly I lifted her from the water and took her safely to the shore where she quickly recovered from her frightening experience.
Time is also precious for you who are still in your sins, for God says: “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2). Not tomorrow or next week but NOW. Do not delay—call on the Lord Jesus right now and you will find that He is standing ready to rescue you and cleanse you from all your sins by His own most precious blood.
How often we have thanked the Lord for preserving Janice from the water. Have you thanked Jesus for dying for you? It cost me just a few wet clothes to save Janice but it cost God His only begotten Son, who died on Calvary to save you and me. Now with a Father’s deep He calls you to come and be saved through trusting the Lord Jesus. Won’t you come right now?
ML 01/29/1956