Years ago Germany had laid claim to part of the coast of Africa and by harsh treatment of the natives, they soon won their hatred. With rebellion threatening, the Germans began to employ spies to watch for trouble spots and report back to them. The natives retaliated by promptly executing any spies they discovered.
One such spy, having been taken prisoner, was condemned to die on the next day. He was taken to a small hut and a guard placed over him to await his execution. His rough jail was about a half mile from the water’s edge.
We will let a sailor, a witness of the event, tell the rest of the story: “Early in the morning on which the man was to be executed, we dropped anchor close inshore for the purpose of purchasing from the natives anything which might be of interest. A boat was lowered and, with an officer in charge, ordered to pull for the shore. We knew nothing of the captured man.
“Just imagine the feelings of that poor, wretched man awaiting death! He could see the British ship drop anchor, the boat manned and armed, and the British flag waving in the breeze. He also knew that if he could only gain the shelter of that flag, all would be well.
“He determined to make the attempt and either succeed or die. Bracing every nerve for the struggle, he drew himself up and threw himself at the door. Not being very strong, it fell with a crash. Dashing through the hordes assembling to witness his execution, he gained several yards before they recovered from their surprise sufficiently to give chase. Then, with a wild yell, they sprang after him. Hope filled his heart and sped him on his way, while shots from pursuers whistled past him.
“Meanwhile, the officer in the boat had taken in the situation at a glance, and, ordering his men to pull with all their might, in three minutes the bow of the boat grounded on the beach. In another second the crew stood ready to defend the panting fugitive. With a leap he cleared the gunwale and, reaching the stern, fell exhausted.
“I shall never forget the joy of that man as he realized his wonderful deliverance from the fearful death that a few moments before had awaited him.”
“Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life” (Job 2:44And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. (Job 2:4)). But what is this life for which man is willing to stake the eternal welfare of his soul? “He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not” (Job 14:22He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. (Job 14:2)).
Have you ever seriously considered this? You may have read with interest the escape of the spy, but have you ever thought how much his case resembles your own? Yet how much less had he at stake than you have, if you are still unsaved! He was condemned to die; so are you, for it is written, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Heb. 9:27-2827And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:27‑28)).
Like a flash of lightning the poor prisoner sprang from the hut, all his strength, energy and power, every nerve and muscle, strained to the utmost in the last and victorious race for life, and all for the life that “fleeth...as a shadow”-and is gone. And will you not flee from the wrath to come for your immortal soul’s sake?
Decide now for Christ, and you will be saved. It is written: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)).