Alexander Brown was a mischievous little six-year-old boy whose adventures really got him into trouble. But Alexander found out one thing for sure—God still answers prayer.
Several times Grandmother had warned Alexander not to go into the river nearby. But one day he did, and he almost drowned.
As Grandmother tells it, “He had gone to mail a letter for me and then wandered down to the river. Soon after some of his little pals came banging on my door shouting that he had fallen into the river. I rushed down, but I could not see him. I thought he must be dead; the water was so high and the current was really strong.”
Alexander had decided to paddle his little raft across the river. He thought that if he stayed close to the wooden footbridge that crossed the river he would be safe. He told himself that he could hang onto it if he ran into trouble.
He was halfway across the river when a flash flood swept him away. A wall of water, caused by a heavy rain farther up the river, turned Alexander’s “play river” into a raging torrent.
Alexander was not a very good swimmer. Even if he were, the current was too strong to swim against. He found himself tossed like a piece of driftwood in the swirling current. Using his doggie-paddle stroke, he fought to keep his head above water.
Alexander was in trouble! But how many children today are in trouble much the same. They find themselves caught in the flash flood called “sin,” being swept down-river toward death! Remember, the Bible says, “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). God says we have all been caught by sin for “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23).
For a while Alexander was able to keep his head above water. Then, “I just went down,” he explained later. “I was frightened and shouted for Mummy to help me.” But Mummy could not help him—she was miles away.
“Then I shouted for God to help me,” he said. “All at once there was a branch hanging down in the water. I grabbed it and pulled myself out.”
Soon he was safe on the river bank. God answered a six-year-old boy’s prayer! And He saved him from certain death in the flash flood. But what about those boys and girls who are still caught in the river of their sins? Will God hear them shout for help? And will He supply a branch to pull them safely out of sin? Oh yes, He certainly will!
Jesus is called “The Branch” in several places in the Bible (Isa. 4:22In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. (Isaiah 4:2), Jer. 23:55Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. (Jeremiah 23:5), Zech. 3:88Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. (Zechariah 3:8)). He is the One who will pull you safely out of your sins. “Christ died for our sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:33For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (1 Corinthians 15:3). “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:1313For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13). Just ask the Lord Jesus to save you, and you will find that you are safe—just like Alexander found himself safe on the river bank.
ML-11/13/1983