At an auction about a year ago in Washington, D.C., the police auctioned off about one hundred unclaimed bicycles.
“Ten dollars,” said an eleven-year-old boy as the bidding opened on the first bike. The bidding, hover, went much higher.
“Ten dollars,” the boy repeated hopefully each time another bike came up.
The auctioneer, Mr. Weschler, noticed that the boy’s hopes seemed to soar highest whenever a 10-speed was up. There was just one more 10-speed. The bidding mounted to $28.
“Sold to that boy over there for $30!” said Mr. Weschler. He took $20. from his own pocket, and asked the boy for his $10.
The boy turned it over—in single dollars and change—took his bike, and started to leave. But he went only a few feet, and stopped. Carefully parking his new possession, he went back and thanked Mr. Weschler over and over again.
In Luke 17 we read the story of how the Lord Jesus healed ten lepers but only one of them returned to fall at His feet and thank Him. The Lord said, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?”
Now God gave His only begotten Son in love to be the Saviour of sinners; and the Lord Jesus gave Himself upon the cross to die to put away sin, and to give eternal life to all who will believe. Are you like one of those nine lepers who went on their way forgetful of the One who had healed them? Or are you like the boy in our story who returned with a thankful heart. Surely the blessed Saviour, and the Father who sent Him, are worthy of all our praise.
ML-05/04/1980