Although there was two feet of snow on the ground when David walked the two miles to his friend Richard’s house, it was not snowing now. In fact, the air was really quite warm for a day in December.
It was cozy and warm in Richard’s home, and the two boys had lots of fun playing games. Richard’s mother made popcorn—the really “special” corn that they had planted in their very own garden plot. How good it tasted with plenty of home-churned, melted butter poured over it! It is no wonder that David decided to play another game instead of hurrying home. But at last he was bundled up to go and stepped out the door into—a big surprise! Everything was covered with another thick blanket of snow. He realized that his mother would be worried since it was late. But trying to hurry in the deep, soft snow was impossible.
“The school bus will never make it through tomorrow morning, either,” he thought as he trudged along in the snow. Then David became aware of the quiet beauty around him. There was plenty of light from the glistening whiteness of the snow and not a breath of wind. How lovely the trees and bushes looked! Like dainty white feathers, the large snowflakes softly floated down. He lost his worry about getting home quickly. Suddenly David stopped to listen. Why did he listen? He hardly knew, but a quietness he could feel crept over him. A certain warm glow filled him, and he knew he would be safe. “I am all alone, but somehow I don’t feel alone,” he thought. As he started home again David knew he would always remember those moments in the lovely, pure, fresh snow. He would remember them as a precious little secret between himself and God.
What was it that ten-year-old David had enjoyed that evening? Perhaps it was a wordless sermon from the “gospel according to creation.” It is the only “gospel” that many people in far-off places have ever heard—“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” Psalms 19:1-31<<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork. 2Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. 3There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (Psalm 19:1‑3). God expects men to see and hear the message given—that God is great and powerful and good. He expects love and glory to be given in return to Him.
But David did not live in one of those “far-off places” that has not heard about the Lord Jesus Christ. He had a Bible and knew that he was a sinner. His Sunday school teacher had spoken to him about the Lord Jesus. But David was not saved, because he had never taken the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. He knew that his own heart was not clean, so unlike the white snow around him. There was no real peace in his heart.
It was not until many years later that the hand which seemed to hold David that night drew him into the full light—“the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:66For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6). He learned from God’s very own book, the Bible, that he could have complete and everlasting peace. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:11Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1). David listened again. Jesus Christ was the One who spoke, and the worlds were formed. Now Jesus Christ is grown-up David’s special, loving Friend. All who put their faith in Him cannot be more safe and secure. When David really understood that his very Creator came to earth and “was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities” (Isa. 53:55But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)), how could he refuse such love? Rest yourself in those strong, nail-pierced hands. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:1818Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18).
ML-11/15/1981