Once when on a trip in the West Indies we hired a buggy driven by two horses, for there were no cars on the island. It was thirty miles to town, several rivers had to be crossed, and there were no bridges.
In the Camp Moran River the water was running with great force. How were we to get across? Our driver knew where the shallow place in the river was, and at this point he boldly drove in. Further and further in we went, and deeper and deeper the stream. Soon the water was up over the wheels, and we had to put our feet up on the seats to keep from getting wet. Before long the horses were swimming. Even the driver began to get frightened.
“De River, him am flowing too strong!” he exclaimed.
At last, however, the river got shallower, the horses’ feet touched bottom again, and we were out of danger.
When we got to town, at the first gospel meeting I used this incident to impress on the audience that there is a great river, so to speak, between them and God, a river which is impossible for any sinner to get across by himself. And what we need is a good strong bridge, on which we can pass from death unto life, from our sins and lost condition to safety and eternal happiness. Thank God, such a bridge has been built!
The Saviour’s work of redemption is the bridge. We have not to help to build it, not make any contribution to the work. The work is finished! The bridge is built. All we have to do is cross it now by faith. We cross it when we come in repentance and faith to the Saviour, and put our trust in Him and in the power of His blood to cleanse us from all sin.
Have you crossed this river yet, dear reader? I mean, have you come to Jesus and confessed yourself as a sinner, and believed in Him for salvation? The word of God tells us, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31).)
ML-10/22/1978