IN southeastern California there is a low, desolate, desert region noted for its terrific heat, named Death Valley. This name was given to this section by the survivors of a group of “forty-niners” who went to California in 1849 searching for gold. The group of gold seekers wandered into the valley and named it “Death Valley” in grim memory of their terrible sufferings from thirst, hunger, and intense heat. Out of the group of thirty, only twelve survived.
Death Valley is over 130 miles long and 20 miles wide and is the lowest point in the United States. The highest point, Mount Whitney, is less than one hundred miles away. At the extreme northwest end of the valley stands “Last Chance Canyon.”
What a picture this desolate valley is of this world in which we live! All around us, on every hand, we see sorrow, trouble and death—all the results of sin. If we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we can say with the psalmist, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” Psa. 23:44Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4).
The poor men who perished in Death Valley so many years ago were searching for gold but found death instead. So, dear boy or girl, if you are searching for riches and happiness in this poor world, you will never find them, for true riches, happiness and joy, are found alone in Christ.
“Oh yes, O yes, there’s something more,
Something more than gold;
To know your sins are all forgiven,
Is better far than gold.”
Just as Mount Whitney, the highest point in the United States, is not far from Death Valley, so the path to glory through the Lord Jesus Christ is near for He has said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6).
The name “Last Chance Canyon” reminds us that this might be your very last opportunity to accept the Lord Jesus, so trust Him NOW. Tomorrow may be too late.
ML-01/23/1966