ANNA was the daughter of kind fisher folks, who lived by the sea shore. One bright day she took a long walk along the beach, wandering far from her little village, until she was all tired out, and had to sit down and rest. While thus resting, she fell asleep. When she awoke, she thought it was time to return home, so hurried away, but instead of going towards home, she made the mistake of walking in the opposite direction, getting farther and farther away from her home, instead of, as she thought, nearer to it.
After walking a long time, she was so weary and tired, she had to stop and rest, and finding a sheltered nook among the rocks, she sat down, weeping and sad, for evening was drawing near, the sun was setting, and she was all alone, far from home. Now she realized that she was lost, and deeply regretted that she had gone so far alone. Finally sleep overtook her again, this time she slept sound through the whole night. Fortunately, the night was not cold, nor the sea rough.
How easy the wind and weather, or the tide might have been fatal to her; then she would have passed from sleep into death, from which also there is an awakening, but where and how?
In Luke 16 we read of the rich man who, after he had died, awoke in torment. But the poor thief, of whom we read in Luke 23, who died with the Lord Jesus at Golgotha, awoke in Paradise! What an awakening for both! After this awakening in eternity there is no more change possible. How solemn this is, dear children.
A kind gentleman, who had started to walk along the beach at day break, happened to pass that lonely spot where Anna was sleeping, and he gently woke her up. After inquiring where she had come from, he showed her the way home, and even went with her a large part of the way, comforting the poor girl, who was now much concerned about her dear, grieved parents at home, who had not thought of seeking her so far away. How happy they were when Anna finally reached home; then told them all about it!
See, dear children, Anna was lost, and had to be found; she was asleep, and had to be awakened, and she was brought on her way home: Three things.
Now you will be surprised when I say, that these three things must take place with you, if you enter that true, blessed, eternal home up in heaven. The Bible tells us that,
Therefore, dear children, let the Saviour, that Good Shepherd find, awaken, and lead you on the blessed way to the glory on high.
“I was lost, but Jesus found me,
Found the sheep that went astray;
Threw His loving arms around me,
Drew me back into His way.”
ML 07/31/1927