A missionary who spent many years in South America once told us the story of a young Indian who lost his life in the discharge of a duty entrusted to him. Many years before, his people had been conquered by the white man, and now in return for certain previleges, the Indians were required to render a yearly gift to the government. The money was collected by each tribe and an able, trusorthy tribesman, usually a young chief, was chosen to carry it to the capital of the land. As a badge of his authority, he also carried with him a silver wand.
Having been commended by the chiefs of his people, the young Indian of our story started out on foot one morning with the precious bag containing the treasure. It was a long, hazardous journey, as through the dense jungle, abounding with wild animals, across wide stretches of grassy, snake-infested prairie, he made his way. Sometimes he had to wade waist-deep or swim the waters of a river that crossed his path; yet he pressed on. It was in crossing a river, swollen with recent rains, that he lost his footing and was carried away by the swiftly moving current. Still he clung to his change. Helpless in the grip of the swirng waters, and bumped against the rocks, he lost consciousness. Finally his battered, lifeless body was found far downstream cast upon the bank, his fingers closed in a vise-like grip around the bag of gold—in death he was still holding the treasure.
This story, dear young friends, reminds us of that treasure above all treasures that God has entrusted to us—His own blessed Word, the Bible. He holds us responsible for it, too, for He tells us in Rev. 3:1111Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Revelation 3:11) to “hold that fast which thou hast,” and again, “we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Heb. 2:11Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (Hebrews 2:1).
The enemy of our souls will surely come and seek to snatch away the good seed, which the Spirit of God has sown in our hearts. At school they will often teach you that the Bible is not for our day, if not pure fiction, and in the world you will meet many who will ridicule your faith in its sacred truths. Except you know its Author as your own Saviour, and you cling to that Word, your faith will be undeined and perhaps entirely overthrown.
Perhaps some of you have sung the old hymn, “Cling to the Bible, my boy!”
Another year has passed. We have finished our term and already begun another. May the Lord richly bless those who have answered the Bible Questions over the past-months, and all those who keep His Word and love His name. Soon He will come and take us to be with Himself in that bright home above. May each of us be found in that day going on for Him—still holding the treasure.
ML 06/06/1954