On deck of a small steamer a policeman took his seat beside a little boy. The little fellow eyed the officer in uniform from head to foot, and then put the question, “Are you a policeman”?
“Certainly,” replied the officer of the law, with a pleasant smile. “And why are you a policeman?” was the next question.
Somewhat embarrassed, the officer reached in his pocket and produced a key with a pair of handcuffs. He then explained to the child how they might be used on “bad boys” when they are taken to jail.
“Oh, but you wouldn’t take me, would you?” the little boy asked in all seriousness.
“Oh no, my dear boy, I wouldn’t take you; but who do you belong to?” the policeman asked kindly.
“I belong to the Lord Jesus,” said the little fellow sincerely, and confidently.
The reality of these words struck the officer’s conscience. Feeling their seriousness, he became confused, and with a flushed face quickly left his seat.
Could each of us likewise confess with our heart that “We belong to Jesus?”
ML 09/01/1968