One Sunday morning in Africa two Christian natives set out to visit a village some miles away. The narrow trail led across a wide plain through tall grass on either side, and as they walked along they had a strange sense that they were being followed. What was their fright when, looking around, they saw a lion stalking them.
Terrified, they stood motionless! The lion stopped too. They could not run away, nor were there any trees to climb, so these dear children of God prayed that He would protect them as He had long ago shut the lions’ mouths for Daniel, His servant, in the lions’ den.
Thus encouraged, the two men turned around and quietly started on their way again. Then, looking back, they saw the lion was following them again. When they hurried on, the lion hurried after them; if they walked slow, he slowed down too. This went on for some time until they came to a path that went off in another direction.
They went a little way on their path, and then they turned around and faced the lion. He stopped too. Then, pointing to the other path, they spoke thus to the great beast: “Lion, we beg you to go that way, while we go this way!”
Evidently, the lion did not appreciate being told what to do and where to go, for he put his head down and growled angrily. The native Christians again asked God to save them. Then again addressing the lion, they said: “In the name of Jesus Christ, we command you to go that way.
At this, the lion looked along the other path and began to dig up the earth with his great claws. The men turned and began to walk slowly on their way. Looking back, with thankful hearts they saw that the lion had taken the other path.
Reaching the native village, they gathered the people together and held a gospel service. The native audience listened amazed at the story of how God had watched over them and protected them from the great lion. A little later, these two dear servants of Christ came home by the same path that they had come, singing hymns of praise and glory to God for all His gracious goodness and for His great deliverance.
Now will I tell to sinners round
What a dear Saviour I have found;
I’ll point to Thy redeeming blood,
And say, “Behold the way to God.”
ML-02/06/1977