Patsy the donkey was a general favorite among the children down at the beach. Many a nickel ride we all had on Patsy, who was always so gentle and obedient. But Patsy had a hard master who cruelly treated her, and he even beat her.
In a large house near the beach there lived a Mr. Johnson whose son Philip was not very strong. Philip became very fond of Patsy. Mr. Johnson offered to buy Patsy for a good price, and Patsy changed masters. At once, the faithful little donkey was released from the slavery of a bad master, and when I saw her now in the service of her new owner, I scarcely knew her. Now she had a pretty little colt, and she looked so nice in her fine saddle and harness standing down near the beach.
I think Patsy in the service of her old master was very much like the sinner, in the slavery of sin and Satan. On the other hand Patsy released from bondage, and now in the service of her new master, is like the one who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ—set free from sin and Satan’s service—who now bongs to Christ and rejoices to serve Him.
All who have not come to the Saviour, and have not been redeemed, are still in their sins. They may not realize it, but they are in the bondage of sin and Satan. Only the Lord Jesus can release from such bondage. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Those who believe the good news and put their trust in Jesus immediately pass from the slavery of sin and from Satan’s power into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Dear young friend, in whose service are you?
ML-11/15/1964