The big ship was within sight of the shore at last, and the passengers were eagerly watching from the deck, or getting their luggage ready. All at once, the dread cry of “Fire, Fire!” rang up and down the crowd. Eyes were opened wide with terror as the crew rushed to their posts and tried to conquer the flames. But it was hopeless —the ship was doomed.
With full steam ahead, she made for the shore, but all could see that there was no hope of staying on board and reaching safety. Many plunged into the waves, but after a brief struggle, they disappeared. One strong man was seen buckling a wide belt about him, and preparing to make for the shore. That belt contained gold. He had been a miner in California, and he had made a fortune. He was not anxious to lose that gold, and so hoped to swim to shore with his fortune safely hidden in the belt. Just as he was about to plunge into the waves, a little voice stopped him, and a little hand pulled at his arm.
“Please, sir, can you swim?”
A child’s tender eyes were looking up at him with mingled expressions of fear and hope.
“Yes, little one, I can swim.”
“Then, sir, won’t you please try to save me?”
He looked at his heavy belt, and then at those tender eyes. There was a moment of delay, but he threw the belt into the sea and lifted the little lass up on his back.
“Now hold on with your arms around my neck—not too tight or you will choke me.”
With a brave heart and a strong arm, he struck out for the shore with his precious burden. Wave after wave washed over them, but still the strong man struggled on, and the little girl held tight. At last a mighty wave lifted them both high on its crest and cast them on the shore. The exhausted man lay senseless for a time, as kind and ready hands did what they could for him. Presently his eyes opened and he looked up into those same tender eyes. How different they looked this time! The fear was gone and they were filled with tears of love, and thankfulness. For a long time she said not a word, but just looked at him so still and tired. Then she knelt with her mouth to his ear and whispered, “Thank you, sir. Thank you for saving me.”
I am sure that if someone saved your life, you would want to thank them too. But let me tell you of One who laid aside, not a belt full of gold, but all that He had. The Lord Jesus Christ left all the glory of heaven and came down here into this world to save you and me. And He not only risked His life, but He laid down His life that you might be saved. He bore all the punishment for my sins and I have thanked Him for saving me. Have you?
ML 11/14/1954