The way through the Peruvian mountain pass was long and steep, and it was late in the day. The weather was bitterly cold and snow was filling the pass, while two weary men urged their laden donkeys up the last lap of their journey to a shelter at the top.
At this point one of the travelers, overcome with cold and fatigue, gave up the struggle and sat down in the snow to sleep.
Knowing that it would be a sleep which ended in death, his companion tried with sternest warnings to urge him on, but all his threats were in vain. At last he went on with the donkeys alone, and finally reached the top.
Later, another traveler up the pass found the sleeping man, but, unable to wake him, he too left him behind and reached the shelter. When the first arrival learned from the newcomer that the sleeper was still alive, he pulled on his coat and boots and, taking his donkey whip, returned to the scene.
Finding the man now more deeply asleep, he began to beat him with the whip and finally succeeded in waking him and standing him on his feet. Then, with constant yelling, threatening and whipping, he managed to literally drive the drowsy fellow up to the safety of the refuge and saved him from his fatal sleep.
When a missionary from Peru related this story, we could only think of the multitudes in our land who are asleep to the awful judgment that is waiting for them if they die in their sins. They are like the sailor in the proverbs who, totally insensible to his danger, “lieth down in the midst of the sea, or . . . lieth upon the top of a mast” (Proverbs 23:3434Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. (Proverbs 23:34)).
God in His mercy and love often uses the sternest measures to awaken those He longs to save. It may be through accident, illness, loss of loved one, loss of property or other financial reverses. Assuredly this is God by His Spirit going out to compel them to come in that God’s house may be filled.
There is room in God’s house, room for you. Have you come in?
“ What meanest thou, O sleeper?
arise, call upon thy God.”