A short time ago, someone either lost or abandoned a cute little beagle dog in our neighborhood. He showed up on our doorstep looking for food. We talked to all the surrounding police stations and animal shelters to see if we could find the dog’s owner, but nobody seemed to be looking for a “lost” beagle.
The dog was almost fully grown, and he was really cute. The children wanted to name him Spot, but the beagle did not pay any attention to the name. He acted like he didn’t even hear us no matter how or what we called him. Finally, someone called, “Here, beagle!” and to our surprise he came running. We then tried, “Here, speagle!” and he came running to that too. He was then named “Speagle de Beagle.” It looked like Speagle had found a home... almost.
He was well liked by everyone except Brutus, the family dog, and Fluff, the family cat. Brutus’s problem was one of jealousy. But Fluff’s problem was very serious Speagle wanted to hunt him down and finish him off!
One day Corrine stopped to pet Speagle, but Brutus got jealous. He whimpered and trotted over to them. Being a much bigger dog than Speagle, he picked Speagle up by the scruff of the neck and carried him several feet away from Corrine. Then he dropped him and trotted back to Corrine, hoping to be petted himself. Instead of being petted, he was given a scolding for what he had done. He hung his head in shame.
Speagle’s problem with Fluff was far more serious. The family cat was scared off into the woods and chased up a tree a few times. So we decided Speagle had to be tied up. But that didn’t last long because Speagle chewed right through the rope. Then we tried keeping him in a pen, but he chewed his way through the door! He chased Fluff into the woods once more, and this time Fluff didn’t come home for nearly a week! We were all worried. We did not know whether Fluff was dead or alive.
Because Fluff was already an important part of the family, the decision was made — Speagle had to go. We tried to find a home for him, but nobody wanted the cute little beagle, so we took him to an animal shelter. We hope they found a good home for him, but we don’t know.
Yes, even though Speagle was lost and needed a home, he had a nature that loved to hunt animals smaller than himself, and so he could not fit into our family... even though we liked him and wanted to keep him.
Boys and girls, God loves you and wants you in His family too. But we have all sinned and have ways that are not pleasing to God. We could not help Speagle because we could not change his nature. But God has the power to help you. He can forgive your sins. He can give you a new nature and a new life, and a home in heaven.
God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into this world to die on Calvary’s cross to save lost sinners. If you have not accepted Him as your Saviour yet, you are lost in your sins. But if you receive Jesus as your Saviour, He will wash away your sins and will give you a new life and nature that want to please Him. He will also make you a part of His family forever. What a happy home awaits all who will receive Him. Won’t you tell Jesus you want Him as your Saviour and Lord now?
ML-05/08/1988