I suppose you have often heard the story of Daniel in the lion’s den, and you could tell me all about it. I think it is a wonderful story, and we have a little boy of our own whom we call Daniel, and we hope and pray that he may be as strong and true to God as brave Daniel of old. But I don’t think you ever heard of William in the lion’s den. No, I’m sure this is a new story to you, but it is true, William Stephens was a careless young man who never read his Bible and laughed at anyone who tried to interest him in his soul. He was journeying with a group of soldiers through a wild part of Africa when somehow he became separated from the rest of them. He was in a thick part of the jungle, and he tried and tried in vain to find the way out. On and on he wandered, hoping that he would soon hear the voices of those soldiers, but darkness came, and he was lost.
He could not see to go any further so he crept into a cave and laid down to rest. He was so weary that he fell asleep, and towards morning he was awakened by a fearful roar. Looking out the entrance of the cave, he saw a huge lion coming towards him. The truth flashed upon his mind—he had been sleeping in a lion’s bedroom!
Quicker than I can write the words, he decided what to do. The lion was too close for him to run away, so he just laid down and pretended to be asleep. The quiet footsteps of the lion came closer and closer until poor Stephens could feel the hot breath upon his cheeks. The lion gave him a few licks, and then stretched out beside him. Apparently the big fellow had just had plenty to eat and wasn’t very hungry. But just to be sure that his next meal would still be waiting when he woke up, the lion stretched his big paw right over Stephens’ chest and pinned him down. I’m sure you have never been in such a position, and wouldn’t want to be.
Stephens lay still, scarcely daring to breathe, for he knew that one snap from those jaws, which were right beside his ear, and he would be dead. What do you think he thought about in those terrible moments? He thought about the many times that he had been spoken to about his sins. And now it was too late, for he was sure he would soon be dead. But in his awful agony he cried to God silently and owned his sin and stubbornness of his heart. He asked God to make that big monster sleep soundly so that he might get away.
Then slowly and carefully, oh so carefully, he moved one arm and took hold of that giant paw. His heart was beating so that he could almost hear it. Silently he raised the paw from his chest and began to squirm away. Had God heard his prayer? In a few moments he set the paw down again, and he was free! But now he had to slip out of the cave without waking the lion. Again God helped him and he made his escape.
I am sure the lion must have roared with rage that morning when he woke and found his captive had gone. But by that time Stephens was a long way from the cave, and had found the camp from which they had set out the day before.
Many times God has delivered those who have called upon Him, and often they forget all about God as soon as they are delivered. But Stephens didn’t forget God. He told those soldiers all about what had happened, and then before them all he bowed his head and thanked God for the deliverance, He then slipped away to be alone with God. What do you think he wanted to be alone with God about? His sins! Have you ever been in the presence of God about your sins?
When he was alone at last he knelt, and with many tears he again owned his rebellion in turning his back on the love of God. With deep thankfulness he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his own Saviour.
As soon as he returned to England he began to plead with all his old friends to accept Christ. Will you listen to that message too? God had to bring Willman Stephens to within a hair’s bread! of eternity to save his soul. He offers you salvation now—not tomorrow.
What do you hope, poor sinner,
To gain by a further delay?
There’s no one to save you but Jesus,
There’s no other wily but His way.
Why not, why not?
Why not come to Him NOW?
How foolish to go on in your sins another day. You may not have another warning—this may be your last! Many will find themselves in hell who fully intended to be saved someday, but they put it off too long. God’s time is now!
ML 03/22/1953