A hardy fisherman took his little boy with him in his boat one day for a sail on the sea. The morning was bright and they looked forward to a fine day. However, they had not been out very long bore the weather suddenly changed. The sky grew dark and threatening, and the wind began to blow a gale. Snow also fell so thick and heavy that it was almost impossible to see anything or anywhere.
Lowering his sail with all possible speed, the fisherman was almost swamped by the huge waves and his boat nearly overturned. Looking anxiously around for his little boy he found him safe, but alas, both oars had been swept away. Nothing was left for them now but to drift on the angry billows. For an hour or more their frail little craft was driven at the mercy of the huge waves toward the rocks.
What could they do? Only a watery grave seemed open to them, and they must prepare for the worst. The fisherman could not swim, and so did not expect to be saved himself. However, he thought that perhaps if his little boy were tied tightly to a plank he might by chance float safely to the shore.
Quickly removing the seat from the boat he began to lash his boy to the plank. The little fellow took the situation in at a glance, and, fearing to be separated from his father, he pleaded with tears in his little blue eyes, “No, no, Daddy; Tie me to ‘ou, Daddy — tie me to ‘ou.”
The poor father was much affected, and hugged the little lad to his heart. Then with a breaking heart, and an earnest prayer to God for help, he did as his child desired, and tied the boy to himself.
A little later there came a lull in the storm, and a break in the clouds. The fisherman then could discern through the gloom a lighthouse, and his boat was drifting toward it. The lighthouse-keepers were on the lookout, and directed by the shouts of the fisherman, they caught sight of the boat at last. Eventually father and son were safe on shore and most thankful to God for His mercies.
Is my reader bound to Christ, the only Saviour? Can you say from your heart,
“Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershadowed
Sweetly my soul shall rest.”
One of old knew what it was to be safe in those arms of divine love when he said: “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38,3938For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38‑39).
There are many planks in this world — religions, creeds, doctrines. We would not have you tied to one of them. True safety is in knowing and loving as your Saviour Jesus the blessed Son of God. Are you linked forever with Him? Oh what a haven of rest there is for a sin-troubled, tempest-tossed soul in Jesus, Saviour of sinners!
I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him.
And round my heart still closely twine
Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever!
ML 08/18/1968