John, Lisa, Greg, Tony and Michael were five adventure-loving young people in St. Louis. Last February they decided to explore a cave, and crossing into Illinois, they traveled to the old School House Cave near Waterloo. Leaving their Cor parked on Joseph Fruth’s nearby farm, they began their adventure.
After they had worked their way slowly for more than a mile in the cave, they were suddenly blocked by high water. Turning around they began to retrace their steps. In the meantime, however, outside the cave a warm sun was rapidly melting ice and snow. The water ran quickly into the cave filling up the passage-ways and blocking the young people’s way out. As they waded in the rapidly-rising water, their lights got wet and began to go out.
In desperation they found a two-foot high hole which was at least dry. Huddled there in the darkness, they waited for help. They had no light, no food, and only a little drinking water. Trapped by the rising water in the darkness they were lost and in danger of being drowned. They were in a desperate position. If help did not come from outside, they would perish.
Like those young people, how many today are hopelessly trapped in their sins. Some adventures in life seem harmless enough, but, the Bible tells us, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin,” and even, “The plowing of the wicked is sin.” God says “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)); and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)). As sinners we cannot save ourselves; we need the Saviour who alone is able to save.
That night farmer Fruth noticed the car still on his land. He called for help, and soon rescuers were hard at work. Rescue work was extremely difficult and very slow. The young adventurers had been in the cave two days before they were rescued. When examined at the nearby hospital, Dr. Schettler said, “If they were exposed twelve hours longer, I doubt if they would have survived.”
Those young people were rescued just in time. And dear young reader, the salvation of your soul is more urgent than perhaps you realize. God says “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2).)
It was with great difficulty that the rescuers brought those young people to safety. But the Lord Jesus had to give His life to save sinners like us. “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).)
He’s your best and truest Friend,
One who always will defend.
Do not let Him knock in vain,
He may never come again.
Hear His gentle, loving voice.
Bid Him welcome, and rejoice.
When To Trust Christ
ML-07/02/1978