The two bears in our picture lived in one of our national parks. Lots of boys and girls, among the many thousands of tourists who visit our national parks every year, are thrilled to see Buster or Mrs. Bear, and perhaps their cubs, sitting on the roadside begging. The park keepers, however, warn against getting too close to the bears, for though they may seem friendly they are not to be trusted. Those great sharp claws, hidden within their furry paws, may inflict severe wounds if the bears do not have their way.
We read about bears in the Bible, and I was thinking of the two bears that once came out of the woods and hurt or killed forty-two children that were mocking Elisha, the servant of God. They treated him with contempt, saying, “Go up, thou bald head.”
Now these children were very wicked to mock the man of God, for it was really like mocking God Himself, and God showed His displeasure. The bears came out of the woods and tore them. God is very gracious, and full of patience, but sometimes He shows His power and lets punishment fall upon those who are disobedient.
The day is coming, however, when those who have not accepted God’s salvation will be judged and pushed for their sins. That will be the day of judgment. This is the “day of salvation,” and I hope you will not delay to accept the great and wonderful gift of salvation which God so freely offers to all through Christ Jesus, His beloved Son, and His finished work of atonement upon the cross.
ML-11/01/1964