THE
FATHER'S ANGUISHING DECISION
After
a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's preacher once again slowly
stood up, walked over to the pulpit, and gave a very brief introduction of his
childhood friend. With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit to speak.
"A
father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific
Coast," he began, "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt
to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an
experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright, and the three were swept
into the ocean."
The
old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were,
for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his
story. He continued, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the
most excruciating decision of his life....to which boy he would throw the other
end of the line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that
his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The
agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the
father yelled out, 'I love you, son!' he threw the line to his son's friend. By
the time he pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared
beyond the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never
recovered."
By
this time, the two teenagers were sitting straighter in the pew, waiting for the
next words to come out of the old man's mouth. "The father," he
continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could
not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without
Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his
son. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us." With
that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the
room.
Within
minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side.
"That was a nice story," politely started one of the boys, "but I
don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his son's life in
hopes that the other boy would become a Christian."
"Well,
you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn
Bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face, and he once again looked up at the
boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here
today to tell you that THAT story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been
like for God to give up His Son for me. You see.... I was the son's
friend."
~
Author Unknown
Our thanks to Lynette for sending us this fine inspirational story. If you should have any questions concerning salvation please visit http://www.net153.com/salvation.htm
 |
You Are My Hiding Place: 50 Classic Maranatha Praise & Worship Songs, 3 CDs By The Maranatha Singers / Maranatha Music You'll be lifting your hands and your voice while enjoying this collection of praise & worship classics performed by the Maranatha Singers---available only from CBD! Includes "Open Our Eyes"; "As the Deer"; "Grace Alone"; "Micah 6:8"; "Jesus, Name Above All Names"; "Great Is the Lord," "This Is the Day"; "Seek Ye First"; the title track; and many more. Three CDs. |