July 08th, 2020

Some time ago I read a very heart-wrenching parable about God's plan of using us to save the world. It made me pause for reflection for some time after reading it. I hope that as you read it you will reflect not only on the idea of reaching out to save others, but on how POWERFUL it will be when God's people work together as teams to reach those around them! How amazing it will be if we use ALL of our resources for His glory and all for just 1 soul if need be. For if one person lives for all eternity, then they will eventually outlive ALL the people who have EVER lived and died on planet Earth (yes Enoch and Elijah are already ahead on that score now)!! Please read this prayerfully:

Inasmuch. . . An allegory based on Matthew 25:31-46 and Education, pages 263-264.
by Judy Burton.

THE OLD MAN AWOKE and glanced at the clock.
Shock registered on his aging face as he realized that he had slept too long. The tide would be coming in and his three youngest children were still out collecting shells on the island. He leaped through the door and ran toward the beach, stumbling over the jagged, cutting rocks.
"My children, my children!" he shouted. "Someone
help my children!" He could see the little island and the rising water between it and the shore. He could faintly make out the outline of the three small bodies against the rugged rocks. "My children will drown. Oh, God, My babies will die. Someone help me!" The water was rising.
Only a matter of time. Higher and higher.

A short distance down the beach he saw a group of picnickers. They would help. His legs nearly buckled as he ran. Nearing the group, he saw his older sons.
"Sit down, Father, and join our potluck. Here's a
chair. We were just wishing that you could be here with us. We wanted to tell you how much we love you." "You'd better rest a minute, Father. You shouldn't run like that at your age. What's the trouble?"
"The island—the little ones are out there. They're going to die!" Great sobs tore through his body.
"Now, Father, calm down! I'm sure it isn't that bad.
Look, the rocks are above water." John clumsily patted the old gray head, then lifted his father's face to his.
"Take it easy. We're here with you, and we love you
very much."
"But you don't understand. The tide is rising. Oh, my babies! Please, oh, please, help me."
"There's no rush, Father. Don't let yourself get so
worked up. It's not good for your heart. We'd die if anything happened to you. Say, look. There are Joe and Dave and their new lifesaving boat. They're more able to help than we are."
The weary father turned away and shouted into the wind. Joe and Dave, other sons of his, heard and came in to shore.
"Save the children! The island will be covered soon!"
They seemed to understand and strong hands pulled the weeping man into the boat. Then the eager motor sprang to life and they headed out to sea. In the distance he could see three tiny figures clutching the highest rocks as the waves washed about their feet.
"Hurry, please hurry," he cried.
"Yes, Father, we understand. This is a lifesaving boat and it's really grand. We brought it over today just to show it to you. Look—padded seats, air-conditioned cabin, stereo music—the works. This'll be good PR, Father. When people see this, they'll know it's great to be a son of yours." Dave laid his well-muscled arm around the shaking shoulders.
Joe looked over from behind the controls and tried to ease his father's distress. "Cheer up, Father. Say, look at what this beauty can do." He grinned, gave the throttle a thrust, and spun the wheel. The boat turned in a graceful arc and headed into the waves.
"You're going the wrong way. The tide is coming.
Save my children!"
"Yes, Father, we understand. Didn't we tell you? This is a lifesaving boat. We'll go in a minute. But first look at this."
The boat bounded back and forth across the waves, its powerful motor thrusting forward with thrilling power and speed. Joe executed the turns with smoothness and precision.
"No, no! Please, oh, please!" The father's anguished
voice tore through the wind.
"Look at this, Father."
He could barely see the little ones now. In horror, he imagined their terror and pain. Only the tips of the rocks broke the water now. As he watched, unable to turn away, the dear, sweet heads, one by one, slipped into the waves and disappeared.
"They are gone!" Unbearable anguish ripped his body and he fell prostrate to the floor.
Then—concerned and tender hands gently cradled his frail body. "Father, we love you—please, Father
He gave no answer or indeed any sign that he had
heard.
"Father, we didn't know you cared so much. We
love you, Father, don't you understand? If it had been you ---
There was no response. Just wind and waves and—silence.
(REVIEW, JULY 7, 1977; pages 4-5. accessed online HERE).
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May we see that it is high time to join the Father in His eternal mission to save as many as possible. May we see that TOGETHER we can better accomplish His purposes, utilize our resources and make an everlasting impact for HIS GLORY!