The Eagle and the Ice.

It was in the depths of winter and a poor little lamb lying frozen on an ice-flow was seen drifting down the great Niagara River. Presently a large eagle saw the lamb, and, swooping down from the sky, perched on the icefloe beside it.

How little the eagle thought, as he stood there, that the water was slowly but surely freezing around his claws and soon he would be firmly held in the grip of the ice. The frozen lamb before him spoke loudly as a warning of the danger of staying there too long, but the warning was unheeded. Every few minutes the eagle would flap his strong wings as much as to say, “I have these powerful wings to carry me off whenever I please.”

How like many today, not listening to the voice of those around them who would warn them of the danger of going on—captives in the grip of sin—without a Saviour! Perhaps they are not ready to admit that they do need a Saviour; they may be boasting in the power of their good works, but listen to what the Bible tells us about these: “All our righteousness’s are as filthy rags,” Isa. 64:6. No one can get away from the fact that “all have sinned,” and that nothing that any one may do can remove even one of these sins, for it is the blood alone which makes atonement for the soul.

Another application would be the perils of these last days of world’s history, when time will soon turn on its hinge and become eternity. The message is clear, but for many the warning signs will go unheaded.

Well, this eagle still stood feasting on the little lamb and presently the great Falls came in sight. The eagle waited until the last minute and then, raising his great wings once again, he tried to leave the ice, but unfortunately, his feet were firmly frozen, his efforts were useless, and in a second the iceberg went over the Falls, carrying the eagle with it.

He meant to escape. Yes! He had plenty of opportunities, but he put them all off and it cost him his life. He thought he was strong and safe, but he was just too late. What a warning this eagle should be to any person who thinks there is plenty of time. Satan loves to whisper in our ears: “To-morrow will do.” Are you going to listen to a voice like that? It is untrue, none of us are promised tomorrow. The Bible tells us that “NOW is the day of salvation.” To-morrow may be too late.

May you take the opportunity today of trusting in Jesus and knowing Him as your own Saviour and Friend. Such is His wonderful love that He is waiting to receive you just as you are, and to cleanse you from your sins in His own precious blood—shed when He died to save you and I on the cross.