WHAT WE EXCHANGE FOR HEAVEN

WHAT SOME EXCHANGE FOR HEAVEN

 Today I read a sermon by the legendary 19^th century evangelist, Dwight Lyman Moody, in which he recounted the fable of the swan and the crane.  It’s reprinted below for your prayerful consideration:

 A beautiful swan lighted on the banks of the water in which a crane was wading about seeking snails.   For a few moments the crane viewed the swan in curious wonder and then inquired, “Where do you come from?”

“I come from Heaven!” replied the swan.

“And where is Heaven?” asked the crane.

 “Heaven!” said the swan, “Heaven!  Have you never heard of heaven?”  And the beautiful bird went on to describe the grandeur of the Eternal City.  She told of streets of gold and walls of precious stones; of the river of life, pure as crystal, upon whose banks is the tree whose leaves shall be for the healing of the nations.  In eloquent terms the swan sought to describe the splendor of the coming world, but did so without arousing the slightest interest on the part of the crane.

 Finally the crane asked, “Are there any snails there?’  “Snails!” repeated the swan.  “No!  Of course not.”  

 “Then,” said the crane, as it continued its search along the slimy banks of the pool, “you can have your heaven.  I want snails!”

 Moody’s fable has deep underlying truth.  How many young people to whom God has granted the advantages of a Christian home, have turned their backs on it and searched for snails?  How many men have sacrificed their wives and families, all for the snails of sin?  How many teenagers have deliberately turned from the love of parents and home to learn too late that Heaven has been forfeited for proverbial snails? 

 Let’s do our level best to differentiate Christ in the minds and spirits of those in our sphere of influence, especially in our families.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!