Ragamuffin (part 1)
RAGAMUFFIN (PART 1)
Read Romans 5:6-11.
Rick and Yolanda were helping their dad in his meat shop. Part of their job was to take the trash out to the big bin behind the store. Rick lifted the trash bin cover, then he slammed it back down quickly. “Yolanda, there’s something in there!”
“You’re just trying to scare me,” laughed Yolanda.
“I’m telling the truth,” Rick persisted, grabbing a stick. Bravely he pulled up the lid and poked at the rubbish with the stick. A high-pitched squeal jarred the air, and Yolanda screamed.
Dad rushed outside. “What’s wrong?” he asked in alarm.
“Something’s in the trash,” Yolanda yelled.
Looking doubtful, Dad approached the trash bin and looked inside. “Why, it’s a puppy!” he exclaimed. “Let’s see if we can help him.”
“Can we take him home, Dad?” Rick begged. “He looks like a stray.”
“Ugh!” Yolanda made a face. “He smells! I bet Mom won’t want him.”
“He’s a mess all right,” said Dad. “We’ll clean him up and see if we can find him a home.”
When they arrived home, the children told their mother all about the puppy. At her suggestion they named him Ragamuffin. “You know, children, Ragamuffin would make a good illustration for my Sunday school lesson tomorrow,” said Mom as she looked at the pup. “What you did for Ragamuffin, God did for us—and even more! God found us spiritually dirty, lost, and trapped in our sins. Yet He reached down to rescue us. He loved us when there was nothing lovable about us.”
Ragamuffin barked and Yolanda laughed. “He agrees with you, Mom. I think Ragamuffin is glad he’s been found!”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been found? God sent Jesus to rescue you from sin. Have you accepted His forgiveness and trusted Him as Savior?
TO MEMORIZE:
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Romans 5:6
JESUS LOVES SINNERS.
From the book
