Today is my son’s birthday. Happy birthday Cameron!
Today is the day when Uncle Sam receives his due. Filed yet?
Today is the day an iceberg sent the unsinkable Titanic to the bottom of the sea 101 years ago. Men first placed the women and children in the too few lifeboats. 85 engineers worked feverishly to keep the ship afloat as long as possible. The band played ragtime to keep spirits up, but soon switched to hymns. Those without a seat on the lifeboats knelt on the deck in prayer as the waters rose around them.
One passenger was a Baptist pastor on his way to the States to become pastor of Chicago’s famous Moody Church. John Harper was traveling with his 6 year-old daughter. Once he saw her safely in a lifeboat, he roamed the doomed liner, urging people to turn to Christ. When he was finally forced into the frigid ocean, he held on to a piece of wreckage and swam to others floating around him. Always, he’d speak about Jesus.
“Are you saved?” he asked one man. “No,” the man replied. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” Harper urged. He continued pleading with others until the icy water pulled him under. One of those who hear his plea, did turn to Christ in faith and later told an Ontario church, “I am the last convert of John Harper.”
1517 people died in the tragedy. But thanks to John’s faithful witness, perhaps a few turned from death to life to enter God’s glory that night. Thanks for leaving a faithful example, John.
Let’s keep praying for each of us to tell someone about Jesus this year. 500 red roses in 2013.
Gospel-Centered Life 