Some people who read this blog will think of it as a sad story; others will see it as a wonderful parable. The story is the same either way, but the parable’s significance is dramatically different.
There was a man who lived between two neighbors. Each neighbor had a dog and each dog was chained up. One dog was chained to a tree, the other was chained to a stake in the ground.
The man watched them day after day, pacing back and forth in the dirt. He felt deep compassion for them. “It is time,” he said.
He left his home to walk over to the first dog, and after gaining the dog’s trust, he unhooked the chain from the dog’s collar. Then he went to the second dog and did likewise, then returned home He did not ask either dog owner for permission to set their dogs free. The man did not have to. He simply saw their hopeless situation and did all he could to make a wrong, right.
The next morning the man looked out his window and saw that the first dog was gone, but the second dog remained pacing back and forth in the dirt, although the chain lay limp on the ground. He went to see why the second dog remained pacing in the dirt. When he opened the door, there sat the first dog on the doorstep. The man said, “Come on in, fella. I’m going to give you a bath and something to eat.”
The tail-wagging dog followed the man inside while the second dog continued to pace back and forth in the dirt.
This is a parable, and this is its explanation. The dogs symbolize humanity – chained to our sin nature with no hope of setting ourselves free.
The dog owners are a picture of Satan who came to kill and destroy humanity.
The man represents Jesus. When it was the precise time in the history of mankind, Jesus left His heavenly throne of glory to enter our sinful and fallen world. Jesus became a human being when He was born 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. God’s plan for the redemption of man was set in motion. That is why we celebrate Christmas, and that’s why Christmas starts with Christ.
But God’s plan does not stop there.
Jesus’ mission on earth was not complete until 33 years later when He drank the full cup of God’s wrath on the cross for our sins. “For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Jesus came to set man free from the penalty of sin. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:23)
Jesus’ last words on the cross were, “It is finished!” He paid the price (death) for the sins of mankind. He defeated death and Satan and overcame the world.
The first dog in the story trusted the one who set him free and was invited in to be with his new master. It is the same with mankind. Whoever responds in faith and trust in the One who set them free are invited to spend eternity with their new Master. Forever. There is no longer the need for hope since hope has been fulfilled in Christ Jesus.
On the other hand, like the second dog that did not respond to the one who had set him free, so it is for much of mankind who do not believe in the One who set them free. They have made their choice and will continue to walk in chains forever. With no hope of being rescued.
But God’s plan is still not finished.
Jesus is coming back again to reign, and believers will reign with Him over His Kingdom. That is great news!
Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
Jesus is the greatest joy of heaven and the only hope of earth.
The penalty for sin has been paid! We have been set free! Free to be called children of the living God. Be sure you R.S.V.P. to the King’s banquet. It is time. The banquet is almost ready.
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