A number of years ago in Northern Virginia, an old man stood by a river bank waiting to get across. Since it was bitterly cold and there was no bridge, he would have to “catch a ride” to the other side.
After a lengthy wait, he saw a group of horsemen approaching. He let the first pass, then the second, third, fourth, and fifth. Finally, there was only one rider left. As he drew abreast, the old man looked him in the eye and said, “Sir, would you give me a ride across the river?” The rider without a moments hesitation said, “Why certainly, get abroad.”
Once across the river, the old man slid to the ground. Before leaving the rider asked, “Sir, I could not help but notice that you permitted all the riders to pass without asking for a ride. Then, when I drew abreast you immediately asked me for a ride. I’m curious as to why you didn’t ask them and why you did ask me?”
The old man quietly responded, “I looked into their eyes and could see no love and knew in my own heart it would be useless to ask for a ride. But, when I looked into your eyes, I saw compassion, love, and the willingness to help. I knew you would be glad to give me a ride across the river.”
With this the rider very humbly said, “You know, I’m very grateful for what you said. I appreciate it very much.” With that, Thomas Jefferson turned and rode off to the White House.
If you had been the last rider, would the old man have asked you for that ride across the river? When people look at you do they see Christ?
– Zig Ziglar
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200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.