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Themes Appreciation CROCODILE! One April afternoon, Hilton Graham, 23, decided to hunt for a wild pig for a barbecue. Peta-Lynn, 12, whose parents were away, also wanted to come. Getting into Hilton's pickup, they drove the distance to his airboat. They revved the engine and then launched out into the jungle-like swamp. Their eyes darted around at the interesting sights in that part of the great northern Australian outback. The marshy lowlands were alive with the sounds of birds and animals. Despite the tropical heat and humidity, they spent a pleasant afternoon cruising around. Suddenly, at about 5:30, they ran aground. Hilton jumped out to give the airboat a shove. A splash made him realize he had just dropped his handgun. Reaching for it, he found himself looking down the open mouth of a 3 meter long crocodile. The beast clamped onto Hilton's leg. Flailing and beating its head, Hilton tried to unlock its teeth. Desperate, he screamed, "Peta, Peta, help me!" Without thinking of her own safety, Peta jumped in the water. She and Hilton frantically fought the stubborn monster. Inch by inch, they dragged themselves closer to the sloping bank. Calling every ounce of energy, they fought for life. Peta pulled for all she was worth. Suddenly, the crocodile gave up the fight. Fearful that it might return, Peta dragged Hilton up the bank to the base of a tree. She realized she had to get help quickly. She ran to the pickup, and wound her way back. Carefully but hurriedly, she lifted Hilton into the cab. She struggled to drive out of the marshland back to the road. Going as fast as she dared, she raced for the closest hospital. When they arrived, Hilton was given emergency treatment for his wounds and trauma. Eventually, he made a full recovery. One day, about a year and a half later, Queen Elizabeth II presented Peta-Lynn with the Royal Humane Society of Australia's Clarke Gold Medal. Hilton stood beside her. The audience sat motionless as they told the story. Hilton explained with thankfulness, "When I was facing death, she risked her life to save me." Similarly, every person saved by the Lord Jesus deeply appreciates Him. God showed His appreciation for what the Lord Jesus did by awarding Him with glory and honor in Heaven. The Bible says, "God also hath highly exalted him" (Philippians 2:9). When someone has done something kind for you, you want to thank them and praise them. People who are saved love the Lord Jesus. After all, He more than "risked" his life to save us from sin and judgment - "Christ DIED for our sins" (1 Corinthians 15:3). Amazingly, Mary realized this even before Christ died! What do you think of his death? Should you not accept Him today and bow your knees and thank Him for what He has done?
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Jim Batterton
