Cornered in a Cabin

 •  4 min. read  •  grade level: 5
One of the great Atlantic liners was fast plowing its way across the waters of the great deep that divides America from Europe. On board a strange little scene was being enacted. It occurred in one of the splendid staterooms on "C" deck, occupied by two gentlemen who, until they met in the stateroom, were quite unaware of each other's existence. One was an officer of high rank in the army. The other occupant of the stateroom looked like a keen business man. To this business man the military man seemed strange in one particular: he would frequently pull out his Bible and read it. Then he would lay it down open on the table when he went out of the cabin.
The business man was annoyed, and his anger got the better of him. Finally, picking up the despised Book, he flung it on the floor of the stateroom—an action which was repeated on two later occasions. On the afternoon after the third affront was made to the officer, (for he was aware it was meant for him) he suddenly entered the stateroom. Facing his fellow passenger, he demanded in tones of authority: "Did you do that?"
He pointed to the Book on the floor. "Did you throw down that Book?" he reiterated deliberately and slowly. Still no answer. At last the business man blurted out something indistinctly but made no apology.
"Play the man and pick it up, seeing you say you threw it." Still no move was made, so he continued, "If you don't"—and here the officer locked the door—"you don't get out of this room until you pick up that Bible." He looked at his watch. It was early afternoon.
The passenger saw he was cornered, and he was no match for this powerful opponent if they did come to blows. Silence reigned. The same words were repeated, but no move was made. First bell for tea was ringing. Surely now he would relax and let things go; but no. The door remained locked and tea was forgotten in the game of patience. The hours trailed slowly on until the dinner bell rang throughout the ship. They were now decidedly hungry but not an inch further on with their controversy.
"Come on, like a man. Let's get to dinner. Just pick up the Book quickly," said the officer.
Conscience and hunger both agreed. So the business man bent down slowly, picked up the Bible, and laid it on the bed. Then came the thunderbolt!
"Just let us have a word of prayer before we go." Both were on their knees instantly, and the Christian poured out his heart on behalf of his roommate, pleading for his conversion. It was brief and definite. Then he added another surprise: "Come back from dinner with me and we'll have another word of prayer." It was audacious, but it won the day and both returned to the cabin after a hearty meal.
It was a different man now, a subdued man, who knelt again and listened to his shipmate laying hold of God on his behalf. Here was one who had a genuine concern for his eternal soul. He gradually softened until the tears came to his eyes. At last, quite broken down, he cried to God for forgiveness: "Oh, God, I've resisted Thee; I've shut Thee out of my life. I've tried to live without Thee; but my life has been a failure. I'm lost; I'm lost."
The very Book that had been so abused was opened again and made to speak. How wonderful and strange everything was! It seemed as if it had been especially written for him. The way of salvation was explained to him: how Christ has removed every barrier that stood in man's way back to God; sin has been put away, death vanquished, hell subdued, heaven secured for whosoever will. Then, with his hand on his friend's shoulder, the military officer asked: "What is it to be? Are you going to receive the Savior?"
"I have received Him, right now, and I want to thank you for all you have done for me," came the answer. And they rejoiced together.
Friend, are you too fighting God? Remember: He uses the Sword of the Spirit, His own precious Word. Do not dare to blaspheme that Word! He has set it above His name. Read it, honor it, obey it and rejoice in its precepts (Psalm 16:1111Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11)).