POTPOURRI

Faithful Until Death

Author Unknown

adapted by
Robert E. Schoenle

Shep and Mr. McMahon were inseparable. The good natured collie seemed to understand McMahon, who talked to him as if he were human. As usual he was by his master’s side when McMahon fell down a flight of stairs, seriously injuring his head.

Shep, always close to his master, squeezed into the ambulance, whining encouragement while licking his master’ bloody face. As they carried the man into the hospital, Shep pressed close to the stretcher, touching his master’s hand with his nose. Down the long corridor they went to the waiting elevator that was to take McMahon to the operating room.

“Sorry, old boy,” said the attendant in white, as Shep tried to push into the elevator, “no dogs allowed.” McMahon, even in his pain, saw the sadness in Shep’s eyes. Leaning down, he stroked Shep’s head and whispered, “It’s alright, old pal. I”ll be back soon. You wait for me here.”

The expression in Shep’s eyes turned to trust. Many times he had waited at the entrance of a building where dogs can’t go. So Shep settled down by the elevator, patiently waiting for his master’s return.

But McMahon didn’t come back. He died the next day and the undertaker carried his body out through another exit.

Since his master had never failed him, Shep knew he must obey his last command, “Wait for me here.” Each time the elevator reached that floor, Shep was ready to spring forward to meet him. Listening for the voice he loved.

For more than ten years, Shep waited at that elevator door. Doctors, nurses and visitors brought him food, water and a soft mat. But his brown eyes kept glancing at the elevator.

Occasionally they coaxed him outside for exercise and fresh air but he was always eager to return to his post. His greatest happiness was in obeying his dead master. Shep finally died by the elevator door.

Shep was only a dog. But where could you find a finer example of true loyalty or faithful obedience or loving devotion? Shep didn’t find it hard to be faithful, for he loved his master and his life demonstrated that love!

Oh, that we, who call ourselves Christians, might demonstrate the same kind of love and loyalty and faithfulness for our Master and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, that old Shep showed for McMahon.

A special reward awaits those who do, for the Lord Jesus said, “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10b).