The Pit (Version 2)

Here is a man who has fallen into a dark and foul pit, breaking his legs and arms as he lands. Soon his helpless and pain-wracked cries for air proceed from the pit. In this illustration, Confucius comes by, looks down, and says: “Friend, let me give you this sage advice: If you ever get out of there, take heed where you walk, that you fall not again into such a place.” With this, the Chinese philosopher walks on.

Awhile later, Buddha passes by and views the helpless man. He says: “Friend, you need help. If you can meet me halfway, I’ll aid in your escape. Just climb a bit and stretch your hands toward me.”

But the broken and bleeding victim cannot move. Buddha then sadly walks away.

The desperate man huddles in his prison of pain, his hope almost gone. But he utters one final cry for salvation.

Then the Savior of all men gazes down upon him with loving compassion. Without a word of advice or admonishment, he slips down into the pit, tenderly places the fallen traveler over his strong shoulders, and climbs out of the pit with him. He then sets the broken bones, points the man’s feet toward heaven, and puts a song in his heart!

This is salvation. (Willmington’s Guide to the Bible, Harold, L. Willmington)