A parable is an earthly illustration or a story to teach a spiritual lesson. It is estimated that one-third of the Lord’s teachings were parables. He used parables so some could understand, and also so others could not understand. “And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered… Because it is given unto you to know … but to them it is not given” (Matt.13:10-11). Many times the Lord interpreted His illustrations to His disciples.
Well, I have written a modern day parable about a policeman, me, and a speeding ticket. In my parable I was speeding and broke the law (remember, this is only a parable).
1. All have sinned (Rom. 3:23).
2. Guilty: As I saw the the flashing light I was immediately convicted. I was caught and guilty (Rom. 5:12).
3. Justice: I broke the law. He had radar proof and a badge. I deserved a ticket.
4. Compassion: He saw my tag SLNTWRD and my license. He asked, “Are you the Ted Camp?” “Yes Sir, I am.” He responded, “My son is deaf. I am very glad to meet you.”
5. Repentance: (Rom. 2:4). “Officer I am sorry I was speeding. I promise never to do it again.”
6. Mercy: (I Cor. 4:1) He says, “You are guilty. You deserve a ticket, but I want to help you.”
7. Forgiveness: (Eph. 1:7) To my surprise he tore up the ticket. No charges. No fine.
8. Pardoned: I was forgiven and could never be tried again for breaking that law.
9. Grace: The policeman then said, “God has touched my heart. I want to give you a large donation.” (it is my parable)
10. Justified with Peace (Rom. 5:1). As I drove away I knew all was forgiven and I had peace in my mind and heart.
11. No Condemnation (Rom. 8:1): The ticket was torn up, and there was nothing between me and the law. No ticket. No record. No condemnation
12. Thankfulness: (1 Thess. 5:11) I deserved the ticket, but the policeman had grace and mercy.
13. Appreciation: Wow! What a wonderful kind policeman.
Now, let me interpret my parable: We are all guilty and deserve Hell. We must confess that we are sinners, and we cannot save ourselves. We turn to Christ to save us. As we believe and receive, we are no more sinners but now sons in the family of God (John 1:12). The policeman had the power and authority to tear up the ticket. Remember, this was just a parable but in real life, the Lord tore up my ticket and forever forgiven. He did for me what I could not do for myself. He changed my life (2 Cor. 5:17). I will always appreciate what He has done for me (John 3:16). Wow! What a wonderful Saviour. As I drive (within speed limit) I can sing, “My sins are g-o-n-e.” Dear friend, what the Lord did for me, He can also do for you. Then as you slowly drive you can also sing, “My sins are g-o-n-e.” The Lord tore up my ticket.
