Daniel was the youngest of three children and the shortest at six feet one inch. He came from a baker’s family and, leaving school at 15, joined the family firm selling bread and cakes. He had an inexhaustible love of painting which would eventually lead him into serious trouble. He’d stop and paint or sketch anything that caught his eye – his work on a baker’s round suffered as a result.
He put two of his pictures in an exhibition – one of his girl friend and the other a portrait of Jesus Christ.
Daniel went to Paris but returned to England when his money ran out. He asked his father for his share of the family money (does that remind you of a story in the New Testament ?) and went off to Holland. Even that experience – an unhappy one – didn’t last long. He returned home.
When one of his many girl friends asked, “Darling, when are we going to get married ?”, he fled to Sussex !
Hearing the sound of beautiful singing he went into a church where he was warmly welcomed. He listened as someone spoke of what Jesus meant to him personally. People were then invited to stand and say anything that was on their mind. Daniel stood up and told his unhappy story. “Do you know Jesus ?” he was asked. He mumbled a reply of sorts.
Decision time came at a youth rally where Daniel heard how Jesus had died for him and could help him straighten out his life. He gave his life to Christ there and then.
Daniel was a modern-day prodigal son who found the love of God as a personal and true experience.
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of his word,
What a glory he sheds on our way !
While we do his good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
John Sammis Hymns & Psalms 687