The Untold Story Of Robinson Crusoe Series

What are we to do? Glorify him. Who is to do it? Those who call and are delivered. Would anyone here rob God of the glory and honor do him. Of course, we wouldn’t to it intentionally, I hope. The best protection against such behavior is frequent, heart-felt praying that remembers the one to whom we prayer, the one who delivers us, and is unafraid to tell the truth about how God answers us in response to our prayers of faith.

When you watch or hear talk of the Survivors on the TV or The Castaway in the theater, remember the classic survivor story—Robinson Crusoe—and what made the difference in his life.

There is one more piece to the Crusoe story. You remember Friday. DeFoe includes that in the story for one reason. Let’s read what happened. In Chapter 14, he discovers the footprint. In Chapters 15-16, he realizes his island is being used by cannibals for ritual sacrifices. In Chapter 17, he rescues Friday from a cannibal death squad. In a sense the whole purpose of the book comes in Chapter 18. Crusoe, now self taught from the Bible, begins the process of sharing his faith with his man Friday. Did you remember that part? Perhaps the most memorable part of Defoe’s story was yet to come. Crusoe manages to fashion himself a relatively “normal” existence. He had food, shelter, and a sense of security in the presence of God. All this was shattered, however, the day he accidentally discovered another human footprint in the sand (chapter 14). He didn’t know whether to regard it with hope or fear. To be safe, he begins to more carefully scout the more remote parts of the island. Eventually, his fears are realized. He discovers that cannibals from some distant island were using his home for ritual sacrifices. He is horrified as he secretly watches their dreadful ceremony (chapters 15-16).

While observing the preparations for one of the human sacrifices, a captive whom he would later name Friday attempts to escape his executioners (chapter 17). Crusoe helps his soon-to-be friend. Friday and Robinson develop a bond that only such difficult surroundings can create. Slowly, the two learn enough of the other’s language to talk and question one another. By now Crusoe’s faith in Christ had deepened. As he and Friday become closer, he does what is only natural for a follower of Jesus—he begins to speak with the native about spiritual things.

In chapter 18 of Defoe’s narrative, Robinson Crusoe seeks an opportunity to tell Friday about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He discovers that while Friday’s people had a religion, it was one of fear and dread. He knew nothing of a loving, forgiving Creator. With great interest, Friday listened to the story of Jesus Christ’s life and teachings. He learns with anticipation of the message of redemption through the cross. Robinson was a novice at this sort of thing, but he knew enough to realize that Friday was on the verge a very important decision.

Crusoe finds an excuse to send Friday on an errand. He really just wanted to be alone so he could pray. Robinson Crusoe calls upon God to help him “instruct this poor savage, assisting by his Spirit the heart of the poor ignorant creature to receive the light of the knowledge of God in Christ, reconciling him to himself.” He asks God to “guide me to speak to him from the word of God, as his conscience might be convinced, his eyes opened, and his soul saved.”