THE CHILDREN'S TRUST

We have the word of scripture prophecy in Psalm 22 that Jesus was made to trust when in the perfection of His earliest infancy. There is of course in this something that is beyond us to understand, but we wonder at it. We also have the words "I was cast upon thee" and "thou art my God" from the moment that the holy Babe was cradled in the manger. Then His whole life was one of dependence upon God. As the fulness of the time came for the great atoning work, what deep feeling is foreshadowed by the words of the same Psalm "Be not far from me for trouble is near; for there is none to help"! Then, in completing that work He had to cry "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" This was on our account and you will read the words with awe and sorrow. But how our hearts are touched to put our trust in Him and in the value of His work!

The aged apostle John sent three special messages to little children – no doubt obedient ones! – wherever his epistle should come. The first message was that "your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake". The renown of Jesus in completing the work of atonement readily secures this. Then he wrote also "ye have known the Father". This draws out our trust, just as children have confidence in the love, wisdom, strength and nearness of the family father. If the apostle had written of God instead of the Father, it might have given some feeling of distance.

Thirdly, John wrote "Little children it is the last hour" and warns of constant danger from persons who speak and preach against Christ. You may 'thin k that it is an early 'hour' in your life, and so it is in youth and opportunity. But in this time of Christian witness it is still the "last hour" which may close at any time by the coming of the Lord. Are you redeeming the time?

J.C.Evershed