THE CHILDREN'S CALL

We all know well that when we are called it is because we are wanted. In God's ways, His call is one link in the chain of blessing - a chain that can never be broken. Happily for Adam, even when he hid him self for fear, he answered God's call. He thus found that his Maker would provide for him as a sinner what he could never provide for himself. For Christian believers it is not only that we need a Saviour but that we are wanted for the pleasure of Him who has provided such a Saviour.

You will remember that when God called the boy Samuel he answered at once "Here am I", although he did not yet know Jehovah. The early history of this great servant is most encouraging for the boys - and girls also - for at least two reasons. His simple readiness to learn, led to a deep knowledge of God, and the little services he did - such as opening the temple doors - were rewarded beyond anything he could have expected.

Centuries later, the only daughter of Jairus at twelve years old must have been about the same age as Samuel when he was first called. She heard the voice of the Son of God speaking directly to her, when she appeared to be lifeless. It seems that she was not called by name but a very loving word in her own language was used. "Damsel, I say to thee, Arise" were the words of Jesus (put into our tongue), and He also took her by the hand. This shows to us that there is always help to obey, however impossible it may seem. She was to be given food to keep up her strength. Now that the Lord is in heaven the Holy Spirit is here to give us power and to enable us to feed on Christ.

The Lord once called to Him a little child and no doubt spoke his or her name. The fact that such young ones are mentioned seven times in the early verses of chapter 18 of Matthew's gospel shows that they were linked in His thoughts with the greatest privileges. The chapter is one which mentions God's kingdom, the assembly, the angels, our Father who is in the heavens, the Lord's name and then the precious words "For the Son of man has come to save that which was lost". No wonder He could speak of "these little ones who believe in me"! Are you one of them?

J.C.Evershed