THE CHILDREN'S OBJECT LESSONS

The Scriptures show that God takes a tender interest in the youngest of His creatures. Even a bird's nest with eggs or fledglings was cared for in the law given through Moses. It is also remarkable that this followed immediately the command that a woman must not dress as a man, nor a man as a woman. Thus we must learn in detail what is displeasing and what is pleasing to God.

Psalm 84 reminds us that a house is made for the sparrow, the commonest and least valuable of birds, and the Lord Jesus said that not even one of these is forgotten before God. The swallow, perhaps the most restless bird, finds a nest where she may lay her young. It is said that such birds sometimes fly all day and all night in search of food.

You will remember that Jesus spoke of the hen gathering her chickens under her wings. He even wept because His people would not come to Him for salvation. Think of being put to shame by a brood of little chicks!

Once, just after a forest fire, some travellers were surprised to see some chickens run out from under a hen which had suffered the heat to protect them. This shows better, perhaps, than words how the love of Jesus led Him to die so as to save us from judgment.

A young animal which became of use to the Lord was the colt of an ass. Although cared for it had been kept tied up to protect it. More important still, by this means the colt was just where the Lord could call for it to ride upon. Do you not think that it is a great honour to be ready for His use?

J.C.Evershed

London