THE CHILDREN'S TRUST

The beauty of the language used by the Lord Jesus always arrests the mind of the believer. Thus from the five simple words "I will trust in him" we learn the restful way in which He trod the path of dependence upon God. Indeed, according to prophecy in one of the Psalms, He even took the ground that from His earliest infancy God had caused Him to trust. It moves us deeply to see how, in taking part in blood and flesh, He became identified even with little children.

We know that the early life of Jesus was of secret delight to the Father, yet many favoured persons must have seen with wonder the proofs of His constant trust in God. Scripture speaks of His being subject to His parents, so that in this He has left us a model, whether we be young children or older ones. Also we are told that as growing up He was filled with wisdom, God's grace being upon Him. This in its fulness could be said only of Jesus, but by walking in His steps we too may receive these divine favours.

It is good to ponder the first question and answer taught by some Scottish churchgoers to their children; 'What is the chief end of man?' - 'To glorify God and enjoy Him for ever'. How true! Nothing could be greater. Job, on the other hand, said about persons who forget Him and just trust in themselves, that what they rely on is merely a "spider's web". Although this marvel of creation may be stronger, weight for weight, than any rope or steel hawser, such a thing could never support the great issues of life and death to God's glory.

Our faith should be full and simple. Often we try to add to our trust in Christ some reliance on our own works or religious feelings. Over four hundred years go, during the Reformation, a Christian prince sent ambassadors to a discussion about salvation. He said to them 'Be sure to bring back the little word 'alone'; do not dare to return without it'. Both parties to the discussion confessed that salvation was through Jesus Christ, but this prince and many other believers had learned gladly that it is through faith in Him 'alone'.

Do you believe these words of Scripture, "to him who does not work, but believes on him who justifies he ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness"?

J.C.Evershed