THE CHILDREN GROWING UP

How much we wish that there were more incidents of the childhood of Jesus recorded in the Scriptures! His earlier days are covered by the human yet inscrutable simplicity of the record that He "grew and waxed strong in spirit". The "wisdom" of the Boy was seen at the age of twelve when He heard and enquired of the teachers in the temple; His "grace" was shown in subjection to His parents. In later childhood Jesus "advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man".

The generation of children who grew up during the years of the public ministry of the Lord Jesus must have had some precious remembrances of the Master. Perhaps even some of the little ones blessed by Him would remember the wonderful moment. The youth at Nain, brought back to active life by Him would long to grow up, as we all should, in a way that would be pleasing to Him. Then there was the girl of twelve who heard the voice· of the Son of God and was raised by Him from a sleep like death. He desired that something to eat should be given to her. What a remembrance she would have every time she· gave thanks for food! Too, she would learn that her soul needed to be fed and that Jesus was the food of life also.

These miracles were openly seen, but hidden miracles of the work of God take place with even little ones today by having a personal friendship with Jesus as Saviour. If any older believers should read this I am sure that they could quickly call to mind help that they received from the Lord during their growingup years, and many touching and interesting experiences could be related.

Many children would have had acquaintance with Paul at the various places he visited. At Tyre he had to spend a whole week with the brethren whilst waiting for his ship to sail away. The final scene on the beach must have been very affecting. The fathers with wives and children knelt down on the shore in prayer together with the apostle and his company, whom they afterwards embraced. I have wondered if the Canaanitish woman and her daughter healed by Jesus lived at Tyre and were at this farewell meeting!

Paul wrote "Children, obey your parents in the Lord". Do you?

J.C.Evershed