THE CHILDREN'S VALUE

We all know that a thing is not prized only because of what it is, but also because of its usefulness. In a dry and barren part of the world there is a small plant, called the Pitcher plant, which may not seem at first sight to be very useful. Just before rain falls, however, it opens out a kind of bag which not only collects the precious water, but remains wide open enough for thirsty birds and small animals - or even a weary traveller - to drink. Thus the youngest believers on the Lord Jesus can, by the Spirit, refresh the spirits of others. The scripture instructs us to "open thy mouth, and I will fill it".

There were doubtless many children amongst the Christians who received the epistles of Peter. One of the first things that he wrote was that they had all been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, so this reminded them that they had each one the same supreme value to God. They were therefore to treasure and love one another and not just pretend to do so. The gift of the Holy Spirit enables the believer to do this out of a full heart.

As a babe Moses was "fair to God" which means that he was not only a beautiful child but was valued by God because of his great work which was foreseen by heaven. One thing that parents think of in faith at a household baptism is that their child may be converted and in time be useful to the Lord. This is something like Samuel being lent to Jehovah for service all his life. It was in the heart of his mother to give him but, very tenderly, God allowed her to continue calling him her son.

The Lord used a little child to teach the twelve apostles the important lesson of being humble. He set the child in the midst of them and then took it into His arms. Thus He was not only a wise Teacher, but also a loving Shepherd. In one gospel account Jesus called a little child to Him. Have you heard and answered such a happy call as this?

J.C.Evershed