THE CHILDREN'S AFFECTIONS

It is of interest that the writer of the Acts tells us of children being at the sea-side with their parents. The shore where they were was sandy with large numbers of purple shells from which a valuable dye was made. The sea itself, unlike the oceans, had no tides. There was at least one large sailing ship in the harbour and this took about a week to unload its cargo for we are told that Paul and his companions had to wait seven days before continuing their voyage.

The disciples at this place, Tyre, must have been very deeply affected to have Paul and other ardent believers with them for a whole week. When sailing-time came all the brethren with their families went down to the shore to see them off. It must have been a very beautiful scene - the only record of Paul being with young children. Before embracing one another and departing they all knelt down on the shore and prayed, and this also strengthened their affections. Scripture tells us of prayer by a well, by a river and, here, by the surging sea. Perhaps we can learn from this that our prayers should be living and by no means vain repetitions!

Many years before this incident, David, so lovable that he drew out the affections of even unlikely persons, had heard in his birthplace about the precious ark of Jehovah, his God. Evidently from childhood he had a longing to provide a suitable resting-place for it, just as we should desire to make more and more room in our hearts for the Lord Jesus. In his affection and also from his affliction, or suffering, he gave what he possessed to serve his God when opportunity came. We may not be able, as he did, to give gold and silver which would today be worth many millions of pounds. The great apostles, Peter and John, had no gold or silver at all, but they gave that which was far more valuable. So each of us can give himself or herself to the Lord. Do you glorify God in your body?

J.C.Evershed