THE CHILDREN'S OPPORTUNITIES

One of the many 'whosoevers' of Scripture is "everyone whosoever, who shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved". The blessing here is salvation. I remember reading of a young University student who, confessing to be saved through a preaching, asked if he might call upon the preacher if he should have any difficulties. The preacher agreed. Next day the student called and said that he could not find any token that he was saved and he had decided too hastily. The preacher pointed out that the young man had not asked him for, say, a watch or some such token that he would keep his promise to see him. Why then should God be expected to give a token that He would keep His word? The young man understood and believed the promise of salvation.

John's Gospel chapter 3 verse 16 should be learned and enjoyed by all children. As a little matter of interest it is preserved in 215 different languages in the foundation of Cleopatra's Needle in London. As to this wonderful verse the "whosoever" refers to believing, not just the words of scripture, but believing on a Person. The blessing in this case is life eternal, because the Son of God is Jesus who did indeed die, but who now lives again. Because He lives we live also. As to the body even children may die, but the wonder is that having received the "Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" the believer has a life which is beyond death, and he enjoys it now.

Another opportunity open to all is that "Whosoever shall confess me before men, the Son of man will confess him also before the angels of God" . Often children are more ready than older persons to confess the Lord Jesus. We all meet perhaps with scorn and laughter which are hard to bear. People of false 'religions' are generally not at all ashamed, but the name of Jesus is in reproach. The blessing in this instance is that "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God". Could anything be more wonderful?

J.C.Evershed