THE CHILDREN NEEDED

There are times when the answer to a problem is - a little child! In order to open a car, locked by mistake, a friend had to call upon a passing small boy to enter into it through an open window-space. In quite a different connection and for a much more important purpose, Jesus called a little child to Him. He placed the child as an example of humility into the midst of the twelve great apostles, and spoke about "the little ones who believe in me". At another time He took children into His arms. I believe that they thus met a need in the Saviour's heart, since He could not express His affection in such a way to other persons.

In the history of the Israelites there came a time when a mere boy was able to answer to God's need of a mouthpiece to make known His mind and purpose. The story of Samuel is no doubt well known to you, and also the number of times that his name was called before he answered to the Caller. There is no doubt that we older believers as well as younger ones are slow to answer to our "calling on high of God in Christ Jesus". The name Samuel is said to mean 'heard of God' so that we may call upon Him as well as He upon us.

Earlier still in Israel's history there was a girl of about ten years of age who was a vital link in the protection and maintenance of God's purpose for His beloved people. I am sure that something of Miriam's history is known to you. Evidently, even at the time when her three-months old baby brother was placed in an ark of reeds by the river's side, she already had motherly instincts. I have often wondered what the name of the babe was! Miriam grew up to serve God as a prophetess. At the age of about ninety she was able to play the tambour, sing and dance to the glory of God. It appears that she lived to be about one hundred and thirty years old, but Scripture is almost silent as to the age of women, giving the exact age of only one.

Are you ready to be of service to our heavenly Father?

J.C.Evershed