SHELTERED CHILDREN

In a certain country and at a time when Christians were being persecuted, one who was in danger noticed that the soldiers, when they had slain the inmates of a house, splashed blood on the door as they left. He therefore hurried to a large house where many of his friends and their children were hiding. As quickly as they could, and only just in time they killed a goat and sprinkled its blood on the door. When their enemies came along they passed by the house, leaving the inmates in safety.

It is not difficult to see in this story a great gospel truth. Imperfect as the illustration may be, it reminds us of the soul-saving words of our God, "when I see the blood, I will pass over you". The people of Israel with their children were as much exposed as their enemies to the righteous wrath of God in regard to their sins. He had, however, provided for them a way of perfect safety, in the type, by the shelter of the blood of a slain lamb. Our own salvation from judgment is by faith in the actual shedding of the blood of Jesus at the crucifixion.

In thinking of our salvation it is good to dwell on the Person of the Lord Jesus and His great work of atonement. The children of Israel probably said to one another, 'Why should the lamb suffer, what harm has it done?' We would answer that God must have a Lamb without blemish as a sacrifice for sins and offences and, in our case, available worldwide on the basis of faith. Also the Lord Jesus being without sin was the only One who could become the Saviour of all who believe on Him. Do you?

J.C.Evershed