THE CHILDREN'S WORDS

One of the prophets, Hosea, actually prophesied for about seventy years as has been reckoned. He must therefore have been quite young when first entrusted with a message. At one time he called upon the people of Israel to turn to their God and said "Take with you words". He even told them what actual words to take and say to their God - words of repentance because they had sinned and had even worshipped idols. Of course their hearts had to go with their words or else these would be empty. The words that Jehovah Himself used were far from empty! He said "O Israel, return". His heart was truly revealed in the longing way in which He spoke and offered mercy.

Although we may not have bowed down to actual idols, big or little, it is astonishing how small a thing can rob God of our trust and our company. Some of the last words of the Bible to be written were "Children, keep yourselves from idols".

There were not good tidings only to Israel but also to us now. And we have a far more glorious gospel because Jesus has died and risen from among the dead. God has also given to us the very words to take when confessing sins and has even put them into mouth and heart. Learn the words of Scripture: "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised him from among the dead, thou shalt be saved". There is no lower or higher age limit but the opportunity of salvation is for "every one whosoever". Perhaps you have heard of the unlearned stone-breaker who asked a passer-by the meaning of 'whosoever'. When told that it meant 'everybody' he said ' Well, the gospel must be for me then'.'

Martin Luther is recorded as saying once that 'Christianity is a matter of personal pronouns'. Older children will know from their grammar lessons what this means and it is true as far as it goes. Luther meant that it is not just that all people are sinners - but that I am a sinner: it is not only that Jesus is a Saviour - but that Jesus is my Saviour. If you have by faith made it a personal matter in this way then your soul is saved for time and eternity. But you will always need a Saviour in respect of spirit, soul and body. Have you committed yourself to Him?

J.C.Evershed