THE CHILDREN'S LIFE-STREAM

Few children who read this will have travelled as far as to Egypt. If, however, you were able to climb the Great Pyramid there and view the surroundings, you would be struck by the sharp division between the green, fertile valley of the river Nile and the barren desert around. The dividing line does not, of course, show from ground level or from the little rises and falls of the desert's edge, but once the height has been reached all is strikingly seen. A Bible map or an atlas gives a clear diagram of this.

As in this case of river and desert, there is a clearlymarked dividing line between the saved and the unsaved; between those alive and responsive to a Saviour God and those yet unconverted. From the low level of mere human thought this distinction may not be clearly seen but when once we take heaven's view - as revealed in the word of God we can, sadly, see the desert of unbelief stretching away to the horizon. But, thank God, the great flowing river is a picture of His grace bringing with it life, peace and joy to the multitudes of men, women and children who dwell on its banks.

The source of the river Nile, about 4,000 miles from its mouth, was discovered by much toilsome exploring: happy those who by faith know the source of God's river, which is His own heart. He "is not far from each one of us: for in him we live and move and exist". In the course of Egypt's river there are a number of 'cataracts', or places where obstacles, often hidden, try to stem the flow of the waters. These are dangerous places to be in, just as it is perilous to hinder the righteous flow of God's grace. Nevertheless, just as the cataracts of the Nile do but prove the overcoming power of the stream, so the gospel triumphs over the ways, both hidden and manifest, of the enemy of God and man.

As you would expect, the river Nile is fed in its upper reaches by the plenteous rains of heaven and then these waters flow down to the thirsty lands below. At a certain season they bring down with them a deposit of rich soil. This, with the benefit of bright sunshine, helps the inhabitants to grow valuable crops and fruits - but they have to be diligent and not miss their golden opportunity! For each of us "now is the well-accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation". God's grace brings with it all that is needed to bring forth choice fruits to Him. Are you doing so?

J.C.Evershed