WHAT a lesson we may learn from our picture this week. There we see the dear little boy feeding the chickens, yet little may he think that he is doing God’s service in this. God often uses one, even when he has no thought of serving God.
If we turn to Luke 12:2424Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? (Luke 12:24), there we read these words, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” From this, then, we learn that it is God who takes care of all His creatures. He may use this one or that one to accomplish His purpose, but after all no matter who or what may be the instrument, it is God’s way to provide.
May you think of this, dear little children, what you are feeding the chickens or other animals, that God is using you to provide for His creatures. Then, another thing which perhaps is more important, and that is, what is given at the end of the verse where He tells us that we are “better than the fowls.” That is, He has put more value to us than the fowls. What do you think it is that He has done for us that shows that He puts more value to us? I am sure many of my young readers can tell me. He has given the dearest object of His heart for us—that is His beloved Son. Animals do not live forever so while they do what is wrong they need no Saviour, we are made to live forever, and to remain in our sins, would mean to be shut out of God’s presence forever and ever. Therefore, God so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. This life is the life of God, that sin can never touch. The Lord Jesus had this life and never sinned, and He bore the punishment that we deserved for our sins. How great is the value God has put upon us to give His Son in our place the One who had always done His will, and had ever been His delight. Yes, dear children, there was no one else He could have given, that could have met His holy claims that stood against us, and met us in all our need, but the Lord Jesus Christ.
He also gives to us His life if we believe on Him. Truly, He has put more value upon us than the fowls. May we trust Him fully for all things, seeing He spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. May we rejoice, too, in the great love He has for us.
ML 09/30/1917