A few years ago a boy, having made a bean-shooter, went out into a field to try it. After looking around for something, to shoot. he spied a sparrow perched high up in a tree, chirping sweetly, and quite unconscious of approaching danger. The boy crept softly under the tree until he stood directly under the sparrow. Then he pulled the rubber, which he had leaded with a stone, and struck the poor bird squarely in the breast. It came tumbling down, and lay dead at the boy’s feet.
The boy, who had been taught by godly parents to fear God and His Word, remembered instantly that verse in Matt. 10:2929Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (Matthew 10:29), “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.”
He trembled at the thought of what he had done to one of God’s creatures, whom God provides for and protects. With tears in his eyes, the boy picked up the sparrow, still warm, pressed it to his bosom, saying to himself: “If only I could give back the life I took!” God only can give life.
But God has shown His love for you in a far greater measure, in His care for you, than only in your daily life: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
ML 04/28/1946