Once when surrounded by, a number of little ones, whose cheerful voices had joined in some hymns about the Lord Jesus —whom they had learned to love “because He had first: loved them” (1 John 4:1919We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)), and whose smiling face were now looking up into mine to know what was to be the next thing to do—I put a penny in each of my hands, and told the little ones who were nearest to me that, if they could get the pennies out of my hands (which I had closed tightly), they should have them to do what they liked with.
Very soon, each hand was attacked by three or four of these dear little children and I, of course, kept tightly holding the pennies, to prevent the little ones taking them from me, although I meant to give them the money at last.
Well, they all tried very, very hard indeed, and for a long time, but found that they could not open My hands; and at last, one by one gave up, saying,
“O! it is no use you are so strong, Mr. F. —.”
When all had given up, I told them about the Lord Jesus Christ being the good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep (John 10:1111I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)), (that is, for all those who trust in Him as their Saviour), and I went on to tell theirs of what He says about His sheep,
He knows His sheep, and they hear His voice and follow Him, then the Good Shepherd goes on to say “they shall never perish, neither shall any one pluck them out of My hand.”
The little children could not get the pennies out of my hands, because I was too strong, and how good it is to know that all who believe on the Lord Jesus are safe in His strong hand.
If some strong men had come into the school-room where I was sitting—they could have opened my hands and taken the money from me—but no one can pluck the weakest child out of the Good Shepherds strong hand. Even Satan, who is so strong, cannot touch us, if we are there. I am quite sure the sheep may rest quite securely, because they are kept by the power of God (1 Peter 1:55Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:5)).
It was not the pennies kept hold of me. O! no, it was I who kept hold of the pennies, and if you are really a believer on the Lord Jesus Christ, you may not only say your sins are forgiven for His name’s sake (1 John 2:1212I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (1 John 2:12)), but also, that you shall never perish, because the same blessed One who died for You—the Son of God—has hold of you forever.
Well, at last I opened my hands and let the little ones take the pennies from me, and giving a few more to those near me, left the school, but I know that many have not forgotten their little lesson that afternoon. I want you to remember it too.
ML 08/27/1939