The “preacher” who was “King in Jerusalem,” tells us that God “hath made everything beautiful in His time.” Eccl. 3: 11. And I am sure, as we look up to the bright blue sky above and out upon the earth in its robe of richest green, where all the living creatures, great and small, each in their sphere, show forth the great Creator’s praise, we must acknowledge the goodness as well as the wisdom of God who made and sustains them all. Birds of the air, beasts of the field, and fish of the seas, all speak to us and teach us something about God and His blessed gospel.
Down here on the farm, where we are, there are four object lessons within view, which will form a nice subject for a little gospel talk.
Over there in the corner of the yard is a BROODING HEN AND HER CHICKENS. You remember how the Lord Jesus likened Himself to that faithful mother which we see there. When He looked upon Jerusalem and His people, who would not have Him as their Saviour, He said, “How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, And ye would not.” Matt. 23:3737O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (Matthew 23:37). Many boys and girls are doing the same, I fear. When the storm comes and the rains descend, the silly little chick who refuses to obey his mother hen when she calls, will find out his mistake. So did Jerusalem, when the Roman armies surrounded it, and so will every unsaved sinner who rejects Christ.
Then over there is a COW. Years ago we might have seen the farmer’s wife coming with her milk pail toward her, though in these days of modern farm machinery this is a sight seldom seen. Nevertheless, this is where our milk comes from, and we need milk for our food today. After one is saved, the new life needs food also; we are told to “desire the sincere milk of the Word” (1 Pet. 2:22As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2)) so that we may grow thereby. I wonder if all saved boys and girls remember that, and have their “new milk” out of their Bibles every day?
Then here comes Homer, THE WATCH DOG. How he keeps his eye on the sheep and lambs of the flock! It would be hard for anyone to steal even the smallest lamb while he is there. I know One who watches over His people night and day. He never slumbers, He never sleeps (Psalm 121:44Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:4)). How safe are those who are in His keeping!
But there are dangers about here too. THE WILY FOX, ever ready to pounce on the chickens. Are you all safe, dear young readers? Satan seeks to “devour” (I Pet. 5: 8) all who are out of Christ.
ML 08/17/1967