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. Instead of having a bean, which would probably have done no harm, he had loaded the shooter with a stone, and struck the poor bird squarely in the breast. It came tumbling down and lay quite 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 Math. 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!” But God only can give life. He dug a little grave under the tree and tenderly laid the lifeless little body in the ground, then marked the place with a stone. Many times on his way to and from school the boy’s eyes would turn towards the pear tree and the grave under it.
Have you ever looked out of your window and watched the birds hopping about picking up a little food here and there, and chirping so busily all the while? They seem happy and contented, even on very cold days, when boys and girls are glad to stay indoors. God, who made them, provides for them and gives them a warm coat for winter. Should we not also show them kindness? In that same chapter (Math. 10:31) God says: “Ye are of more value than many sparrows,” and “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
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). If the Lord Jesus has died for you, to put away pour sins, then you need have no fear to meet a holy and righteous God, for Scripture says: “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” That is the only way we can be made fit to dwell in His presence. No sin can ever come where God is. When your mother is expecting company she washes your hands and face, puts clean clothes on you, and says: “Now you are ready,” and you feel quite at ease, which you could not do, were your clothes dirty and your face unwashed. Neither could you stand in God’s presence unless your robes are washed in the blood of the lamb.
Messages of God’s Love 11/29/1914