AWAY north of Scotland there are some islands called the Shetland Islands. That is the native country of those pretty little ponies that children are so fond of.
Little brother may go out to lead the pony while baby sister is held on its back with the loving hand of the mother. He carries a whip with him but there is no need to use the whip on these little animals, for as a rule they are quite gentle and willing to go with their burdens.
We need to remember to be gentle and kind to all God’s creatures; and if we just think of how God has dealt with us, the patience and grace He is constantly showing us, we will be more patient with one another too, and not think so harshly of this one and that one, when there is something that does not please us.
It is well for us to be constantly reminded of all the wondrous love that God has shown to us in the gift of His Son. We never asked God to send His Son to die in our place. It was God who saw our sinful condition and knew the great need and so planned that His dear Son should be the sin-bearer, and to be forsaken in our stead. Then, too, how He cares for us, supplies all our needs and keeps us from many dangers. What a God we have! Can you say He is your God and Father? If you cannot, you may, for He wants all to be saved; He wants all to believe in His Son, whom He has sent; and the one who does, may receive that word the Lord Jesus sent to His disciples, whom He called His brethren, — “I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” Jno. 20:1717Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17).
If we know this we should be gentle and kind to one another and to all of God’s creatures.
ML 11/13/1904