Rare is the occasion I have opportunity to speak to a group of children. Most of our ministry involves adults, so it’s always a special time when we get to share with young people the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today was one of those times. I spoke to 150 or so children in a Christian school morning assembly. I’ve known about this meeting for a couple of months. When asked to speak to the students, I immediately began to prayerfully consider what I might say to them about the Lord Jesus. A thought came to mind, and I’ve known ever since the subject matter I would present. Indeed, I often focus on the subject whenever I speak to a group of people with whom I may never have the opportunity to meet again.
“I am with you always… I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).
Since the school is strongly Christian, I was confident the children hear the Gospel regularly. In fact, I’m sure that many of them may already know the Lord. This allowed me to speak in terms beyond evangelism since I’m sure they hear the message of God’s saving grace nearly every day. I therefore told these very well-behaved young people that of the gifts God gives to us when we trust in the Lord Jesus, the most wonderful (and the heart of all others) is Himself. “The Lord comes to live with and within us when we believe” I said. “You will therefore never, ever be alone in this life or in eternity.”
I cannot express what a wonderful thing it is to be called to tell brothers and sisters in Christ, both young and old, this most blessed of all truths. Indeed, often on the way to conduct services in various places, the privilege overwhelms me. Again, in Christ, God gives to us Himself. I wanted these young people to hear this, although I’m sure they’ve heard it before. If somehow this truth of God’s abiding presence can become fixed within their understanding and convictions at an early age, the truth will make their blessings more blessed, their troubles more endurable, and their everyday lives and responsibilities more filled with meaning, fulfillment, and the Light of Christ’s life. For those who have yet to believe, I’m sure that God can use such truth in their hearts as a means of drawing to faith in the Lord Jesus. Yes, God has already made our hearts His home, or He wants to do so. The opportunity to tell people this is privilege indeed.
May we all remember that our hearts are so precious to God that He desires to dwell within them. Moreover, we mean so much to Him that He will be with us always, and He will never leave nor forsake us. I rejoiced at the prospect of communicating such truth as I traveled to the school this morning, and I rejoiced on the trip home for having done so. I pray that the children will remember, and that we will remember…
“I am with you always… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
“I am continually with Thee, Thou hast holden me by my right hand.”
(Psalm 73:23)
Weekly Memory Verse
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath, for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.
(Romans 12:19
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