645. MAT 21:15. WHAT CHILDREN SHOULD DO FOR CHRIST’S CAUSE AMONG THE DYING HEATHEN

Mat_21:15. What Children Should Do for Christ’s Cause Among the Dying Heathen

"And the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David."’97Mat_21:15.

It is not well to overlook the influence of children, or to neglect them in making our efforts for the universal diffusion of the gospel. Samuel ministered before the Lord when a little child, 1Sa_2:18. The captive little maid of Israel directed the leprous Naaman, her master, to the prophet Elisha, who was the instrument in the hands of God of recovering him of his leprosy, 2Ki_5:3. Josiah very early gave himself to the Lord, and did good service in the cause of pure religion in the land, 2Ki_22:1, 2Ki_22:2. And on the interesting occasion to which the text refers, the children mingled their songs of joy with those of the multitude, who did homage to Christ; and cried in the temple, saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David." Let us,

I. Ascertain what is requisite in children if they would promote the cause of Jesus.

1. That they should have a correct knowledge of the state of the heathen.

This is necessary to give correct views of their condition, and also to excite emotions of compassion for their miseries. This knowledge is given in some portions of God’s blessed word: "The dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty," Psa_74:20, &c.; and they are amply supplied by the accounts furnished by modern missionaries.

2. That they should have just views of the gospel as adapted to save them.

If the heathen are dark, miserable, and perishing, how can they be rescued? We reply, By the communication of the gospel, which enlightens the eyes, pronounces blessings on the miserable, and offers everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, to all who believe. See Act_26:16-18. It is indispensable,

3. That they should have right conceptions of the value of immortal souls.

Human life is precious; but how much more the soul that will never die’97the soul that will think, and feel, be wretched or happy forever!’97be exalted to heaven, or consigned to hell!’97dwell with angels, or be the companion of devils through all eternity! See Mar_8:36; Mar_9:44-50.

4. That they should experimentally know the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

If we are ignorant of this love, how can we truly feel for those who are without God and without Christ, and "without hope in the world?" The love of Christ must produce true pity for the dying heathen. When we love Jesus we shall have his spirit, and we shall ardently long that all men may know and love him too. "God is love," 1Jn_4:8. "The love of Christ constraineth us," &c., 2Co_5:14, 2Co_5:15.

II. What children may do for carrying on the blessed, cause of Jesus in the world.

1. They can contribute of their means. Most children have halfpence and presents given to them. Now, they can lay by a part of these to enable missionaries to go and preach, and to provide teachers, and books, and schools for those who are "perishing for lack of knowledge." A hundred children, giving only a halfpenny a week, would raise nearly eleven pounds a year for this good work.

2. They can collect from others.

They can "respectfully lend missionary tracts and quarterly papers, and seek of their friends to assist them in this benevolent undertaking. I know a school where about fifty children have given and collected as much as sixty pounds in one year to send missionaries and teachers to Orissa, in India.

3. They can pray for God’s blessing to attend their efforts and give success.

Every night and morning, when they kneel down to pray for themselves and friends at home, they should think of the heathen, and pray that God would send out to them his light and his truth. And children, who fear God, should meet and converse, and read and pray together, in reference to this blessed and holy cause. See Psa_72:15; Psa_74:22; 1Th_3:1.

4. Some children might seek gifts and talents for missionary work.

All the missionaries at present laboring will soon die. Others must supply their places; and therefore pious children, who love the heathen, should ask God to raise up laborers for his vineyard, and, if it be his will, to qualify and send them. See Isa_6:8. And now,

III. What should induce children thus to feel and work in the cause of Christ.

1. Gratitude to God for his goodness to them.

How he has distinguished them! Given them their existence in a land of gospel light and religious mercies. Given them pious parents, pastors, teachers, and friends who love them. Given them Sabbath-schools, books, &c.

2. From the remembrance that good men once came as missionaries to this country.

The people of this country were once savages, and gross idolaters. But the servants of Jesus came and brought the gospel to them, and by it they were civilized and saved. Now, ought we not to do the same to those countries which are still ignorant of Jesus Christ and everlasting life?

3. Because God has commanded it.

He has ordered that the gospel must be preached in all the world, and to every creature. Now, to keep the gospel to ourselves would be disobeying God, and be extremely cruel to the pagan nations of the earth.

4. Because we shall have an increase of happiness by thus doing good to others.

In doing good, we always get good. In doing good, we always increase our own happiness. And besides, if we do good from love to God and love to men, the Lord Jesus Christ will reward us at the last day. The poor heathen may not be able to reward us, but we shall be recompensed at the resurrection of the just, Mat_25:21.

Application

1. How many children have given their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ? Let this be the first concern of each and all of you.

2. How many are laboring for the poor benighted people in pagan lands! Oh! feel for them, and try to help them. Think of the poor children without schools, without ministers and good books, and without any knowledge of the blessed Redeemer.

8. How many will now enroll themselves under the missionary banners of King Jesus?’97from this day, serving Christ personally, and also praying, and giving, and laboring for the welfare of the millions who know not God, nor Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent! Joh_17:3.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS