Little Things (1)

by J. Miller | Category: Voices From The Past - Extracted From Jottings | Apr 1980

In these days when science has penetrated into the realm of things unseen by the naked eye, much has been learned of the greatness and power of small things. God has indicated in the Scriptures the value He sets on little things, and has also shown the havoc wrought by things that are small. What care is shown by the Lord in regard to the little ones who believe on Him! Better were it that a man be drowned in the sea, than that he should cause one little believer on Christ to stumble. "See", said He, "that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 18:6, 10). "Their angels"! What provision is here seen, so that they may not fall a prey to the evils of a sinful world! God has appointed angels to take care of them.

In Luke 12:32 the Lord encourages His little band of followers with the words - "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom". In Acts 20:28,29 we have the same diminutive word for flock used by Paul in his address to the elders of the church in Ephesus:

"Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the (little) flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops (or overseers) ... I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the (little) flock". Peter too, as he exhorted the elders, used the same word: "Tend the (little) flock of God... making yourselves ensamples to the (little) flock" (1 Pet 5:2,3). We have also the word flock (not in its diminutive form) in Matthew 26:31 and John 10:16, and it is both interesting and important to note the addition the Lord makes to the scripture in Zechariah 13:7 which He quoted in Matthew 26:31, He said - "It is written, I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad". Why did He add the words "of the flock"? The reason is evident, for there were many sheep who were already scattered. These sheep were not "of the flock". It was the sheep that were together under the control of the Shepherd that formed the flock. The Lord died that He might gather together into one God's children that were scattered abroad (see John 11:52). This is one of the purposes of the Lord's death which is fulfilled in some of God's children, but, alas! is not fulfilled in them all.

J. Miller | Apr 1980
Voices From The Past - Extracted From Jottings