The Measure of Divine Attention

Christ taught His disciples that the measure of divine attention bestowed on any of God’s work is proportionate to the rank which that object occupies in the scale of creation. The little brown sparrow, apparently the most inferior of birds, is watched over by Providence. Not one falls to the ground without the notice of our heavenly Father. The flowers of the field, the grass which clothes the earth with verdure—all share the notice and care of our heavenly Father.

“Behold the fowls of the air,” Christ said: “for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 6:26-29). If the lilies of the field are objects upon which the great Master Artist has bestowed care, making them so beautiful that they out-rival the glory of Solomon, the greatest king that ever wielded a scepter; if the grass of the field is made into a beautiful carpet for the earth, can we form any idea of the regard which God bestows upon man, who was formed in His image?

God has given man intellect in order that he may comprehend greater things than these beautiful objects in nature. He carries the human agent into a higher department of truth, leading the mind higher and still higher, and opening to him the divine mind. And in the book of God’s providence, the volume of life, each one is given a page. That page contains every particular of his history. Even the hairs of his head are numbered. God’s children are never absent from His mind.

And though sin existed for ages, seeking to counteract the merciful tide of love flowing from God to the human race, yet the love and care that God bestows upon the beings He has created in His own image has not ceased to increase in richness and abundance. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He crowned His benevolence by the inestimable gift of Jesus. By this sacrifice, a healing flood of life and heavenly grace was poured upon our world. This was God’s gift to man—a gift that defies all computation.—Letter 4, July 1, 1896, “To the Men Who Occupy Responsible Positions in the Work.”
The Upward Look p. 201
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Mark who is in the hospital with a heart attack. Ilene
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Dear Friends,
Graduation is a bitter-sweet time in a student’s life. This year it is more bitter than sweet as the graduating class cannot have the normal celebrations. Graduation marks the end of many years of studying new concepts until late in the night, difficult exams, fun with friends, new relationships, etc. It also marks the beginning of life finding a job,
finding the right college, moving to a new place, finding a new apartment, starting the life one has dreamed about since childhood. How important we remember to make God our Leader for only He can direct our steps aright. Life takes many twists and turns, but through all we have a Captain Who longs to guide and protect us if we will only let Him.
No matter what our circumstances,whether just graduating or having graduated many years ago, as we meditate upon our Dear Saviour’s love and care for us, our heart is filled with love for Him. With that love, comes peace and joy even when forsaken by those nearest and dearest to us. The Captain of the Lord’s Host speaks to our heart words of admonition and encouragement just as He did to Joshua when he was on the brink of the promised land. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Josh 1:8,9
It is a fact of life that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matt 12:34 As we study God’s Holy Word, as we make Him the focus of our life, we will “be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psa 1:3 The fruit of the Spirit will radiate from us. “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” will become part of our very life. Gal 5:23 Those around us will notice and glorify the One Who can change us so completely.
As we think of the wondrous love of our Great Creator, Who sent His Only Begotten Son to rescue us from the power of the enemy; we cannot help but speak of that love to others. David declared, “I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth.” Ps 108:3-5 The closer we become to our Dear Saviour, the more we thirst for a closer walk with Him, just as the parched ground thirsts for drops of refreshing rain. Jesus promises, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matt 5:6 As we are filled, our heart longs to share the joy that we have found with those we love. Our Great Light declares, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Mat 5:14-16
May we pray as did David, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” Psa 86:11,12 May we be filled with the joy and peace that passes all understanding. May we by precept and example point others to their Only Saviour is my prayer.
Rose