Rest in Christ

“…Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” -MATTHEW 6:32 [KJV]

What a rest is this for weary, burdened wayfarers! It is the assurance not only of a 'needs be' in whatever befalls them; but that all are the appointments of their heavenly Father. “Your heavenly Father!” With tender care for the minute and lowly, He makes grass to grow for the cattle, pencils the flower, sculptures the snow wreath, watches the sparrows fall, and feeds the young ravens.

The unslumbering Shepherd keeps watch and ward continually, whether under the infinite blue of day, or under night with its starry galaxies. Though mysteries and perplexities are on every side, yet we can rely on the assurance that His are no arbitrary dealings, swayed by caprice, marked and misdirected by human blindness and ignorance; but the dictates of unerring wisdom and of unchanging everlasting love.

Mark the Savior’s words. They are not “My heavenly Father;” but “your heavenly Father.” He would have each child to know His individual, particular affection and pity; and, despite baffling providences, to cleave to the unforgetting love of God.

All which befalls His people is meted out by One who is too kind to mingle an unnecessary or superfluous drop in their cup of sorrow. “To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest” [ISAIAH 28:12].

-Gospel report by preacher John MacDuff (1818–1895 A.D.)