'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — August 15

Our heavenly Father has deep affections for us. The affection of parents is just a spark from his flame. His love passes knowledge and exceeds all dimensions; it is higher than heaven and broader than the sea. We are precious in his sight. He prizes his children above all his treasures. He delights in their company. He loves to see their countenance, and to hear their voice. He is full of sympathy, and pities them in their infirmities. In their injuries, every blow goes to his heart. He did, as it were, bleed in their wounds. 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' When God's children are stricken, his heart says, 'He who touches you touches the apple of my eye' (Zech. 2:8). God sees the least good in us. If there is but a good intention, he takes notice of it. He takes notice of the least spark of grace. Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord (1 Pet. 3:6). The Holy Spirit does not mention Sarah's unbelief, or laughing at the promise. He put his finger upon the scar, winked at her failing, and only took notice of the good that was in her. What comfort is this! He can see a grain of corn hid under chaff, and his grace under corruption. Though there are many defects in our service he will not cast away our offering. He will not lay upon us more than we are able to bear. He deals gently and will not over-afflict. He mixes mercy with all our afflictions. If he gives us wormwood to drink, he will mix it with honey. In every cloud a child of God may see a rainbow of mercy shining. Jacob was hurt in wrestling—here was the affliction; but when he saw God's face, and received a blessing from the angel, God gave mercy in the affliction. When God afflicts the body, he gives peace of conscience. As in the ark, the Lord placed the rod and the manna, so our Father's rod always includes some manna.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Thomas Watson, The Lord's Prayer, pp. 15-19
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