A Boy Wanted
There are several incidents in the Bible showing how God wanted boys for special work. He wanted the boy Moses, therefore He watched over him when he was in the ark of rushes, and guided the little barque in such a way that Moses should be found, and eventually taken to the Egyptian Royal Palace. God wanted him to be educated and so prepared, that in later years he might be capable of becoming the leader of the Children of Israel, and bring them out of Egypt.
God also at a later period wanted the boy Samuel. You remember that he was given to Hannah in answer to her prayer, and how Hannah, out of gratitude to God, dedicated little Samuel to His service. Why was this? God wanted Samuel to become the great prophet and leader of His people Israel. It was necessary that he should be ready and prepared for this very great and important office, and he was taken to the Temple in Shiloh, and there received the right kind of training at the hands of the aged priest Eli. You remember, how that one night, when Samuel was in his bed at the Temple, God specially called him and gave him a remarkable message. Samuel developed a great character and became a really wonderful prophet and leader.
God, at another time, wanted the boy David, the shepherd boy. We all remember his wonderful life; how he slew the lion and the bear, and also the tremendous giant Goliath. He became the great King of Israel, and as we think of all the experiences he had, we can see that they were all sent to prepare him for the responsible position of leading God's chosen nation.
Christ wanted a boy to help Him in performing a wonderful miracle. He used the boy's lunch, a few loaves and small fishes, and so multiplied them that five thousand people were fed from them, and after they were all fed there were several baskets of fragments left over.
God wants boys. He wants you! I do not know what He wants you for, or whether He wants you for some large or small work; all I know is, that God wants you—He wants all boys. He wants them all for some special service. Many very poor boys, who have come from humble homes—unknown boys—have been wanted by God, and have grown up to be great benefactors to their race and valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ. God is calling you; have you heard Him and answered as young Samuel did: "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth?"
