His words are very simple, and the youngest child can understand a little about them.
"Ask," He says.
If a father or a mother says, "Ask me when you next see me," the child is quite sure he will get his request!
Years ago, when I was quite a little girl, a favourite aunt tried to teach us all this lesson. When the grandchildren went to stay at that dear country house, they were told that on a Saturday they could ask their aunt for a "Saturday penny." She wanted to impress upon our minds that God loved us to ask for what He had promised! So as surely as we asked, however many there were of us, she gave what she had promised.
And, though that is seventy years ago, you see I have not forgotten it!
Well! Our Lord says "Ask." That shows that He knows we have some want in our hearts that we hardly are conscious of.
What is the need that hides down below everything else? It is forgiveness—to be assured that our sins are washed away.
People, however, try a number of remedies first.
They think "they will turn over a new leaf."
They think they will strive more earnestly to improve.