Humble Children

-

This is too good to pass up. So my wife went back home to see our two nephews and one niece. Our niece, and God Daughter, is only 4 months, so she is still just a tiny thing.  Anyway, my wife gets back form the trip and receives a text from our sister-in-law.  Apparently the oldest, who is five, asked his mom when my wife and I were going to have a baby. She replied that she didn’t know because there wasn’t one in auntie’s tummy yet.  And here is the best line, his reply was, “Oh yeah, because God’s still making it!”


There it is, child-like faith at its greatest and most innocent. Its statements like these that make me understand what Jesus was getting at when in Matthew 18 he says that, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” When Jesus said these things the disciples were bickering over who would be the greatest. It is the child, who humbles or understands his or her place in the grand scheme of things that will inherit God’s kingdom. Children rely on others to do everything for them, from receiving food and other sustenance to the clothes on their backs.  Do kids work for this care? No, they are so loved that they are given these things just as it is with our Wonderful Creator. He does not demand we work for what is needed, only that we seek and thank him through worship. It is with this faith, in knowing that others will provide, that we are to seek and trust God.

Later in Matthew 19:13-15 the disciples admonish parents for allowing their kids to approach Jesus, since he’s such a busy and important man. Jesus again scolded the disciples and said, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Children inherently know that there is a God, that there is someone bigger than them that protects and loves them. It is in this kind of humble faith that we are to approach God’s throne. I believe every child knows God and its not until later in life that one has to be taught Atheism. The snares of this world distort the innocence that permeates every little soul out there. May we love and seek like a child God’s Kingdom forevermore.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pray, Do Not Be Anxious

-
Image
Do not be anxious, rather pray.   Jesus made it possible for us to do so.   There was a giant chasm between God and us because of sin.   He is so holy, that sin cannot be in his presence, but Jesus has covered this sin, this stain, making us able to once again have communion with God.   Jesus is our mediator, our advocate.   When preparing this post and looking at what prayer is, it reminded me of a book I read called, The Necessity of Prayer by Edward Bounds.   His largest section and most influential was his work on prayer and faith.   As it should be, faith is the Christian anchor in prayer and touches every other aspect of our life.   Faith is obedient, trusting, and every other positive aspect.   Not only influential but also instructive in his writing, Bounds shows how Christians should pray by stating that, “faith must be definite, specific; an unqualified unmistakable request for the things asked for.” [1]   How true it is that we all too often pray for the grandio
Read more

Oh LORD, You're So Great

-
Image
It just amazes me how God answers prayers in ways we never expect. We almost tend to lower our expectations because we don't think God can handle what we actually want. But He always comes through, in His timing of course. So, a few weeks ago I went through my ordination board, which is a pretty big deal. Twelve pastors/elders/scholars that went through my twenty page ordination paper with a fine tooth comb and pretty much grilled me on my theology. Anyway, I received this card and little Bible from two wonderful people that have just been a joy in my life from 9th grade to present. This is what the card said, "I'm returning your little Bible to you. The last time you were at our house before you went overseas to serve our country, you handed me this Bible and told me you 'wouldn't be needing this.' I carried it in my purse as a prayer prompt. I was not sure if you meant you had another Bible? You did not need the Lord, you did not have faith - I just pray
Read more

Talking to Your Children After a Tragedy

-
Image
Father God, I pray peace emerges from the chaos that has engulfed the community of Newton, CT.  I pray you send your angels to comfort and minister to all who are involved and hurting. I pray your counsel will aid those in the process of grieving and allow healing to emerge.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen. During this tragic time I would like to offer some counsel on how to talk to children about traumatic events.  I want to be succinct and simple. ·       First and foremost, we must love them like there’s no tomorrow.   Physical touch like hugs and snuggles brings comfort and security to a now uncertain world.   ·       In this uncertainty, try to maintain a routine as best as possible.   This also brings a sense of safety and familiarity, which will help them cope better.   ·       Listen to your child, what are they saying, what are they not saying? It may be difficult for them to express what they are feeling, so gently ask questions to facilitate conversat
Read more