Gtcotr/ss053126
Through the years when I am leaving a home or some gathering where children are present, I will announce my leaving by saying: “Bye now. I’m going to get some toys and candy!” When I’d say those words, everything would get quiet and all eyes would focus on me. All of the sudden, I’d become very popular. They would all want to go with me. Lots of times they would say, “I want to go.” I have presented some pretty big challenges for parents and some pretty great imaginations for the kids. Parents don’t appreciate it … but the kids often do. Can you imagine as a kid getting to go to the toy store or buy candy anytime you want? How exciting is that!
On some special occasions, like birthdays and such, I have taken a child to a toy store or to Walmart and told them they can have everything they can carry in their arms in one trip to the register. If you want to have some fun and enjoy making a kid happy, try that sometime. Just beware it can get expensive in a hurry. One of my favorite memories was watching my niece, Shelby, Jeff and Teena’s oldest daughter, do this on one of her birthdays. The determined look on her face as she held it all together and finally made it to the register was priceless. She loaded herself up and we were cheering her on.
Children are so wonderful. There is no greater joy than the joy a child can bring to the world (3 John 1:4). Childhood is the most precious time of life, innocent, loving, vulnerable, trusting and so full of potential and possibilities. No wonder everyone is born a child … what a gift, and no wonder God continues to see all of us as His dear children (Ephesians 5:1). As I said, there is something so wonderful about children.
When Jesus was on the last long walk of His life, as He headed from the Galilee through Jericho and on towards Jerusalem for the last Passover, there were several families traveling the road along with Him and His disciples. Not too far North of Jericho, on the eastern side of the Jordan River (Mark 10:1), the group stopped to rest. The almost 100-mile journey took about 3 days to walk. A hundred miles on foot was tiring even for Jesus. This trip would end up at the cross. There were so many things Jesus still wanted to tell His disciples. All along the way people were asking questions (Mark 10:2) and Jesus was continually teaching them. Now it was time for a break, time to rest, and the disciples wanted to protect Jesus from being further bothered. We join this account in:
Mark 10
13 ¶ Then families brought their little children to Jesus, that He might touch them; but the disciples scolded those who brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.
What makes children so special? We all know, it’s the innocence of their hearts.
Children are inherently:
1. Trusting
o They believe what they are told.
o Nothing is too fantastic for them.
o Faith seems so easy and they aren’t always trying to disprove what they’ve learned.
o This is why it is so important we teach them the truth that will last them a lifetime.
2. Teachable
o Soak up what they are taught.
o Hungry to learn and willing to try.
o They quickly learn from what they observe.
o Train up a child in the way they should go and when they get old, they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
3. Submissive
o They are prone to obey and do what they are taught or told.
4. Forgiving
o Quick to forget.
o Willing to re-engage.
5. Loving
o Nothing beats the hugs of a child.
o We often forget how they first come to us.
6. Dependent
o They are satisfied with needing and appreciate help.
o They stop complaining when you meet their needs.
o They know from whom their dinner comes.
7. Joyful
o Have you heard the sounds at a playground during recess or a park in the summer, or in a class without a teacher?
o The joyful sounds of children light the home with laughter.
o Kids just want to have fun.
Matthew 18 NKJV
1 ¶ At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,
3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 “Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Childlike love, faith, joy, and forgiveness … that’s what God wants from us.
Who is the greatest in the eyes of God? Whoever humbles themselves as a child. Challenge yourself this week to tap into your childlike faith, be teachable, gentle, loving, forgiving, yield yourself to God’s way, and let the joy of the Lord be your strength. After all, a Merry Heart does good like a medicine for whatever ails you (Proverbs 17:22).
Now: It’s Family Sunday … lets go get some toys and candy!
