Many years ago, the followers of our Lord were jockeying for their position in the coming kingdom. Thus, the Lord “called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 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’” Matt. 18:2-3.
There are few little children who seek position or power. Instead, we know in our youth we want acceptance and security. We cling to our parents and the influential adults in our lives who love and care for us. We discover in time also God never turns children away. This fact is especially profound when we become older and wiser grown folk who think we are no longer “sheep” who need the nurturing hand of God.
In a stanza of a Wesleyan poem we see a childlike desire to be just like our Lord: “I shall then show forth Thy praise, Serve Thee all my happy days; Then the world shall always see, Christ, the holy Child, in me.”
Often we should sit still offering this simple prayer as though we were in our youth; Father, give me the faith of a little child. I want to know Your love and care, and to rest in Your embrace. Grant my desire to be like You in all my ways that I might live for Your honor.
There is no doubt or faith shines brightest within a childlike heart.
Truly, God desires to see us gentle as a child. Share a time when you felt like child held in God’s hands. Leave a comment, your share will bless another. Plus, I will write you back.
See you next Sunday.
MJ