Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there (Matthew 19.13-15).
The next scene in Matthew 19 is one of a rich young man trying desperately to impress Jesus with his personal righteousness (and perhaps his personal wealth). Jesus was not impressed. He had just said, “The kingdom belongs to such as these” – to those who become like children!
We try to be so sophisticated, but God is not impressed. Who are we trying to impress?
May God restore the wonder of childhood in me. Recently I spent a week with my granddaughter, Avery. Often in those days together, I marveled at how she delighted in the smallest of things. I rejoiced as I watched her leading her Nana around the house by the finger. (I teased my wife that Avery had a “pet Nana” because she was on a leash going wherever Avery led her…) She wasn’t doing great and awesome things, nor was her Nana. They were just being together. And, as far as I could judge, they were both having the time of their lives!
My prayer is that I might be more like Avery. Like her, may I delight in the outstretched hand of God.
And so, my prayer today is: “Reach out your hand to me, O Jesus! Place your hands on me and bless me this morning with love, delight, wonder, joy, faith, trust, laughter and resilience! I love you, Lord! And, Lord, help me to see children – all children, not just my own – as you do. And in seeing them, help me to include them and to become like them in your presence. Amen”
About Me
- Pastor Scott
- I've been married to my wife, Lana, for nearly 40 years. She is the love of my life and still makes my heart beat fast! We have three beautiful daughters and accompanying handsome husbands. They are spread across the eastern part of the United States. We also have 4 precious granddaughters, a grandson and another little fella one on the way! I am blessed way beyond what I deserve. I have been a follower of Jesus Christ since I was fourteen years old. (Suffice it to say that that is a lot of years!) I have been a pastor since I was 32, embarking on my second career and my life's calling after I had been working in industry for ten years after college. In 2018 I retired from active pastoring and refocused my ministry to writing, speaking, coaching, and being a spiritual friend. I have formed a non-profit corporation called Momentum Ministries to help me fulfill my life's calling.
2 comments:
Great entry, Dad. I want to be like that too! I've personally been convicted about something similar lately.. loving all of God's children (no matter how unloveable they are) and trying to see them the way God sees them - as His children. To pray for them and hope that they will eventually find their strength in the Lord. PS: I think I'm going to have to get this into Avery's baby book somehow... :)
I have found that the more consistently I look at Jesus - in prayer... through His Word - the more I can see others through his eyes. It's just like Avery "accepting" someone when she sees how you interact with them. She sees them through your eyes. Like that, jesus can filter our perceptions. It's not easy to do - nor for me is it automatic: I have to struggle - but it is very rewarding when Jesus changes our perspective.
Post a Comment