Childish VS Child-like
I love children. They are so interesting and cute! God loves children too... much more than I do! This past while I have noticed different things that the Bible says about children that applies to us as adults. This is what I want to reflect on over Lent: giving up childish ways and being child-like.
Today it is about being like a child. Luke 18:15-18:
15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child.... what could that mean? Here are a few ideas:
There is a simplicity and straightforwardness to how most children receive things. Think of when a wrapped present is offered to a child - they eagerly take it and open it. As adults we are to receive God's kingdom like that - eagerly, without hesitation.
There is humility in how a child receives the kingdom of God. The "size" difference is obvious: they are little and God is big. They know that Jesus is the King of the kingdom. He is the Ruler. We adults would do well to acknowledge the greatness of God (and the smallness of us) in the kingdom of God.
Children demonstrate faith/trust when they receive the kingdom of God. They believe God loves them and is "for" them. They believe He will take care of them and protect them. They entrust themselves to Him. We can do the same thing (even if it is hard).
Lord Jesus,
We come to you as little children. Even as babies who know so little and need so much. Thank-you for loving us. Thank-you for taking care of us. Thank-you for making a way to the Father for us. We receive Your Kingdom with joy.
Today it is about being like a child. Luke 18:15-18:
15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child.... what could that mean? Here are a few ideas:
There is a simplicity and straightforwardness to how most children receive things. Think of when a wrapped present is offered to a child - they eagerly take it and open it. As adults we are to receive God's kingdom like that - eagerly, without hesitation.
There is humility in how a child receives the kingdom of God. The "size" difference is obvious: they are little and God is big. They know that Jesus is the King of the kingdom. He is the Ruler. We adults would do well to acknowledge the greatness of God (and the smallness of us) in the kingdom of God.
Children demonstrate faith/trust when they receive the kingdom of God. They believe God loves them and is "for" them. They believe He will take care of them and protect them. They entrust themselves to Him. We can do the same thing (even if it is hard).
Lord Jesus,
We come to you as little children. Even as babies who know so little and need so much. Thank-you for loving us. Thank-you for taking care of us. Thank-you for making a way to the Father for us. We receive Your Kingdom with joy.
Amen
Thanks, Tracy, for this helpful reflection on this verse. Because they are familiar it is easy to forget to pause and consider what these verses mean. I have recently been doing some reading about the kingdom of God which has been refreshing my understanding of it and this post reminds me to be sure to consider the application of these verses to what I am learning.
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