Jesus speaks many times of and about children. Children are very dear to his heart.
Matthew 19:14 ESV “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Luke 18:17 ESV “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Matthew 18:3 ESV “And said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Goodness, it almost sounds like Heaven might resemble a preschool setting! Hmmm! 🤔
Is this what Jesus meant? Is he prescribing we all become like toddlers again, petulant, demanding, fit-throwing, and immature? Self-absorbed with a limited understanding of our needs and being mad when they aren’t received immediately!
Not quite!
I believe what Jesus is talking about is becoming innocent and wide-eyed with wonder in our faith and walking with him! For us to take Him at his word and to trust with child-like faith.
When we were kids and played, we created make-believe worlds where our dolls talked, trucks drove, and stuffed animals listened when we spoke. We ran, laughed, and played without a care in the world.
We believed in the magic of Santa Claus—the joy of the Easter Bunny; we put teeth under our pillow, believing the tooth fairy would leave a quarter or two in exchange.
What was the key? We believed!
This is what Jesus is talking about; he is asking us to once again look through the eyes of a child. Before cynicism crept in and before disillusionment of humankind destroyed our innocence.
We’ve walked this earth long enough to stop trusting, have come to almost expect the worst, and have found much disappointment in the mundane of life.
It’s easy to fall into a rut! It’s easy to become discouraged! It’s easy to stop believing in miracles!
It’s also easy to refocus and change our outlook and views! Drag out the rose-colored glasses, grab your Bible and look up scriptures on believing and faith!
Hebrews 11:6 ESV “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Romans 15:13 ESV “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in peace.”
Matthew 21:22 ESV: “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”
Jesus was talking to his disciples when he said in John 20:29 ESV, “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen me and yet have believed.”
John 1:12 ESV “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
We are God’s children, and he is our faithful father! Put your tiny hand in his big one, look up with childlike faith, and walk! He’s got this, and He’s got you! ❤️
Sunshine On My Shoulder 