“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 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. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17
Children were important to Jesus. He saw their hearts, unscared by doubt, willing to love, and ready to follow. In the passage above we see how the disciples, those that were the closest and followed Jesus, rebuking the people that wanted Jesus to bless their children. It seems like the disciples were more interested in getting Jesus to wherever He was to go next or maybe they just didn’t want to bother with the possible childlike chaos. Who knows. But Jesus called the children to Him. He knew what was important.
He acknowledged that the children’s zest and faith in Him were the utmost example of what we should all strive to be. If you are around or work with children at all, you understand what Jesus means. Kids are honest, loving, un-filtered, non-judgemental, and will trust those they love. I was in the presence of a child going through chemotherapy lately and we were sharing some about God with him and his friends. He decided that he wanted his own Bible to keep learning more about Jesus on his own. It brought tears to my eyes when I heard the news.
How many of us adults have doubts at times that God is really there. Maybe we are going through a hardship and feel forgotten, sickness and feel helpless, or we think we are too “smart” to really let someone save us that easily. This is not to say that we can’t ask questions by any means, but when hardships come if we look to God instead of blaming Him we can find His true comfort. This is not always easy and I don’t confess to have all of the answers by any means. Unfortunately, it happens to the most scriptured of us. In fact, Satan seems to grab hold of those that know the truth even more. In James 2:19, he explains that “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” Wow…there is evil out there and it is real. Satan will do whatever he can to get you to doubt your Creator. Take heed of your thoughts and faith…grab it tight!
As in the example of my new friend, some may say that he and his parents have every reason to be “mad” or confused with God. He is not even 13 yet and is suffering more than many of us adults have ever felt…but he chooses to love and come to Jesus- the One that comforts, heals, protects, and has the key to a place for us to rest forever. It’s really not that hard when you think about it. We have the Bible and historical documents with eye-witness accounts of a man walking the Earth performing miracles and loving the unlovely. This was years ago and it’s written and accounted for. There are multiple books and podcasts with more theological argument answers that I won’t go into here. (see below for link to one). I absolutely love how there are multiple individuals that went in search of proving there is no God and found Him (ie: C.S. Lewis). In the end, we will all be held accountable for the truth that we have heard.
I know we are all guilty of doubts, worries, fears, sins. We are only human. Imperfect. And the good news is that Jesus came to Earth to give us a hope and a future in Him by our faith. He knew we would have a hard time letting our minds fall onto the idea that we are saved by grace. That there isn’t a “good people” and “bad people” check list out there that will take care of us. Living out our lives in faith, good deeds, and love towards others is our gift back to Him. Not the payment. We won’t do it perfectly either. We are imperfect and that won’t change till we enter heaven.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Some may think it’s “childish” to have faith in God who we can’t see, but just like all of the other people and things I have never seen before but feel and know exists, I jump at the chance to be like a child and continue putting my faith and trust in Christ my Savior. Will you join me?
Taking it to Heart:
Have you had an experience that rocked your faith?
Did you know that you can you use your pain to lead someone else towards salvation?
Podcast Worth Listening To– Top Ten Reasons We Know the New Testament is True – 11/26/11- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/top-ten-reasons-we-know-new/id664894243?i=161432088
Wow, Sis, a very well written and thought provoking blog. Let’s hear it for the children…my prayer is that we all can attain that childlike faith and love as found in our precious little ones. Love you, Mom and Dad
Very true, Mandy Lou. It is strange that many of us struggle with that childlike faith. We can learn a lot from the little ones around us. Thanks for sharing!
You’re so right, you guys! We have a lot to learn from the precious little ones around us! 🙂